Invisalign is becoming an increasingly popular form of corrective dentistry among orthodontists and their patients. In fact, roughly 10% of patients at Parris Orthodontics are choosing Invisalign as their preferred straightening method. In this blog, we’ll address these four frequently asked questions surrounding Invisalign so you can decide if it’s the right treatment option for you:
- How does Invisalign work?
- How long does treatment take?
- How much does Invisalign cost?
- Does Invisalign require dietary restrictions?
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign combines advanced, 3D technology with the 100-year-old science of orthodontics to create a custom straightening solution. This treatment consists of clear aligners that are designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired final position, prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely cut to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan.
After your orthodontist sends precise treatment instructions, Invisalign’s technology translates these instructions into a sequence of finely calibrated aligners. Depending on your needs, you will receive between 12 and 48 aligners in total. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and is only taken out to eat, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to gradually move each week until the final results are achieved.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
For adults, Invisalign treatment takes between a year and 18 months. For teenagers, treatment takes between two to three years — about the length of a traditional braces treatment. Of course, treatment length is highly dependent on the patient and their needs.
However, Invisalign treatment can take much longer if you don’t wear your aligners as much as your orthodontist instructs you to. To see optimal results from your treatment, you should wear your aligners for around 22 hours a day — only taking them out for meals and cleaning.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Invisalign aligners cost about the same as traditional or clear braces, but those numbers can vary based on your insurance and the amount of treatment you need. We’re happy to discuss the cost of Invisalign treatment with you!
Does Invisalign Require Dietary Restrictions?
Since Invisalign is removable, you don’t have to take any special dietary restrictions into consideration like you would with traditional braces. However, we still recommend not eating any foods or drinks that are excessively sticky or hard in order to avoid harming your teeth. Also, smoking can discolor your aligners, so be sure to remove them beforehand.
Let Parris Orthodontics Fix Your Smile
At Parris Orthodontics, we treat each patient the way we would want to be treated - with great care, kindness, and respect. Whether you are thinking of getting braces for your child or are wanting to correct your own smile, we can help you achieve the results you’ve been looking for. Contact us today and schedule your evaluation!
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