Do you need to straighten out your crooked teeth, but don't want to use braces? Invisalign is the newest method to aligning teeth in a more inconspicuous, less invasive way. It involves the utilization of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth. The patient then receives a new pair of aligners every 1-2 weeks, which they are expected to wear for 22 hours a day until the next pair comes in. Over time, your teeth will begin to shift towards the goal. At Warrenton Dental Center, we have used Invisalign on a number of patients with alignment problems, and continue to see astounding results to this day.
Traditional braces are still one of the most common methods used to align teeth. However, there's a new service in town that can do the same job. Invisalign is a dental intervention that aligns teeth, but does so in a way that's a little different than the traditional braces route. It involves wearing clear aligners 22 hours a day, instead of having to get brackets and wires. While it can only help patients with mild to moderate bite issues, it is a great method for people who do not want their lifestyle or diet to change at all.
Before deciding on a dental intervention, it can be helpful to know and understand the entire process. Invisalign is no exception to this. If you are considering Invisalign, consider the following standard plan first, and make sure that you are comfortable with the overall treatment method:
Your first appointment. During your first visit, you and your dentist will consult to talk about your dental issues, goals, and services that can help you to accomplish a perfect smile. Your dentist will likely only bring up Invisalign if he thinks that service can help, and if you are a good candidate. Ultimately, you will decide what is best for you and your needs.
Your second appointment. Now that you have been deemed a good candidate for Invisalign, it is time to really begin the process. Data like x-rays, scans and more will be collected and sent to the Invisalign lab for them to create the custom aligners.
Invisalign creates the aligners. Once your aligners have been made, they will be sent to you. You can then expect to receive new aligners every 1-2 weeks, depending on your specific plan.
The rest of the process. From here on out, you are expected to wear these aligners for 22 hours a day. The only time you are permitted to take them out is while eating. This will continue on until your teeth are aligned properly.
Invisalign treatment can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. This cost depends on factors like the condition of your teeth before Invisalign, how long you must be on Invisalign, how many aligners you need, if you get aligners every 1 or every 2 weeks, etc. Fortunately, may dental companies do cover part of the Invisalign cost.
Despite the fact that a set of aligners are only in your possession for about 1-2 weeks before the next set comes in, care should still be one of your top priorities. If you do not care for your aligners, you can damage them before the next set comes in and elongate the amount of time it takes for the entire process. To care for your aligners, follow the tips below:
Rinse out your aligners each night before you go to bed.
Use a non-abrasive toothbrush and sensitive toothpaste to brush your aligners.
Whenever you take out your aligners, make sure to brush your teeth before you put them back in.
At Warrenton Dental Center, our goal is to help you achieve the smile you deserve. For some patients, this means creating a custom Invisalign treatment plan to achieve these results. That is why we make sure to sit down with every Invisalign patient, educate them on the entire process, and give them a chance to ask questions. If you think that Invisalign is the right treatment method for you, give our friendly staff a call at (540) 351-0170 today!
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (540) 351-0170 or fill out the form below.
To schedule a consultation or request an appointment, call us at (540) 351-0170 or fill out the form.