Have you dreamed of straightening your teeth your entire life, but never found the time or money for braces? Invisalign is the ideal choice for adults who want teeth adjustments without the hassle of wires and brackets. It's never too late for great results from this system. Even in your 50s, and beyond, you can benefit from a straighter smile and reversal of any tooth movement over your life. The nearly invisible aligners that make up the Invisalign program are comfortable, easy to remove when you want to eat or drink, and offer a surprising amount of bite adjustment. Find out the facts about this alignment treatment for adult patients and what you need to know before getting started.
What Does Invisalign Cost?
The exact Invisalign price for treatment varies depending on the severity of your alignment issues, the number of aligners you'll need, and other factors. Only your dentist can give you an accurate quote, but you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $9,000 for the entire treatment. Payment plans, insurance coverage, and other financing options help you afford the entire cost without having to pay it all at once. Invisalign is often more affordable than traditional orthodontic treatments like braces once you add up all the appointments and equipment costs. There are options for fitting this kind of dental treatment into any budget. If you're not currently covered by a dental insurance plan, you may have access to programs for cost-savings from the manufacturer itself.
How Do the Teeth Aligners Work?
Clear aligners fit over your teeth and gently exert pressure on each individual tooth that needs adjusting. The aligners fit over your entire upper and lower teeth to give them leverage for changing the alignment of specific teeth. There's no need to attach the material to the teeth as the orthodontist does with the brackets for traditional braces. Instead of going in to have wires tightened or changed out by the orthodontist, you simply move between different aligners as your dentist suggests. You might spend a few weeks or months with one aligner and then move on to the next by simply opening up the next package. If you have a busy schedule, you'll appreciate that only a few appointments are needed throughout treatment to make sure you're on track. Your dentist can primarily check the progress during your usual cleanings and checkups every six months.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign for Adults?
First, adults appreciate the nearly invisible appearance of the aligners. Even "clear" and disguised braces tend to have a noticeable appearance in comparison. Second, the aligners are easily removed so you can eat or drink anything you want. This also allows you to keep the devices clean and in good shape. Third, most people find the gradual adjustment offered by Invisalign to cause them less discomfort than traditional braces and related treatments.
Who Should Handle the Treatment for You?
Traditional braces must be handled by an orthodontist, starting with the placement and ending with removal and follow-ups. Invisalign is a simpler treatment that doesn't involve as much work on the dentist's behalf, so it's easily handled by any expert in cosmetic dentistry. This makes it easier to find a professional to oversee your treatment if you don't live in an area with a lot of orthodontist offices to visit. There's no need to wait to start treatment because of high demand in your area when almost any cosmetic dentist in Charlotte can help you get the Invisalign aligners you need.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
For minor issues, Invisalign can work within as little as six months. Most patients, especially those with slightly more advanced alignment issues, will need between 12 and 16 months to complete the treatment. Only a few patients will need two or more years to see results. Adults who have something big coming up like a wedding, anniversary, or performance can achieve their smile goals if they get started at least a year or so in advance. The results are gradual, which means you can always show off a nearly perfect smile after finishing 90% of the treatment and then finish the last 10% after your big event. The results tend to last for the rest of your life, with only some patients needing a follow-up treatment of a few months to maintain the adjustment.
What Do You Need to Do to Take Care of the Aligners?
Invisalign retainers are made from durable, long-lasting materials that only need daily cleaning to stay in good condition. Simply use a non-abrasive soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the aligners each time you remove them and they'll last until it's time to swap to a new one. If you lose an aligner or break it, contact your dentist to get a replacement as soon as possible. They may also advise you to simply move up to the next aligner, but don't do that without approval first.
Choose Skyview Dentistry for Invisalign in Charlotte and so much more. We'll help you restore your smile with a wide range of cosmetic options.