About nine million individuals in the US receive orthodontic treatment every year. Traditional metal braces are no longer the only option for orthodontic treatment, though. Instead, consider talking to your local orthodontist about Invisalign. 

Invisalign treatment can help straighten your smile without metal brackets and wires. Here are six things you should know about this orthodontic treatment option before making a decision.

Read on to learn more about treatment with Invisalign today!

1. How It Works

First, it helps to have a better understanding of how Invisalign treatment works to improve your smile.

Don’t worry; if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly 70% of people feel self-conscious about their teeth. Over 60% of people in America want to change their smiles, too. Among their top concerns are:

• Gaps between their teeth
• Receding gums
• Crooked teeth

Before you receive your Invisalign aligners, you’ll need to schedule a consultation appointment with your orthodontist. They’ll assess the current state of your teeth and jaws. Your consultation appointment can help them determine if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment.

If you have more extensive orthodontic issues, your orthodontist might recommend metal braces or another treatment option instead.

If you’re an ideal candidate, your orthodontist will create a 3D scan of your teeth and smile. The scan will ensure you receive customized aligners that will fit around your teeth. You’ll receive a new pair of aligners about every week.

Each pair of aligners will pull your teeth closer together, remedying any alignment issues or closing any gaps. 

How many aligners you need will vary based on the orthodontic issues you’ve developed.

You’ll need to wear your aligners for about 22 hours every day. Otherwise, you might experience a delay in your treatment plan. 

2. The Benefits

What are the benefits of Invisalign treatment, exactly?

The main purpose of Invisalign treatment is to improve the appearance of your smile by fixing any orthodontic issues. For example, Invisalign can close gaps between your teeth or straighten crooked teeth.

You can combine Invisalign with another dental procedure to improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth, too. 

For example, if you’re missing a tooth, surrounding teeth might begin to lean toward the gap. You can use Invisalign to straighten your teeth, making space for a dental implant. Then, you can restore your smile.

Many people turn to Invisalign treatment over metal braces because Invisalign is more discreet. Most people won’t recognize your clear, plastic Invisalign aligners are in place. You won’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious throughout the duration of your treatment. 

Invisalign treatment could benefit your gum health, too. When your teeth are crooked, it’s more difficult to brush and floss. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque and tartar can form.

Plaque and tartar can contribute to gingivitis (gum disease) which could increase your risk of losing teeth. Before that can happen, straighten your smile with Invisalign. 

Make sure to review the pros and cons of Invisalign versus other treatment options with your orthodontic. They can help you make a more informed choice based on your distinct needs. 

3. Ideal Candidates

Remember, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this form of orthodontic treatment. You can visit your local orthodontist to determine if Invisalign is right for you. You’re likely an ideal candidate if you have:

• Protruding teeth
• Gaps between your teeth
• A mild under- or overbite
• Excessive central tooth overlapping
• Mildly crooked teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Imperfect positioning of your teeth when you close your mouth

You can start developing orthodontic issues due to oral diseases (like gum disease), injuries, or even genetics. If left untreated, these problems could cause headaches, jaw pain, and other complications. Before that can happen, consider Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign is ideal for both teens and adults. Younger children, however, might neglect to put their aligners back into place after meals. They might accidentally damage or lose their aligners, too.

You can talk to your orthodontist to determine if they’re a teen Invisalign provider. 

4. Treatment Duration

How long you’ll require treatment with Invisalign can vary based on how extensive your orthodontic issues appear. For example, the state of your jaw and the crookedness of your teeth is taken into account. Talk to your provider during your Invisalign appointment to determine how long you’ll require treatment.

For some patients, treatment can last between 10 to 12 months. However, you could require treatment longer if you have more extensive alignment issues.

During your consultation appointment, ask your orthodontist if you can see the before and after photos of your treatment plan. You can see what your smile will look like at the end of your treatment. Seeing these photos can help you maintain realistic expectations.

It can also help you determine if Invisalign treatment aligns with your goals and orthodontic needs. 

5. Wearing the Aligners

Talk to your orthodontist about what you’ll need to do throughout the duration of your treatment plan. 

For example, you’ll need to wear your aligners about 22 hours a day. Wearing your aligners will ensure they do their job. Otherwise, you could delay your treatment plan. 

You’ll need to take your aligners out for meals or to drink beverages besides water. Otherwise, you could risk staining the aligners. 

You’ll also need to rinse the aligners to keep saliva and plaque from building up against the plastic. Always put your aligners in their designated case when you’re not wearing them. 

6. The Cost

Talk to your orthodontist about the cost of treatment as you compare your options. The national average falls between $3,000 and $5,000. However, your insurance might cover a portion of the cost.

The cost of treatment can vary based on your dentist’s time for labor, your location, and your oral health needs. How much work needs to be done is taken into account, too. 

Talk to Your Local Orthodontist About Invisalign Treatment Today

Don’t let crooked teeth impact your oral health. Instead, improve the appearance of your smile with Invisalign treatment this year. Invisalign can straighten your smile, improving your oral health for years to come. 

Make sure to schedule a consultation appointment to determine if Invisalign is right for you. 

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