Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions

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. If you have a question that doesn’t show up on this post, and you really want it answered, add a comment below. We will respond ASAP.

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 braces are 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 Invisalign 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. So yes, there are Invisalign pains.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 braces 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 through impression molds. 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 Invisalign 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.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 at 4:40 pm and is filed under Invisalign. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.