This page will answer all of your most commonly asked questions about Invisalign. It has been compiled after significant work, in order to provide you with the best answers.
Which Steps Should I Take To Get Invisalign?
The first step which you need to take is to schedule a consultation. There are major differences between orthodontists and dentists which is why it is recommended to visit an orthodontist.
At the consultation, the orthodontist will examine your teeth to evaluate if you make a good candidate. During the appointment, the length of the treatment and the payment options will be discussed. If you are the right candidate and interested then the Invisalign process could even begin that same day.
Next, your doctor would take pictures as well as x-rays of the teeth. Impressions of your bottom and top teeth will also be taken. The information will then be sent to an Invisalign lab where the aligner molds would be made. These molds would be created by the lab. They work just like braces to help align the teeth.
Finally, once the aligner molds have been received, you can get them. The bottom and top molds will be inserted by the orthodontist. Every two weeks, they would need to be changed so a second pair of molds would be given to you. However, it is your responsibility to remember changing the molds in two weeks. During the intervals, as prescribed by the orthodontist, your progress will be tracked and a next set of molds would be given.
How Long Is Invisalign?
According to New York Total Dental, there isn’t a prescribed time since every patient is different and has their specific situation which depends on various factors such as how well they follow the orthodontist’s instructions, the responsiveness to the treatment and obviously, the structure of the teeth. In most cases, the treatment would last anywhere between a year to two.
After you have met with the doctor for the consultation, you will know about how long the treatment should take. The same amount of time is taken by Invisalign as traditional metal braces. It can be a bit longer depending on your situation.
How Often Would I Need To Attend Appointments?
We live in a busy world which makes it difficult to make time but as for Invisalign, the number of appointments that need to be attended depends on the person. There are some patients that come every two weeks, while there are some that come every eight to ten weeks. It completely depends upon the complexity of your situation. The good thing is that everything will be according to the plan which would be determined by the doctor.
Can Old Aligners Be Thrown Out?
The last tray that you wore is the only one which needs to be kept.
What is the Cost of Invisalign?
The cost of the Invisalign process depends entirely on how much treatment you would need and the time that would be taken to straighten the teeth. Normally, Invisalign can cost you around $4,000 to $6,000 which includes retainers and even two years post-treatment check-ups. Anyone that has an orthodontic insurance of even a Flex Spending Account that has been approved by an employer, make sure to mention it at the consultation so that your pocket expenses can be reduced.
Is Invisalign Entirely Invisible?
Most people won’t notice that you’re even wearing them. However, if a person has a keen eye then they might see it. Well, a clear plastic mold would be worn by you on your teeth.
To perform certain alignments, rubber bands might be required. The doctor should let you know if any rubber bands would be required during the treatment.
What Can Be Eaten While Wearing Invisalign?
This is one of the most common questions that patients have. The fact is that you can eat just about anything. All you need to do is make sure that the aligners are off when you do. Simply remove the clear trays from the teeth to enjoy your food and not worry about anything. Remember, you can’t eat as long as the aligners are on your teeth. It is important to avoid gum, sugary drinks and hard candy.
What Should I Drink While Wearing the Invisalign?
Water is the only drink that you can drink while wearing the Invisalign. Any other drink would require you to remove the aligners. However, if you don’t want to remove them, then a straw should be used for drinking.