Here are some common questions that will help you understand Invisalign and help you decide what to do in your endeavor for a perfect smile.

Does Invisalign really work?

Yes, It has been clinically proven that in both research studies and actual orthodontic practice nationwide that Invisalign is effective at straightening teeth. And yes, without metal or wires.

What do the aligners look like and what are they made of?

The aligners are what is shaped specifically to your mouth. They are made of a clear plastic that is nearly invisible when worn. The plastic is medical grade and very strong. There are a lot of skeptics out there who don’t think Invisalign is virtually invisible. Invisalign is not completely unnoticeable, but you will keep a much lower profile than our metal counterparts. The aligners look a lot like whitening trays, but are custom fit to your mouth and needs.

Does My Insurance cover Invisalign?

Everyone’s coverage is different and benefits differ from policy to policy so it is best to look over what your Insurance covers and to talk to your dentist. If you have Orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered just like traditional braces. But this is a tough one to answer because it really depends.

How much does Invisalign Cost?

Invisalign costs around the same as traditional braces. It varies how severe you malocclusion (orthodontic condition) is and how extensive the treatment will need to be. The amount of aligners you receive usually tells you how much you will need to pay. Invisalign averages around $5000, traditional braces are very similar. Invisalign Express Treatment is a shorter treatment that treats more minor conditions. Its cost is around $1500-$3000.

I heard Braces hurt…Is Invisalign Painful?

The first few days of the Invisalign treatment are the most painful. The same goes for traditional braces. You have to remember that your teeth are moving, when that happens, bones break. Your teeth heal and settle and are sore from the initial movement. Once the first few days are over your teeth should be less sensitive and you shouldn’t be in pain.

What are the benefits of choosing Invisalign?

When comparing Invisalign to traditional braces the benefits are simple to see. The most obvious benefit is being able to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. The nearly invisible aligners win over metal brackets and wires any day. Another benefit is being able to remove the aligners. The daily tasks of eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth do not have to become a hassle with braces. You can remove them easily. Comfort is another huge benefit of Invisalign. NO METAL so there is less irritation on your gums and tongue. No wires and brackets also means less time in the doctors chair getting those adjustments. Most Invisalign patients go back every 6 weeks, but it depends on the dentist/orthodontist. Lastly, with Invisalign, you are able to view your progress throughout the treatment with ClinCheck software. It is great to see a goal in front of you and progress happening.

I heard about Invisalign Express…What is it?

Invisalign Express is very similar to the full treatment, but treats more mild orthodontic conditions like minor crowding, or spacing. The treatment usually takes less than 6 months and is less costly then the full treatment. It is up to you and your dentist to decide which treatment would be best for you.

Are Dentists trained in how to make Invisalign?

Yes and No, Dentists don’t make Invisalign. With the help of ClinCheck software the aligners are made by Invisalign and are sent to the dentist, after they are custom made to your teeth. And Yes, Dentists do need specific training and get certified to offer Invisalign. There are almost 30,000 dentists worldwide that offer the Invisalign treatment.

How does Invisalign move your teeth?

This is a great question, because we are so used to metal brackets and wires being able to move our monstrous teeth and roots, however Invisalign’s biomechanics are very similar to that of traditional braces. Instead of pulling the teeth, the aligners press directly on the teeth, shaping and moving them in the direction of the aligners. The movements are very deliberate and part of the treatment, it is important that you keep your aligners in as long as you can, so that you can progress through the treatment as planned.

Other Questions

To find out what other people have to say, who have experienced the treatment visit our forum with a link at the top of this page. We will try and do our part to answer the most common questions about Invisalign and straightening those teeth.

Invisalign is cool because it is clear, and really pliable. It feels like plastic, and looks like plastic. It kind of is. To get technical, it is called methylene diphenyl diisocyanate. If you did not understand any of that it’s ok. Let’s just call it MDI for short because typing all of that just gave me a headache. What is in those aligners and retainer is polyurethane. The same molecule in those aligners is used in refrigerators, freezers, and even some buildings as industrial strength adhesive. Invisalign is some pretty powerful stuff. If you are thinking about getting Invisalign you have even more reason to get it now.

