What Are Invisalign-Like “Clear Braces” Systems?
Like braces, Invisalign and other transparent aligner procedures are orthodontic tools that gradually straighten teeth and improve bite patterns. Invisalign, as opposed to traditional braces, uses clear plastic trays that tightly fit over the teeth and are reminiscent of sporting mouthguards.
How Do They Function?
A examination and consultation are required to ascertain whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign or another clear aligner system. After determining that you are a good candidate, the dentist will digitally scan your teeth and create a set of BPA-free, transparent aligners just for you. Your initial batch of trays will be delivered to you during the subsequent visit. Your doctor will make sure the fit is correct, respond to any queries you may have, and explain what to anticipate moving ahead. After that, you must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. Your teeth will progressively move into the proper, straighter position over time as you use the trays and replace them every two weeks. While most patients may get by with just using aligners, some patients may need to have raised “buttons” added to the surfaces of their teeth to assist give the teeth more traction to move. You will need to see the dentist’s office around once every six to eight weeks during the course of the procedure to have your progress assessed and to obtain the fresh sets of aligners you’ll be wearing until the next appointment.
How Should I Take Care of My Teeth While Using Clear Aligners?
The only times your aligners should be taken out are when you eat, consume hot drinks (the heat might deform the shape of the trays), or clean your teeth. As previously indicated, your aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours per day. It’s crucial to clean your teeth after every meal or snack since the plastic aligners completely cover your teeth, making it difficult for food to become lodged against them. Most patients will need to continue using an overnight retainer even after their clear aligner treatment is finished in order to preserve their outcomes.
What Benefits Do Clear Aligners Have Over Conventional Braces?
Clear aligners provide a number of major advantages over conventional braces, in addition to the benefit of straighter teeth that all orthodontic devices may provide:
- Plastic aligners are a nearly invisible, transparent orthodontic appliance.
- You can keep eating all of your favorite dishes while undergoing treatment thanks to removable trays.
- You may continue to participate in all the activities you enjoy thanks to the smooth plastic of aligners without worrying about getting cuts or suffering other oral injuries.
- With aligners, you won’t ever have to worry about damaged brackets or wires, which allows you to completely avoid making an emergency visit.
- You can continue brushing and flossing normally while undergoing treatment with removable trays.
What Sorts of Tooth and Bite Issues Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Beyond simply straightening teeth, Invisalign and other transparent aligners can help with a number of problems, including:
- Underbite Overbite
- Crossbite
- Teeth gaps caused by an open bite
- Overcrowding
- Mix of primary and secondary teeth
Until recently, when it comes to correcting these orthodontic disorders, metal braces were virtually always preferred to transparent aligners. However, Invisalign and other businesses have kept up with technological advancements and have created technology that currently produces outcomes that are on par with those of metal braces.
How Long Will It Take to Straighten Teeth and Fix Bite Issues with Clear Aligners?
As is the case with metal braces, the amount of time needed to fully fulfill a person’s orthodontic goals with Invisalign or comparable transparent aligners may vary greatly based on the specific concerns being treated. In as little as six months, some people’s teeth can be totally straightened. It may take up to 24 months to complete therapy for some problems, such as overpopulation. The majority of clear aligner procedures last between 9 and 18 months, on average.
What Are the Prices for Clear Aligner Treatments?
Treatment costs for clear braces will vary greatly based on your unique situation, much like treatment duration. Your oral health, how much orthodontic work has to be done, where you reside, and how much your insurance will pay are the main variables impacting the cost to you. Without taking into account any insurance coverage, the cost of Invisalign or a similar clear aligner treatment can range from around $3,500 to nearly $8,000; the typical price is just over $5,000. Compare those figures to the $3,000–$7,000 the majority of individuals spend on metal braces, which have a comparable average price of $5,000.