Invisalign offers patients a discrete and effective method for realigning their teeth and presenting their best smiles. The treatment has become much more popular as of late thanks to the fact that it offers patients a more subtle set of solutions than traditional braces. Below, we cover our top 10 questions to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign.
Like most serious dental operations, it serves to inform yourself about some of the details of a given procedure. This can help you properly prepare for what is to transpire.
Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist About Invisalign
If you’re interested in receiving Invisalign treatment, here are some of the best questions to ask your doctor before proceeding.
1. How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is an invisible retainer that gradually realigns your teeth over time into a correct position. It is commonly employed to fix issues with ones smile like overbite, underbite, gaps, crooked teeth, and overcrowding. Invisalign sometimes involves some discomfort from treatment.
2. How Long Will I Have to Use Invisalign?
The exact answer to this question depends on the patient. Much of the duration of Invisalign treatment depends on how well you treat your teeth and your aligners. If you consistently forget to wear your aligners, you might accidentally extend the total amount of time required for your treatment. This should be avoided if possible, as it could skew your results as well.
3. How Will Treatment Begin?
First, you’ll have to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Then, you’ll have a scan taken of your teeth via X-ray and take an impression or mold so a custom set of Invisalign aligners can be made for you. Your dentist will then set an amount of time for your treatment.
4. Do I Need to Visit the Dentist While I’m in Treatment?
Using Invisalign should actually decrease the amount of time that you’ll spend at the dentist’s office. However, you will have to go in for a check-up every six months or so. Your dentist will also be able to observe the progress of your ongoing treatment at this time.
5. How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
A typical pricepoint for Invisalign treatment can be between 3,000 and 8,000 dollars, depending on the extent of the treatment. There are several insurance plans that cover Invisalign, so make sure to call your provider to ask them about it, as coverage will save you money in the long term.
6. What If My Aligners Break?
Aligners can be replaced at cost should they be lost or broken. Of course, this can add expense to an already expensive treatment, so trying to avoid this type of situation is obviously preferable. If your aligners are broken, it’s preferable to replace them as quickly as possible so as not to induce a lull in treatment.
7. Will I Need To Change my Diet?
Overall, you won’t have to change your diet for Invisalign. However, you will need to avoid certain types of food that can mess with the mechanics of your aligners. For the most part, this refers to foods that are overly sticky or gummy, such as chewing gum or toffee.
8. Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?
Many find Invisalign to be preferable to traditional braces, thanks to the fact that these aligners are discrete and less socially embarrassing. However, there are certain advantages to traditional braces as well. One that comes to mind is that Invisalign requires a certain amount of discipline, while braces are more passive.
9. Can I Switch to Braces if I Want To?
Most patients will find that they can switch to braces if Invisalign treatment isn’t working for them. You’ll be able to consult with your dentist whether or not this option would work for you. They should be able to refer you to an orthodontist who can perform the procedure.
10. What Happens if My Teeth Aren’t Responding Well?
You should inform your dentist or orthodontist if you feel like Invisalign isn’t working for you. It could be that your aligners aren’t fitted correctly and don’t sit on your teeth well. There could be some kind of delay with your treatment, but it’s well worth it in the end to adjust your aligners to fit your teeth correctly.
The Invisalign Experts of Mission Viejo
Dentist Mission Viejo OC and its crack team are completely dedicated to providing the residents of Mission Viejo and beyond the best in dentistry. If you’re interested in receiving some type of Invisalign treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your Invisalign journey started.