Invisalign® is still a rather new advancement in straightening teeth. Although traditional braces have been around for many centuries, Invisalign entered the market in 1999 after receiving FDA approval. During its lifespan, Align Technology, makers of Invisalign, have continued to broaden the scope of its product. This has resulted in improvements that have expanded the overall efficacy of Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign® is a nearly invisible tray alignment system that is an alternative to traditional braces. The custom-fit trays are worn over natural teeth to adjust and align them. Using SmartTrack® material, the tray aligners are lightweight, semi-flexible, but very durable.
There are no wires and brackets, no special diets, and no oral hygiene techniques to learn. Patients simply wear the computer-generated trays on a schedule prescribed by Dr. Sonia Vulakh at Montvale Dental Group.
Invisalign offers patients of all ages the ability to wear braces (the tray aligners) without many people even noticing. This discreet tooth-straightening method is both effective and versatile. Invisalign can be useful in treating alignment problems from minor to complex.
How Does Invisalign Work?
When you begin Invisalign® treatment, you will meet with the doctor who will review your dental history and X-rays. An intraoral scanner will be used to take digital images of the inside of your mouth. The images will create a 3D interactive map that the doctor will use to create your treatment plan. The map allows the doctor to see how each tooth will move throughout the treatment process.
While traditional braces work using tension to create the force to pull teeth into alignment, Invisalign® uses gentle pressure to push teeth into the correct positions. Trays are issued in sequenced sets. As a patient progresses through treatment, they will switch to a new set of trays about every two weeks, Each set continues shifting the teeth into the desired positions.
During the treatment period, patients will have follow-up appointments to check progress and pick up the next group of sequenced trays. Depending on your treatment plan, these appointments may occur every few weeks but normally happen every six to eight weeks.
During treatment, patients need to wear the alignment trays for 20 to 22 hours each day. Trays are removable for meals, drinking, and oral hygiene. There are no dietary restrictions to adhere to, although the doctor may make some suggestions on foods to avoid.
Some instances, such as making a presentation at work may also require the removal of the trays for short periods. The trays should be soaked, or deep cleaned, once daily. They should also be rinsed and gently brushed several times throughout the day.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Each treatment is unique, so this is a difficult answer to provide. Although in some instances treatment can take as little as 3 to 6 months, the national average ranges from 12 to 18 months.
Treatment durations vary widely because they are based on the alignment problems being addressed. Minor problems can be corrected quickly while more complex issues will naturally take longer.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Again, there is no cookie-cutter answer to this question. The final cost is based on the number of tray sets necessary to progress from the beginning to your picture-perfect smile. We can offer the national averages for Invisalign® pricing. Please bear in mind that your costs may vary from these averages.
Current national averages for Invisalign® treatment range from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the amount of correction necessary. The majority of cases fall into the $5,000 to $6,000 range.
There are also factors, such as insurance coverage and Health Saving Accounts through your employer that may defray some of the initial costs. When making your appointment, you can also check our Promotions Page to see if there are any current special promotions.
Montvale Dental Group also works with third-party finance companies that provide low-interest health care loans.
Comparing Invisalign Cost to Traditional Braces Cost
When comparing the cost of Invisalign® to traditional metal braces, tray aligners are slightly more costly. Standard braces average between $3,700 and $7,000. As with Invisalign, the final cost is dependent on the severity of necessary corrections.
As you can see, the cost of the two systems is quite comparable. The ease and convenience of the clear tray aligners are often factors in the final decision between the two treatments. Invisalign® offers a discreet, low-profile treatment while braces are extremely visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of Invisalign?
A: Although there are many benefits, the primary ones are:
- Nearly invisible
- Removeable for oral hygiene, eating, and drinking
- Easy to clean and maintain
- NO brackets and wires
- NO adjustments required
- Less painful and more comfortable
- Fewer and shorter appointments
Q: Will Invisalign affect my speech?
A: Possibly. Some people report a slight adjustment period while growing accustomed to the feel of the tray aligners. This may cause a temporary lisp when treatment begins, but normally only lasts a few days.
Q: Does Invisalign hurt?
A: The treatment may cause some slight discomfort as you become accustomed to a new set of trays. This adjustment period normally lasts a day or two. Most discomfort can be remedied using over-the-counter medications for pain relief.
Q: Is Invisalign right for me?
A: In most instances, yes. Invisalign® is capable of correcting many orthodontic problems from minor to complex. The only way to know for sure is to make an appointment for an evaluation. The doctor can examine your teeth and determine whether or not Invisalign will work to correct your smile.
Fine-Tune Your Smile
Montvale Dental Group and Dr. Vulakh are ready to be your Invisalign® service provider. If you are ready to explore how this innovative tray alignment system can help you find your dream smile, schedule your appointment today!