6 Common Questions About Invisalign

Herrick Dental | 08/24/15

Around 50 percent of people wear braces at some point in their lifetime, which means that all of those people have to deal with sharp metal and a lot of pain. Did you know that there is a better option that is next to invisible and takes less time to correct misaligned teeth? That better option is called Invisalign, and it improves your teeth with ease and without as much pain and hassle as other methods on the market.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are made from a thermoplastic material that is similar to mouth guards. The transparent aligners are made to take the place of braces without the undesirable looks and other pitfalls that come with braces.

To start the process, we make a mold of a your teeth and send out the information to a lab that specializes in making a perfect fit. Then, a series of liners are made to shape your teeth into the perfect position over time.

Here are the most common Invisalign FAQ’s:

How long will it take?

Each person is different. Many factors contribute to the length of time you may have to wear the aligners. Some key factors include:

• Teeth positions
• Personal goals
• Age

On average, a 12-month period does the job and you will be left with a striking smile. This beats the average time for traditional braces by at least six months to a year.

Do I have to wear Invisalign 24/7?

Simply put, no. Invisalign is removable, which makes eating, brushing, and flossing much easier than traditional braces.

However, in order to work properly, the liners must be in place for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. Basically, wearing them only while you sleep is not an option. They should only be removed temporarily and for short periods of time.

How often do I need to see the Dentist?

Expect to check in with your dentist about once every four to six weeks. Regular checkups are an important piece of the Invisalign process. Checking in makes certain that your teeth are moving where they should, and it also allows us to catch any problems before it may be too late.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Any pain that you feel along the way is nothing like that of braces. Because there is no wire or metal used, your cheeks will not have to withstand the abuse of poking, prodding, and pulling.

Yes, the treatment still shifts your teeth, which can lead to some pressure and uncomfortable moments. However, these moments of discomfort are bearable, and they only last for brief durations of time.

What is the cost?

While each case differs, most Invisalign services are on par with the treatment costs of traditional braces. Any worries about finances you may have can be addressed before treatment.

Benefits Of Invisalign

Still not sure if the alternative alignment procedure is for you? Invisalign is truly an excellent option to transform your smile into something you can be proud of, and these services contain several benefits. Such benefits include:

• Virtually invisible
• Can remove them to eat and drink
• No mouth irritation
• Less time at the dentist
• FDA approved

Ask us if Invisalign is right for you

While it may not be for everyone, almost all cases will benefit from Invisalign at some point. Give us a call and see how easy it is to schedule an appointment today. We are happy to answer all of your Invisalign questions and prove that you are a candidate for the treatment.

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