Your smile is one of your most important features. It can help you make great first impressions, draw people in, and convey emotion. However, when you’re self-conscious about how your smile looks, you may try to hide it when you go out. You may have considered braces, but for many people, it’s a less-than-attractive option. If you find that you’re feeling not so confident about showing your teeth off, there’s a solution that’s custom-made just for you. Read on to learn more about how Invisalign® can improve your smile and give your self-esteem a boost.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a clear aligner custom-made for your individual teeth and mouth. It’s used as an orthodontic treatment to shift and align your teeth properly. When you visit an Invisalign® specialist, a scan of your teeth will be taken, and from there, a computer program will create and print your custom aligners. Made from a flexible plastic material, Invisalign® is designed to be comfortable and much less invasive than other orthodontic treatments. Unlike with traditional braces, you can take your aligners out when eating, drinking, flossing, and brushing, which means less hassle for the patient. It’s recommended that you wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day for best results. And because the aligners are clear, they are much less noticeable than wire and metal brackets. While Invisalign® can’t treat all orthodontic conditions, it can be a viable option for many.
Am I a Candidate?
Invisalign® can help with a wide variety of issues. While it’s best to talk to your doctor about if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign®, here are a few of the issues that Invisalign® can help to resolve.
- Bite issue – bites that overlap are called overbites, while an underbite is when the bottom jaw protrudes out more than normal. Crossbites happen when a few of your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth, instead of on the outside. And it’s called an open bite when your top and bottom teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth. These issues can create chewing problems, speech problems, or even lead to pain or headaches.
- General straightening – it’s rare for teeth to grow in perfectly straight. Many people have these kinds of imperfections, with some more noticeable than others.
- Crowding issue – sometimes when teeth grow in, they don’t have enough space, which may cause them to twist or get displaced. It can be hard to properly clean all surfaces of your teeth when they’re crowded.
- Spacing issue – gaps may form as teeth grow in, caused by a mismatch between teeth and jaw size. In the long run, this can lead to gum problems.
How Long Does it Take?
Depending on how severe the misalignment is, you can expect to wear your Invisalign® aligners for anywhere from 12-18 months. You’ll be returning to your specialist every few weeks to get new aligners. Each new set is designed to gradually shift your teeth into place. Because of this, you may start to see changes after only a few weeks. However, in order to see the full results, your doctor will advise you based on your individual smile. After your Invisalign® treatment is over, your doctor may suggest that you wear a retainer
How to Care for Your Invisalign®
You’ll want to brush your Invisalign® aligners regularly with lukewarm water and toothpaste. Hot water can damage or warp your aligners, so be sure to avoid heat. Invisalign® also has a patented cleaning system that can help you take better care of your aligners and sanitize them if necessary. If one of your aligners gets lost or becomes damaged, contact your doctor immediately so that they can provide a replacement.
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?
When it comes to paying for your Invisalign®, there are a lot of options to make it affordable on most budgets. First, you’ll want to see if your insurance covers any part of the cost. Many insurance companies will cover Invisalign® as they do braces. Call your provider or look for orthodontic treatment options on your provider’s website. Sometimes, medical insurance covers orthodontic treatment instead of dental insurance.
Some employers also offer HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options for their employees, which is tax-free money that you can put towards medical expenses. Not all employers offer these options, and there are stipulations about when and where they can be used, but these could help you pay for your Invisalign® aligners.
In addition, most doctors are willing to work out a monthly payment plan, instead of requiring you to pay the cost of your Invisalign® up front. In many cases, the treatment runs about $6,000. It’s best to first talk with your doctor to see which insurance they accept and if they will be willing to work out a payment plan with you.
Is Invisalign® Right for My Teen?
Teenagers can be particularly self-conscious about their smile. While braces are often seen as a “rite of passage,” they can be painful, unsightly, and cumbersome during an already stressful period of life. Invisalign® may be the perfect solution for you and your teen. Talk to your child’s dentist or orthodontist to see if their orthodontic issues can be fixed with Invisalign®. It’s a great option for teens because they won’t have to make any big changes in their lives or routine. They can still eat their favorite foods, and participate in activities and sports without risking broken braces. In addition, maintaining aligners doesn’t require a lot of work. Invisalign® for teens has a built-in monitor so you can be sure that your child is wearing them for the recommended amount of time every day. Overall, you should consult with an Invisalign dentist to see if it would be the best fit for you.
At Smiles By Design, we are happy to offer Invisalign® treatments in a friendly and relaxed setting. If you’re looking to straighten your smile, or are interested in learning about options for your teen, contact us. You don’t have to suffer through the hassle of braces. Call our Syracuse office for more information.