Cleaning your aligners it is not a difficult challenge. For an extra $75 ALIGN Technology offers a cleaning kit for your aligners and more importantly your retainer which is required in 99% of most treatments. The retainer is clear just like the aligners and both need to be cleaned to keep that “clear” invisible look. Many times the aligners will get foggy after being worn for a long time. The cleaning kit is recommended, however if you brush your teeth on a regular basis and keep your mouth clean, you will not have the problem with fog or film growing on those aligners. The build up is plaque and just like your teeth it can be removed fairly easily. Align’s cleaning system has special cleaning crystals that remove the plaque from the aligners in less than 15 minutes. If you wash them often and got stuck with a lot of trays because of your malocclusion keep in mind replacement crystals are $50.

Without the cleaning system things can be done to keep plaque from growing on your aligners. Brush your teeth often. Remember aligners can be removed to brush your teeth. While those aligners are out brush away and use Listerine or other debriding agents on them. The Invisalign treatment goes a lot smoother when there are not bumps in the road like cavities. So keep your mouth clean and the cleaning kit may not be needed. It is best to take the dentists advice though, because he knows your mouth better than you or I do. Keep that mouth clean and Good Luck!!

Braces

Everybody knows what Braces are. We have all seen them on Ugly Betty and the kid next door. Unfortunately most of us wish we didn’t need them or are dreading the idea of getting them. Why? Because of the way they look and feel in our mouth. The plus of braces is that they get the job done. After the long process and joke poking you definitely have straighter teeth. The extreme overbites and bad malocclusions may have to be fixed only with the help of traditional braces. This is because many of the alternatives out there cannot move your teeth the way braces can. The rubber bands, powerchains, and powerful expanders move your teeth in a powerful way. Despite the look, braces will get the job done and you will have much straighter teeth when the treatment is complete.

Invisalign

You have also probably heard of Invisalign. Invisalign can do most of what braces can, in straightening your teeth and giving you a brighter smile. However Invisalign has been known to treat much greater problems with your teeth, making stronger better aligners. The best part about Invisalign is that the “aligners” (the clear braces you put it in your mouth) are removable. You can take out these aligners when you need to brush your teeth or eat. A huge plus when you are thinking about the decision to get braces. Invisalign is also clear. Unfortunately the name is a little miss leading because the aligners and “buttons”(attached to your teeth to hold the aligners in place) are not invisible, however they are not as visible as the infamous “metal mouth” you dread. So point for visibility goes to Invisalign, but functionality is very similar.

Comparing prices of Braces and Invisalign

Invisalign is relatively higher in price than traditional braces. Depending on how many “trays”(what the aligners are in, each tray is diagnosed specifically for your teeth and diagnosed in the treatment) you receive, will determine the price of your treatment. If you have a minor problem that needs fixing, Invisalign express is cheaper than traditional braces and can probably get the job done. Invisalign Express ranges from $1500-$4000. The avg. cost of traditional braces is $5000 and many insurance companies will cover a percentage. Invisalign ranges from $3500-$8000 depending on the dentist you go to. Some insurance will cover a percentage of Invisalign as well depending on your coverage. There is some great financing out there that dentist’s offer for Invisalign patients as well. We have found that financing is reasonable, for under $100 a month.

Wear Ability

Invisalign wins in this category every time, because of the ability to remove the aligners. Getting food stuck in your teeth, your teeth staining, and gum problems are usually not an issue with Invisalign as they are with traditional braces. Some people have had problems with there teeth after using traditional braces, like cavities from stuck food, etc… One thing you should remember is to get all of your cavities and cosmetic corrections done before you start your Invisalign treatment. It will help with the fluidity of the process. If you don’t you may have to stop treatment in the middle to get something fixed. In the category of comfort and usability Invisalign wins because you are still able to do those everyday things.

