What are Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made aligners that you wear on your teeth and change every 2 weeks or so. Each set of removable aligners gradually adjusts the positions of your teeth in small increments.
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
One advantage of clear aligners is that you can remove them to brush your teeth, eat and drink.
Depending on the kind of clear aligners that you choose as well as your particular orthodontic issue, clear aligners may be able to resolve health issues like misalignments, crowding, and bite issues. Clear aligners are a popular treatment for both teenagers and adults since they provide a discreet appearance. Additionally, for busy teens and adults, the fact that there are no dietary restrictions can be a benefit.
Your clear aligners also won’t need adjustments or tightening as braces do, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. You’ll just need to check in with your dentist regularly on your progress.
How much do clear aligners cost?
A few factors will determine the cost of your clear aligners:
- Any coverage you can get through an insurance plan
- Your location and average prices for clear aligners
- Your oral health requirements and how much work you will need
Depending on your unique circumstances and the brand of clear aligners you select, you will probably end up paying about the same amount as you would for braces treatment. Perhaps only slightly more.
How long will my treatment last?
Investing in treating your orthodontic issues with clear aligners is a commitment to following through on your treatment process so you can enjoy a straighter smile in the future. Only your dentist is able to determine your unique needs and, therefore, the duration of your treatment. The factors that could impact your treatment time include:
- The number of aligners in your series
- The severity of your misalignment
- Your compliance with your custom treatment plan
Provided you follow the treatment plan exactly as prescribed, clear aligners can help improve your smile and straighten your teeth. If you know how many aligners are in your series, you can find out how long your treatment will take by doing some simple math.
Assuming you have 16 sets of aligners and switch them every 2 weeks, you’d use 2 sets of aligners per month. 16 divided by 2 is 8, meaning your treatment will take 8 months.
Most patients start to see the results of their treatment by a month to a month-and-a-half into their clear aligners treatment. You could take a picture of your smile each week so you can see how your teeth are moving. This can give you a sense of the value your clear aligners are bringing to your smile and oral health.