Commonly Asked Questions about Invisalign®

Clear braces alternative (invisalign) vs braces

In the realm of cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign® is a modern tool that dentists use as an alternative to braces. For those who have questions, here is a compilation of what we hope will be some helpful answers regarding alternatives to braces. If you’re in the Central Point area and would like to discuss things further with a dental professional, give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We’d be happy to help you examine your options.

What is the purpose of Invisalign®?

Like braces, Invisalign® aligners are designed to put targeted pressure on your teeth in order to move them from their current position to their ideal position. Just as braces are adjusted in small increments over time, adjustments must be made in the configuration of your clear aligners. This will involve the creation of new ones which are used until your teeth are ready for further adjustment.

Before anything goes on your teeth, your Invisalign® dentist will map out a plan for your teeth – where they are versus where they need to be. They will break this plan down into a series of progressive steps which you’ll follow for anywhere from months to years – as long as is needed to achieve your goals.

What are the advantages of the Invisalign® system?

  • The aligners are nearly invisible
  • The aligners are less intrusive in your mouth than braces
  • There are no bands or metal to worry about caring for
  • You can remove it for special occasions, or even just for eating, drinking, and brushing
  • There is nothing to break (unless maybe you run it over with your car)

Essentially, Invisalign® is less intrusive to your everyday life than braces.

What is Invisalign® made from?

The company has patented a form of clear, flexible, non-toxic plastic they use for their Invisalign® dental aligners. The aligners are molded in-office by a specially trained Invisalign® dentist like ours at Oak Street Dental so that they work specifically with your teeth to achieve the goals set for your smile.

Are there alternatives to Invisalign®?

Like Band-Aid®, Invisalign® has become the normal word we use to talk about all clear plastic teeth alignment systems. However, also like Band-Aid®, Invisalign® is not unique in what it does. There are alternatives out there, and it may be worthwhile to speak with your dentist about whether or not they can connect you with those options or not.

How much does Invisalign® cost?

The cost for Invisalign® is similar to receiving treatment through braces, which depends on the severity of the case (how much movement needs to happen in your mouth). Look at spending between $2000 and $8000 over the course of treatment, however, a good amount of this may be covered by insurance.

Do you wear Invisalign® all day?

We encourage you to wear your aligner as much as possible to facilitate the movement of your teeth to meet your goals. However, one of the key benefits of Invisalign® is that you can remove it for eating, brushing, and other activities and special occasions. Look to be wearing your Invisalign® aligner about 22 hours each day.

Woman in orthodontist's chair

What can Invisalign® not fix?

Invisalign is meant only to reposition and align your teeth. Problems with your bite, crowding, and other orthodontic issues can generally be addressed through Invisalign®. However, Invisalign® cannot address severe issues with rotation, large gaps, or the raising and lowering of teeth.

Does Invisalign® give you a lisp?

As with braces, it can take users a little while to adjust to talking with Invisalign® when it is in place. You may notice difficulty in saying sounds like ‘s’ and ‘sh’. But any issues like this are usually much more noticeable to the wearer than anyone else.

If you are asking this question, you are probably the exact sort of person that Invisalign® was created for – someone who is concerned about the interference that braces will cause to your life. While Invisalign® is not without interference, it is designed to minimize it. If you need to appear somewhere formal or give a speech, the system can be removed for periods of time up to a few hours (be sure to follow your Invisalign® dentist‘s recommendation).

Do you have to wear a retainer after Invisalign®?

Retainers are custom-fitted oral appliances which keep your teeth in place after they have been moved to their final position through Invisalign® or braces. You will need to wear your retainer as directed for as long as directed by your orthodontist – whether months or years after your treatment.

Is Invisalign® a permanent fix?

Provided that you follow your Invisalign® dentist’s recommendations for care following the adjustments that are made through the procedure, Invisalign® is indeed a permanent fix for a wide variety of orthodontic problems. Contact your Central Point Invisalign dentist to get started today!

Does dental insurance cover orthodontic treatment like Invisalign®?

That doesn’t depend on the Invisalign® product so much as your dental insurance. Be sure to consult your plan documentation and contact your insurance company to verify coverage – your dentist can also talk to your insurance to give an extra level of certainty. To help manage your expenses, be sure to ask your orthodontist to provide for an estimate on the cost of your Invisalign® procedure. They can get in touch with your insurance company to work out the details. If you don’t like the price you’re quoted, you can always try and find a different provider.

Learn More…

If you’re in the Central Point area and are curious about the Invisalign® product, give us a call today to set up an appointment to learn more about your options!

Call Oak Street Dental for your free consultation today!
(541) 664-2210