The Look

If you start Invisalign and it is difficult to talk or you sound like the Spleen from Mystery Men don’t worry, usually people have difficulty talking in the first week because you salivate due to the foreign object in your mouth and it takes time to get used to the aligners. You will get used to them and talking with them in will get easier. Because Invisalign is visually appealing it is obvious that we choose clear non-visible braces vs. those metal brackets. You only have to tell people about your treatment if you choose to rather than the opening conversation being “How long do you have your braces for?” or “How long have you had those things?” It is not the best start to a conversation and one Invisalign avoids.

Who Wins?

We are somewhat biased when we say Invisalign is the sure winner. Despite the difference in price there are many dentists out there that will treat many conditions with Invisalign and for a reasonable price and good financing. You can find some of them right here at AntiBraces. If you have decided to choose Invisalign we are happy for you and wish you all the best in your treatment.

Invisalign: costs range from $3500-$8000 (Invisalign’s lab cost to dentist/orthodontist? around $1495). Average is around $5000.

Invisalign Express: $1500-$4000 (Invisalign’s lab cost to dentist/orthodontist? $750)

The cost of your Invisalign treatment is dependent on a number of factors:

1. The pricing practicing of your provider - Every Invisalign certified Dentist and Orthodontist can set their own price for Invisalign and Invisalign express. We’ve actually found that mid-ranged priced (around $5000) practices are typically the most experienced. They don’t charge too much, but they aren’t the bargain basement deal either. Do you really want the absolutely lowest prices dentists handling your teeth? Probably not.

2. The location you are in - Different areas of the country have different pricing patterns. For example, average Invisalign costs are going to be higher in the los angeles area, then say, in a rural town in Wisconsin. Just like many products, where you reside can affect the price.

3. The complexity of your case - Need 57 aligners and check-ups every week? Your case is going to be more expensive. The more chair time you have with your provider, the more overhead their office has to cover, and the likely higher price you will have to pay for your treatment. Similar to traditional braces, the more complex your case, the more likely your Invisalign treatment is going to cost more.

What’s the good news about Invisalign Costs?

The good news is that Invisalign is normally only slightly more expensive than traditional braces treatment and often less expensive than lingual braces or other alternative braces products.

Also, a good majority of Invisalign dentists offer financing for your treatment! We’ve seen advertised rates of as low as $69 a month when financing your Invisalign costs through your provider.

Bottom line? Invisalign doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg! Be sure your provider is experienced with Invisalign. I would base my decision on that over a small difference in price any day. You’ll be much happier with your results in the long run.

Introduce yourself, tell about yourself and what lead you to fixing your teeth. Tell us about why you chose Invisalign (over conventional braces) and how long your treatment time is:

I am a 40 year old Business Consultant with a major IT company. I had a retainer for my top teeth as a teenager, but didn’t wear it as much as I should have, and as a result my teeth never got straightened as they should have. At age 40, I didn’t feel comfortable to wear conventional braces, not even with the clear brackets. Now that I am finally at a stage in life where I can afford it, I sought out an Invisalign orthodontist who also dealt with lingual braces so that I could weigh my options. Invisalign was less than half the price of the lingual braces, and also seemed to be the most comfortable option.

How bad would you rate your teeth before Invisalign?

I really like the teeth themselves, but the positioning has always bothered me, especially my top right canine (my ‘fang’). In technical terms, I have a 4mm overbite, and a 4.5mm overjet. I had enough crowding on the bottom to require one extraction.

How many trays did you get?

I was assigned 42 top trays, and 57 bottom. My orthodontist works with a designated wear time of 220 hours per tray, which is therefore a 10 day rotation period, unlike the typical 14 day one that it seems most people work with. I asked about this, and he explained to me he prefers to work with more trays, smaller movement increments per tray as he finds this more precise.

Were the aligners painful? Explain. Did anything remedy it?

Of course there was an adjustment period for the first week or so. I had quite a bit of discomfort, especially on the bottom where my tongue or cheeks would rub against the tray. This passed after the first few trays. Using dental wax to pad the areas helped quite a bit. Now, trays are usually uncomfortable for the first few days in that I can feel the pressure of movement on my teeth, but trays that rub or hurt my tongue or cheek are rare.

How many times did you have to visit the dentist?

