Invisalign

What to Know About Invisalign

Invisalign may be new to some people but it has a track record of success ever since it was invented in 1997. Invisalign is a specialized brand of clear aligners that straighten teeth, fix bites, and other orthodontic issues that enable people to get orthodontic treatments without visible traditional braces. 

The clear aligners are nearly invisible and are a convenient way to get the gorgeous smile you want. It is particularly popular among older teens and adults who want discreet orthodontic treatments. Invisalign allows them to smile for pictures and continue in their career without the metal braces. 

There are multiple factors to consider when researching the right orthodontic treatment for you or your child. Like all options, Invisalign has both advantages and disadvantages. Setai Dental is ready to give you all the information you need to make a good decision for your situation.

Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign comes with many advantages. The most obvious advantage is allowing you to smile and live without the look of traditional metal braces. That is the primary reason most people get Invisalign and it fulfills that need wonderfully. 

A second reason for going with Invisalign over traditional braces is the comfort. Invisalign may feel a little uncomfortable at first because the clear aligners will fit snugly on your teeth. This is how they work to shift your teeth slowly into place. However, they are more comfortable than braces once you are accustomed to the fit.

Invisalign doesn't have wires or elastic bands. You can take them out to eat and brush your teeth. You can't do that with braces. 

Fewer orthodontic visits are a third reason people love Invisalign. Traditional braces require patients to visit the orthodontist every four to six weeks for adjustments. With Invisalign, visits can stretch out a little further depending on the patient. 

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While Invisalign offers many advantages, there are a couple of disadvantages that many may not realize when they start researching the treatment option. 

The primary disadvantage of using Invisalign is that you must wear the devices 22 hours a day. Many think you can get effective treatment by wearing them less but that isn't true. Orthodontists state you should wear the aligners all the time with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth. That means you will need to sleep with them. 

Clear aligners will need to be cleaned nightly. That can be done with water and a toothbrush but can also be done with a special cleaner. 

Invisalign patients need to trade out their aligners about every two weeks or when your orthodontist instructs. This requires some discipline. Each aligner will feel uncomfortable at first because they are designed to fit snugly and shift your teeth. They will feel more comfortable after a few days.

The Ideal Invisalign Patient

Not everyone can be an Invisalign patient. Their orthodontist must determine who is eligible. The biggest factors for eligibility are age and maturity. Orthodontists typically won’t allow younger teens or children to use Invisalign because traditional braces tend to be a better option. Older teens and adults are considered more suitable.
It takes discipline to gain effective results with Invisalign. You must be consistent in wearing them, cleaning them, and trading out the clear aligners as your orthodontist instructs. They can’t be effective if you don’t wear them almost all the time.

The Cost of Invisalign

The cost of using Invisalign as an orthodontic treatment is comparable to traditional braces. The average price of Invisalign in Canada falls between $2,000 and $8,000 with the exact price depending on the individual case. 

Invisalign can be covered at least partially by insurance but it depends on the policy. Setai Dental staff can help you sort through insurance co-payments and costs to ensure you get what’s available to pay for orthodontic treatments.

The Time It Takes

It’s hard to put a timeline on seeing orthodontic results because every patient is different. Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces in the time for seeing straighter teeth. The minimum time is around six months but many get results in 12 months. It could take up to two years or more to achieve the results you want. 

One of the most innovative aspects of Invisalign is that the 3-D version of your mouth is created with time-lapse so you can see how your teeth are expected to move over the course of your treatment. It takes out many questions for patients. 

Those interested in Invisalign should contact Setai Dental. We are happy to answer your questions and show you how Invisalign works.