Invisalign®

Did you know millions of people have straightened their teeth without fixed orthodontic appliances like metal wires and brackets? It’s true. With systems like Invisalign, adults can enjoy comfortable and discreet orthodontic treatment. Invisalign produces tooth movement much like conventional braces. People with spacing issues along with those who have crooked and rotated teeth can benefit from Invisalign treatment.

How Invisalign Works

Like conventional orthodontics, Invisalign moves teeth by generating force and pressure. This force is what shifts teeth to healthier positions. Unlike braces, however, Invisalign generates force without the need for fixed oral appliances. Instead, patients wear clear, removable appliances called aligners.

Treatment is broken into two-week phases and at the beginning of each phase, patients switch to new aligners that are tighter than the ones worn before. As the aligners get progressively tighter, they can continue to apply the appropriate amount of pressure to meet long-term treatment goals while accommodating new tooth movement. Aligners are worn for approximately 22 hours a day, which gives patients two hours to enjoy meals and perform oral hygiene while their aligners are out.

Benefits of Invisalign

The most obvious benefit of Invisalign is the fact that this is one of the most discreet methods for straightening teeth. Aligners are constructed from clear plastic – making them virtually undetectable to those around you. Adults who have worn Invisalign enjoy the fact that they are not wearing noticeable oral appliances that might be distracting in social and professional settings.

In addition to being practically invisible, this treatment method is comfortable. The soft edges of Invisalign aligners will not cut into or scrape against the linings of lips and cheeks. Moreover, the ability to remove orthodontic appliances for meals and oral hygiene makes this treatment method very convenient and low maintenance.

There are emotional and physical benefits of receiving any kind of orthodontic treatment. Although having a straight smile helps improve one’s self-image and confidence, orthodontic treatment can help extend the life of biological teeth, improve oral function, and prevent the development of issues likes worn dentition and TMJ dysfunction. Properly spaced teeth are easier to brush and floss. This means that patients with straight teeth have a major advantage when it comes to controlling plaque and tartar development. Since plaque and tartar contribute to a host of oral health issues, people with straight smiles who practice proper oral hygiene have much lower risks of developing conditions like cavities and periodontal disease.

Scheduling an Invisalign Consultation

If Invisalign piques your interest, we recommend calling Kaufman Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation. The only way to be certain this treatment method meets your needs is to speak with our dentist. At your consultation, we will perform an examination to review the placement of your teeth. If we find that Invisalign is right for you, we will discuss how the treatment works and answer any questions you have.

Call us today to learn more about Invisalign.

Common Invisalign Questions

What is Invisalign and how does it work?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that utilizes retainer-like oral appliances to facilitate tooth movement over time. This treatment option was developed to offer people a discreet and more comfortable alternative to conventional orthodontia. Invisalign works by applying consistent force to teeth, much like conventional metal and wire braces.

Is Invisalign right for me?

Invisalign has helped millions of people around the world improve the placement of their teeth. This treatment option can help those with spacing issues and rotated teeth as well as improve the occlusion. While Invisalign is a wonderful and effective treatment option for many people, there are some patients who may need conventional braces and other orthodontic appliances to correct complex problems.

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Dental insurance does not normally offer coverage for adult orthodontic treatment including Invisalign. Many patients pay for their treatment out-of-pocket. However, we don’t want costs to stand in the way. We accept a variety of payment options to help you fit any out-of-pocket costs into your budget.

What is the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces?

Conventional braces and Invisalign share more differences than they do similarities. Although Invisalign and traditional braces use pressure to move teeth, they are made from different materials. Invisalign is made from clear plastic to fit snugly over teeth whereas traditional braces are made from materials like metal, plastic, and sometimes ceramic. Conventional braces are fixed appliances. This means that orthodontic components like brackets are cemented to teeth. Invisalign differs from conventional braces because Invisalign’s appliance is removable. Patients can remove their Invisalign trays for oral hygiene and meals.

What is the cost of Invisalign?

The cost of Invisalign depends on the length of treatment. Since teeth may respond to treatment faster among some patients, treatment times vary from person to person. Moreover, developing an orthodontic treatment plan is very individualized because everyone’s tooth positioning and alignment can vary substantially. We recommend speaking with our team about your treatment costs after consulting with our dentist on your treatment options.