I’m given 4 trays at a time, so I see my orthodontist every 40 days. During holidays etc., I’m sometimes given a few more trays.

Were there any glitches or setbacks in your treatment?

About one year into my treatment, my trays suddenly did not fit as they always had in the past. This happened literally from one day to the next. Tray 36 was absolutely perfect as usual, and when I changed on my scheduled day to the next tray it was almost impossible to get my bottom tray on. I saw my orthodontist the following morning, and he said my options were to either get new impressions or put regular brackets on the 3 teeth that had shifted. I opted to get the 3 brackets, and they took my remaining bottom trays and punched out the affected side to allow for the traditional braces. At the same time, the top trays began to sit wrong on my lateral incisor and the canine next to it. There is a visible gap between the top edge of the tray and my gumline, as well as a gap between the bottom of the teeth and the tray which was so noticeable I’d even received comments from people thinking I had something stuck on my tooth. My orthodontist removed the attachment on the affected canine, and then redid it with the aligner pressed on as tightly as possible, hoping to incite some more movement. That was two weeks ago, but it has not rectified the problem at all. He’s away for another week, and I plan to go back in as soon as he is back. Given that I only have 2 top aligners left (I’m on 40 of 42 top trays), I imagine he will order new impressions, but I have no idea right now.

What was your favorite aspect of the treatment?

For me, there are many advantages of using Invisalign rather than traditional braces. People do not have to know about my treatment unless I choose to tell them. I can brush and floss my teeth as usual, and I can eat anything I want, and I don’t need to worry about food getting caught in my braces.

What did you dislike about Invisalign?

The negative aspects of Invisalign for me are not being able to have fillings or dental work done during treatment because of the fact that the trays are so precisely made. I miss chewing gum, but I wouldn’t say that was a big sacrifice at all, in light of the results I hope to achieve. I also am not looking forward to having to wait many weeks for a new set of trays, should new impressions be needed.

What advice would you give to me, if I were looking to try the Invisalign treatment?

Ha! I have tons on this.

The single biggest piece of advice I wish someone had given to me before seeking treatment would be:

1) Get ALL your dental work done before you get impressions made! I didn’t know this, and my check up happened to be 2 weeks after I started Invisalign. I have 2 cavities that have now remain untreated until I am done, because I can’t have them fixed without ruining the precise fit of my trays.

2) Be aware that invisalign is LESS visible, but it still exists in your mouth. I’ve read so many blogs and posts where the person is totally upset that there are attachments that go along with their trays, or that the trays can actually be seen. It’s not magic, but it’s still far less visible than traditional braces. Ask your orthodontist where he expects to place attachments for you, if any will be needed during your treatment.

3) be aware that you WILL feel the movement of your teeth, just as you would with traditional braces, especially in the first few days of each tray. Some trays are more uncomfortable than others, depending on which teeth are being moved. I find that the discomfort is greatest as I am taking the trays out, and as I am chewing on those first days. Front teeth moving has been the most uncomfortable for me, and of my 40 trays so far, only 2 could be categorised as being truly painful the first days. A very good idea that has helped me immensely has been to change my trays at night to allow the initial settling in to happen overnight as I sleep. Invisalign Chewies help a lot as well.

4) Make sure you always wear your trays at least as many hours as your orthodontist has told you to. I have personally found that not just the cumulative amount of time you have your trays out each day counts, but also the length of time per removal makes a difference. In the first few days of a tray, I find it of great benefit to remove my trays only for very very short periods of time. If I have plans that I know will mean having my trays out for very long, I always try to plan this to be on the last days before rotation, and I have never exceeded more than an hour and half with my trays out, ever.

5) When you are first learning to remove your trays, use a small square of paper towel to help improve your grip. You won’t need this after a while, but it was a lifesaver for me at the beginning.

