When you’re looking to improve your smile, Blue Back Dental offers many different cosmetic services, including adult orthodontic options such as Invisalign®.
If you’re thinking about using Invisalign to straighten your teeth, here are some answers to common questions you may have.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
The best way to know if Invisalign will work for you is to schedule an orthodontic consultation. In general, Invisalign is used to treat the same conditions treated by traditional braces, including crowded or crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, or gaps in teeth.
Is Invisalign safe?
Yes! Invisalign treatment has been approved by the FDA since 1998. Invisalign aligners are made of medical-grade thermoplastic polymers that have passed all applicable regulatory requirements for long-term use inside the human body. They do not contain latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, epoxy or Bisphenol A (BPA).
Will people be able to see my Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign is nothing like the old-style metal braces of your youth. With Invisalign, you wear removable aligners that are made of clear plastic so they are virtually invisible—people may not even know you are wearing them.
Does Invisalign hurt?
No! The pressure that is exerted on the teeth is gradual, so tooth soreness is minimal and usually only occurs on the first day of treatment. Invisalign is also much kinder to your lips and cheeks since it doesn’t have the brackets or wires needed for braces.
Will wearing Invisalign affect things like eating, sleeping, and talking?
With Invisalign, you can do everything you do now! You can eat anything you like, and brush and floss as you would normally. Just remove your aligners to eat or drink, then brush your teeth before putting them back in. Wearing Invisalign aligners can cause a slight lisp at first, so you may need to practice speaking while wearing them. Sleeping with the aligners can also take some getting used to for some patients. It may help to sleep on your back for the first few days.
What is the process of getting Invisalign treatment?
First, you’ll have a consultation with one of Blue Back Dental’s experienced doctors, who will examine your teeth, explain the process, and show you what results you can expect from Invisalign treatment. If you decide to go ahead with the treatment, you will undergo a quick digital scan so we can create your custom-fitted Invisalign aligners. The aligners gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, and you’ll get several new sets of custom-fit aligners throughout the process.
How long will I have to wear my Invisalign aligners?
Each case is different. Some patients are able to straighten their teeth in as few as 3 months! The average case takes about 6-8 months.
Do I have to wear the aligners 24 hours a day?
For the best results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours per day.
How often will I have to go to the dentist while wearing Invisalign? After the initial consultation and fitting, you will need to have a checkup every four to six weeks so we can make sure the treatment is going according to plan and give you a new sets of aligners.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Invisalign treatment usually costs between $3,500 and $6,500. Many dental insurance policies will pay for some portion of your Invisalign treatment. For the remainder, you can use the tax-free dollars in your flexible spending account (FSA) or health saving account (HSA), and Blue Back Dental also offers flexible monthly payment plans.
What are the alternatives to Invisalign?
Blue Back Dental also offers Six Month Smiles Adult Cosmetic Braces, which consist of tooth-colored brackets and small wires. This is an option for those patients who are concerned that they may not be compliant with wearing removable aligners.