Invisalign
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INVISALIGN
Does your smile look a bit crooked? Do you have an unsightly gap here or there?
In the past, the only solution to problems like these was getting metal braces. Invisalign has changed all that. If you’ve avoided fixing your smile because you don’t want to put up with braces, Invisalign is for you.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a dental mouthpiece designed to fix a wide array of aesthetic problems. It does this by moving teeth around over a prolonged period of time. Invisalign is made of extremely thin, custom-made coverings that slip over the tops of your teeth.
These mouthpieces are extremely similar to braces, with two very important differences:
- Invisalign doesn’t attach to your teeth. They can be removed by hand at any time.
- They’re clear and, thus, very discreet.
This is why Invisalign continues to grow in popularity while braces are becoming less and less common.
How does Invisalign work?
One of the major differences from traditional braces is that you don’t wear the same Invisalign for the entirety of your smile’s improvement. Just as you would have braces adjusted, you’ll receive a new mouthpiece every two weeks. Even though they’re removable, you’ll need to keep them in for 20 to 22 hours a day. It is perfectly safe to sleep with them in.
Each of these mouthpieces is designed to progressively shift your teeth more and more so that your smile eventually falls into place.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
There may be some initial discomfort whenever you put in new mouthpieces, but the amount tends to dissipate with each version. They are far more comfortable than wearing braces.
Who Would Benefit from Invisalign?
If you have crooked teeth, you may be a good candidate for an Invisalign treatment. Nonetheless, a simple consultation will help your dentist make the decision.
For the most part, the only people who wouldn’t make good candidates are those whose teeth have sustained such extensive damage that Invisalign simply wouldn’t be a sufficient solution. Usually, in such a case, the dentist will recommend porcelain veneers instead.
Will Invisalign Limit What I Can Eat and Drink?
As they’re removable, you’ll take your mouthpieces out before every meal, so you are not restricted on what you can eat or drink. However, you’ll want to brush our teeth after every meal before you put your mouthpiece back in, or you’ll end up with bad breath and/or poor dental hygiene.
Don’t chew gum when you have your mouthpiece in because it will get stuck.
If you smoke, make sure you remove your mouthpiece before doing so. Otherwise, it will most likely become discolored and quite unsightly.
Alcohol is also fine but brush your teeth as soon as you can after you’ve had any. The same goes for any other sugary beverage as you don’t want it trapped between your teeth and mouthpiece.
How Long Will It Take for Invisalign to Fix My Smile?
That depends entirely on your smile. Again, this is a lot like braces. Fortunately, unlike braces, Invisalign is so imperceptible and comfortable, that most people have no problem wearing their mouthpieces for years.
That said, on average, most adults use Invisalign for a year before their smiles are fixed. Either way, your dentist will be able to give you a solid prediction before you begin the process.
How long will it take to get my first Aligner?
After the initial consultation, molds of your teeth will be made and sent to a lab to create your mouthpieces. The first one should be ready to wear within a few weeks.
What if I forget to wear my Aligner for a long period of time?
If you go a day or two without wearing your mouthpiece, you should be able to pick up right where you left off. However, you’ll probably experience a bit of discomfort as your teeth may have regressed a bit without the mouthpiece to hold them into place.
That said, if you experience considerable pain or the mouth piece no longer fits because you’ve gone without it for so long, you’ll need to visit your dentist against so they can assess your status and recommend the next step. This could add to the total amount of time you need to wear mouthpieces.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost will largely depend on how many mouthpieces you’ll need to fix your smile. The cost tends to be around $5,000 for the entire treatment, but that can fluctuate a lot. Though the procedure is largely cosmetic, many dental plans will actually help cover the costs.
Would You Like to Learn More About Invisalign?
If you’re interested in showing off a straighter smile, Invisalign might be for you. At South Austin Dental Studio, we’d love to answer any questions you have about the entire process or even carry out a consultation in person. Give us a call today at (512)444-4400 to learn more about this fantastic solution.
Visit Our Office
Our staff strives to make each interaction with patients clear, concise, and inviting.
Request An Appointment
Please contact our friendly reception staff with any general or dental enquiry.