6) Invest in a small electric manicure machine. I got mine for under 10 dollars, and it is absolutely invaluable at filing the little nooks and crannies if you have a tray that has a sharp edge. Do NOT use a Dremel, it’s too strong and the heat of rotation speed can destroy your trays. Don’t bother with a sonic cleaner, or any other special equipment for your trays. A hard toothbrush (only for your trays, not your teeth!) and some toothpaste will keep your trays perfectly clean. Placing your trays in water while they are out, or at least rinsing them with water as soon as you take them out will help keep them fresher as well. For your teeth, DO invest in a good electric/sonic type toothbrush. Take your dental hygiene seriously. During your treatment your teeth are deprived of the constant flow of saliva to your teeth which helps keep them clean, and you need to take extra good care of them.

7) Do not settle for an orthodontist that doesn’t take the time to talk to you, LISTEN to you and with whom you feel 100% comfortable with. You get what you pay for!

DO ask lots of questions about what is and isn’t included in the price of treatment: subsequent retainers, bleaching, refinements etc.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with our readers Dawna! Good Luck in the rest of your treatment!

Want to know more? You can keep tabs on Dawna’s progress on her blog.

Moving teeth. That is what Invisalign does. Think about it for a second. Try and move a tooth with your finger…hurts a bit, huh? Invisalign may be a clear alternative to braces, but that doesn’t mean it’s a pain free one.

Let’s look at some the more popular ways to relieve pain from Invisalign:

1. Let your mouth adjust - Your first few aligner sets are usually the most painful as your teeth and jaw adjust to this new piece inside of it. Most users report a dramatic drop in pain and adjustment to Invisalign after around 2 weeks.

2. Take drugs (the legal kind!) - Over the counter pain pills like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help dull the pain of the teeth movement. Remember, no one said beauty didn’t come with a price! But that doesn’t mean you can’t dull the pain a bit.

3. Got a sore? - If you’re experience spots of pain try using an oral anesthetic like Anbesol and Orajel. These will lessen the pain temporarily.

4. Suck it up - You wan’t those perfect sets of choppers? It’s going to take some sacrifice. Braces have similar discomforts as Invisalign, but hey, at least you’re not a metal mouth. You’re just a clear “ouchy mouth”

In all seriousness, most pain will lessen, especially after a few days into each new aligner set. If the pain is so bad its starting to interfere with your lifestyle (remember why you got Invisalign in the first place?), consult your practice where you are being treated and let them know you’re having an abnormal amount of pain.

Here’s what Align Tech has to say about Invisalign and crossbites:

“It’s successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites. In fact, an Invisalign Accredited Orthodontist or Dentist can use Invisalign clear aligners in all or part of just about any treatment plan.”

Our suggestion is to get a free consult with a Invisalign provider, if Invisalign is unable to fix the crossbite, you might have to get braces.

Darn!

The average Invisalign case is around 12 months, with the patient receiving new aligners in the set approximately every two weeks.

Some practices will give you all your aligners at once and just let you go on your own with treatment. This is not recommended! It’s a good idea to check in with your provider on a regular schedule. Some offices will make you come in every two weeks to check on your progress, others once a month, or once every six weeks.

Make sure and ask your provider when you go in for your consultation what their procedure is about picking up aligners.

With Invisalign aligners, you can just pop them out when you want to eat. And for most liquids, you can even leave the aligners in. With traditional braces however, there are many foods you should avoid:

Bad foods for braces:

Ice, Nuts, Peanut brittle, Corn on the cob, Ribs, Doritos, corn chips, cheetos, fritos, Popcorn, Hard pretzels, Raw carrots,Bubble gum, Carmel candy, Beef jerky, Suckers, raw fruits, toffee, raw hard vegetables, popcorn!

This is just a partial list. If you can think of others, please leave your suggestions in the comments section! Thank you!

Cleaning your Invisalign Aligners is similar to cleaning dentures, NOT! Most offices do not recommend using dentures cleaners on your aligners as they can damage the materials the aligners are composed of and make the aligners not so clear! Here are a number of recommended methods to clean Invisalign:

1. vinegar soak
2. hydrogen peroxide soak (50% water/50% hydrogen peroxide)
3. Listerine Whitening Pre-Brush Rinse
4. Retainer Brite Tabs, no sonic cleaner
5. Dawn dishwasher soap!

Have another method? Leave your method in the comments or share it in the invisalign forums.