Invisalign®: A Discreet Way to Straighten Your Teeth
The prospect of undergoing orthodontic treatment with metal braces is enough to keep many patients from correcting their orthodontic issues, improving the aesthetic appearance of their smiles, and safeguarding their oral health. Invisalign®, however, offers an alternative orthodontic treatment option that is both discreet, more comfortable, and easier to manage.
An alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment system that uses clear, plastic aligner trays to address a variety of orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, tooth gaps, crowded teeth, and malocclusion (overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite).
Invisalign® is also sometimes referred to as invisible braces or clear aligners.
An Invisalign® treatment system includes a series of graduated aligner trays that fit over the arches of a patient's teeth, like mouthguards. We use digital impressions of a patient's teeth and special software to custom-design each patient's aligner trays and treatment plan based on the current and desired future alignment of a patient's teeth. The aligner trays exert gentle pressure on the teeth, and this gradually shifts them into the desired locations and alignment.
Each treatment system includes several sets of aligner trays. The exact number of sets depends on the patient's needs and the complexity and severity of their existing orthodontic issues. Each set of aligner trays is worn for about one to two weeks at a time for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. Once the patient finishes wearing the last set of aligners, their treatment is complete.
Treatment with Invisalign® can take anywhere from a few months to about a year and a half to complete.
Invisalign® can effectively address and correct a wide range of orthodontic issues including bite problems, tooth gaps, overly crowded teeth, and crooked teeth. However, it is not the best treatment option for all patients. For example, patients with more complex or severe orthodontic issues might benefit from other orthodontic treatment options or from a multifaceted treatment approach.
Additionally, Invisalign® is not always recommended for younger patients because the aligner trays are removable and can be easily lost. For treatment with Invisalign® to be effective and progress properly, patients must wear their aligner trays for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. This means that the outcome of treatment is largely in the patient's hands because the trays can be removed at the patient's will.
Invisalign® does provide a treatment option for teens and tweens. These treatment systems come with aligner trays that can be designed to accommodate permanent teeth that are still erupting. Plus, they feature a unique dot on the back of the aligner that fades from blue to clear to white in order to track how long and often the aligners are being worn. Additionally, Invisalign® Teen treatment systems include additional replacement liners so patients experience no disruption to their treatment plans if they misplace their aligner trays during lunch.
The cost of Invisalign® varies from patient to patient depending on the type of treatment system (adult or teen) and the number of aligners required. On average, it can range from about $1,500 to $8,000 depending on the patient's needs, age, and treatment complexity.
Most dental insurance policies include some coverage for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®. After a consultation with our dentist, our office team will be happy to provide you with an estimated cost of Invisalign® treatment in addition to helping you determine your insurance coverage.
If you don't want to wear traditional braces and are living with orthodontic problems that impact your appearance or your oral health, we encourage you to consider treatment with Invisalign®. At Grove City Smiles, we are proud to provide our patients with comprehensive dental care, including orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® to help them create healthy and beautiful smiles for life.
To learn more about Invisalign® or to find out if it's the right treatment option for you, we welcome you to contact our dental office to request a consultation today.
We look forward to meeting you. Call (614) 350-5300 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
