Invisalign braces offer an excellent treatment option for many adults, and even teens, who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal braces. Although they were originally created for cosmetic corrections, they can also be used to correct overbites, underbites, crossbites and gapped teeth.
The initial assessment for invisalign braces Harrisonburg VA starts with a consultation with an orthodontist. At this appointment, photos and a 3D digital scan of the patient’s teeth are taken. These are sent to Invisalign laboratories where a precision set of aligners will be fabricated.
During the treatment process, patients receive a series of aligners to wear, and they’ll meet with their dentists or orthodontists every few weeks for check-ups. This ensures that the aligners are fitting correctly and that the treatment is progressing as intended.
After each appointment, a new set of aligners is provided until the entire course of treatment is complete. The final result will vary depending on the degree of misalignment to start with, but if you follow your treatment plan and wear your trays consistently (22 hours a day), Invisalign can produce amazing results.
There are also several options to help make your Invisalign experience more comfortable. For example, some companies offer a special material that’s designed to be more flexible than ordinary plastic aligners. Others include lingual braces that are attached to the back of the teeth, which are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the type and number of trays required to achieve your desired results. The more trays you need, the higher your treatment costs will be.
However, the costs can be recouped by insurance if you have dental benefits, so it’s worth contacting your insurance provider to find out what your coverage is. In addition, many patients are able to pay for their Invisalign with a financing option, which can make it more affordable.
Comfort
Invisalign is less noticeable than conventional metal braces, and there are a variety of clear or invisible aligners to choose from. Some are made of a thermoplastic material that’s similar to teeth-whitening trays, while others are designed with precision wings to address class II malocclusions (teeth that don’t line up in the front).
More convenient
While you have to remember to remove your trays for meals and clean them before putting them back in, Invisalign is much more convenient than conventional braces. It’s easier to brush and floss your teeth, and you don’t have to worry about breaking a wire or bracket when playing sports or eating sticky foods.
Effectiveness
While invisalign braces Harrisonburg VA is generally more effective than conventional metal braces for treating mild to moderate cases of overbites, underbites and crossbites, it’s not as effective at fixing severe issues like severely rotated or tipped teeth. In cases of this nature, patients may require additional treatments, such as bridgework or jaw surgery.
It’s also important to remember that Invisalign is a long-term treatment. You should keep up with regular visits to your dentist or orthodontist, and you’ll need to wear a retainer after your Invisalign treatment is complete. This is essential to prevent teeth from shifting back into their original positions.
