Many people turn to Invisalign dental aligners to improve the appearance of their smile without unsightly metal braces. An experienced dentist like Spillman Family Dental can custom-make these clear aligners to fit perfectly over your teeth so they are virtually undetectable. They can solve all sorts of dental problems including gaps between your teeth, overcrowding, and misalignment. Here are the most important things you should know before booking an Invisalign treatment.

1. Who should I choose for Invisalign treatment?

You should always do plenty of research before choosing a clinic to make sure that you are comfortable with the team who will be overseeing your treatment. Invisalign treatment takes several months, so it’s important to pick a dentist you have confidence in. Ideally, you should pick a clinic with plenty of experience in orthodontics.

2. How much will Invisalign treatment cost?

How much you pay for Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your case and how long the treatment is expected to take. Straightforward treatment could cost as little as $1,500 while more complicated cases could cost $3000 or more. Many clinics offer their patients 0% financing options over periods of up to 18 months to spread the cost of treatment and make it more affordable.

3. Am I a good candidate for Invisalign treatment?

Most people are good candidates for Invisalign treatment, although some more complex cases will get better results from a standard fixed brace. However, you’ll need to commit to wearing your aligner for 22 hours a day and removing it whenever you eat or drink anything that isn’t water.

4. How long do I wear an Invisalign aligner?

You will need to wear each aligner for around 2 weeks before switching to a new set. This allows the teeth to move gently, which stops the roots from shrinking and making your teeth unstable.

5. Do Invisalign aligners hurt?

Most people find Invisalign treatment relatively painless because they move the teeth slowly. However, you may feel a little tenderness when you switch to a new aligner. This is a sign that your teeth are moving correctly and should settle down in a few days.

6. Are Invisalign aligners visible?

Invisalign aligners are almost invisible because they are totally clear. Many people say that nobody noticed anything apart from an improvement in the appearance of their teeth during treatment. However, the aligner may make your teeth look a little shinier than they usually do.

7. Can I eat and drink wearing my aligner?

You can continue to consume your normal food and drinks during your Invisalign treatment. You should remove your aligner before you eat or drink anything except cold water because hot food and drink can cause it to warp. Sugar, acid and food particles can also become lodged behind the aligner and cause tooth decay. You will need to brush your teeth and clean your aligner after you eat or drink.

8. How do I clean my aligner?

You can keep your aligner clean and fresh by brushing it gently using toothpaste and a soft brush. You can also place it in water with a dissolvable cleaning tablet every now and then.

The Bottom Line

Invisalign aligners are a great solution for people who want to improve the appearance of their smile without regular metal braces. However, you should always seek treatment from an experienced dentist that you trust to get the best result possible.