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Invisalign was developed over 20 years ago. As the leader in the “invisible braces” industry, Invisalign has paved the way for digitally-mapped, discreet adult orthodontics.
When you choose Invisalign, you get the benefits of a removable, clear aligner that’s comfortable and easy to care for. There are no fixed brackets, wires, or hard-to-clean spaces to manage. You can practically straighten your smile without anyone ever realizing that there’s something on your teeth.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
If you haven’t explored your orthodontic treatment options for years, you may still think that the only path to a straight smile involves metal. That’s not the case. In fact, Invisalign can correct mild to moderate cases of everything from overcrowding to open bites! If you are interested in finding out if you’re a good candidate, then schedule a consultation with us or read on.
Crowded Teeth
If there isn’t enough room in your mouth for your teeth to sit in their properly aligned positions, then they will crowd together, rotating out of place in the process. Not only can this take a serious toll on your self-esteem, but you’re at an increased risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other common oral health problems. That’s why we recommend exploring your treatment options, like Invisalign, sooner rather than later.
Gaps Between Teeth
Of course, some patients are struggling with the opposite problem: there is too much space in their mouths, resulting in noticeable gaps. If you’re struggling with spaced-out teeth, then you know first-hand the negative impact they can have on your self-esteem. The best thing to do is schedule a consultation with us; you may be surprised to find out that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign!
Overbite
If smiling confidently and enunciating clearly is difficult because your upper teeth extend beyond your lower ones more than they should, you might be wondering if Invisalign can fix overbites. Fortunately, the answer is usually “yes” for patients with mild to moderate cases. So, don’t just assume that your only path to a straighter, healthier smile involves noticeable brackets and wires!
Underbite
What if your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones? This orthodontic problem is known as an underbite, and it can lead to everything from low self-esteem to chronic jaw pain, which is why it’s important to have yours corrected. The good news is that clear aligners can often be used in tandem with rubber bands, buttons, and attachments to address bite issues like this!
Crossbite
If you bite down and only some of your upper teeth sit behind your lower ones, then you might have a crossbite. Like the other orthodontic problems on this list, several issues can arise if it isn’t treated, including premature wear and tear on certain teeth. The good news is that Invisalign is often an option. If that’s the case for you, then the journey to your dream smile will be completely metal-free.
Open Bite
When you bite down, your upper and lower teeth should come together evenly. If there is a space between the two that’s preventing that from happening, then you may have an open bite. The good news is that Invisalign clear aligners are often a solution, particularly for patients with mild to moderate cases.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has helped more than 17 million patients achieve the smiles of their dreams without the metal. If you are considering doing the same, then keep reading to learn a few of the many benefits that come with this popular orthodontic treatment!
There Aren’t Any Dietary Restrictions
In an effort to prevent the brackets and wires from breaking, patients with traditional braces are asked to abide by certain dietary restrictions. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, that’s not necessary. In fact, as long as you take them out before eating or drinking anything other than water, you’re free to enjoy all of your favorite foods! Just do your best not to overindulge on cavity-causing ones, like taffy and lollipops, since that can lead to lengthy treatment plan delays.
It’s Easy to Maintain a Healthy Smile
Another difference between traditional braces and Invisalign is that patients with the former often need to use interproximal toothbrushes, pre-threaded floss, and other special oral hygiene products to keep their smiles healthy. With Invisalign, it’s much simpler because the aligners are removable. So, once you take them out, you can brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash like usual. Then, clean your aligners and put them back on. It’s that easy!
There Are Fewer and Shorter Appointments
Since Invisalign is virtually mapped in a 3D software program, there’s no need to “adjust” your appliances every month. Instead, you’ll be given several sets of aligners at a time, which allows you to progress through portions of your treatment plan at home. Then, every 6-8 weeks, you’ll come to our office so we can monitor your progress. These visits are usually pretty brief, making them easy to work into even the busiest of schedules.
There Aren’t Any Metal Components
With no irritating metal appliances, Invisalign’s smooth and contoured shape is easier on your mouth. In fact, many patients don’t experience any soft tissue irritation throughout the teeth-straightening process with clear aligners. Generally, the only discomfort that arises is from the movement of the teeth, which is good news (it means the trays are working!). Plus, you can always use a cold compress or take OTC pain medication to alleviate soreness, pressure, and sensitivity quickly.
The Aligners Are Basically Invisible
Finally, one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is how discreet the aligners are. Since they are crafted from smooth, metal-free plastic and custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth perfectly, they are practically invisible when you’re talking or smiling around other people. In short, unless you’re looking up close from just a few inches away, it’s difficult to tell there’s anything there.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
It’s one thing to learn about the benefits of Invisalign, but it’s another to know what daily life will actually feel like once treatment begins. Most patients find the process surprisingly simple, and that’s because Invisalign is designed to blend into your routine right away without a big learning curve. You’ll wear clear trays, get new ones from our office, and make a few small adjustments to keep your smile on track. Read below to get a realistic sense of what living with Invisalign in Waban will be like.
Wearing Your Trays
Invisalign works best when trays are worn 20–22 hours per day, which means they should stay in your mouth unless you’re eating, drinking anything besides water, or brushing. Every set of trays is designed to guide your teeth a little closer to their final positions, and most patients switch to a new pair every one to two weeks. The more consistently you wear them, the smoother and faster your progress will be.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Clean aligners are essential for both oral health and appearance. Fortunately, adding this step to your routine is easy. Rinse your trays whenever you remove them, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush, and soak them as directed to keep them clear and odor-free.
A great way to form the habit is to pair tray cleaning with your morning and nighttime oral care. Keeping your aligners clean helps prevent staining and keeps your trays looking nearly invisible.
Eating & Drinking
Many patients love Invisalign because they can continue enjoying all their favorite foods. Since trays must be removed whenever you eat or drink anything but water, you won’t have the food restrictions that come with braces. That said, you’ll need to rinse your mouth and clean your trays before putting them back in to avoid trapping food particles. Most people adjust quickly, and many of our patients have said the routine helps them be more mindful about snacking.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
Accidents happen, and losing or damaging an aligner isn’t the end of the world. In most cases, you can simply return to your previous set of trays while our Waban dental team orders a replacement. This prevents your teeth from shifting backward while you wait for the new aligner. However, this depends on where you are in the process, so if a tray cracks or goes missing, call us right away. Our team can keep your treatment on schedule and minimize delays.
Routine Check-Ins
Even though Invisalign is low-maintenance, you’ll still have periodic check-ins so your dentist can ensure your teeth are moving as planned. These appointments are typically brief—often just a quick look, a progress update, and instructions for your next set of trays. These visits help us confirm that everything is going according to your treatment plan and allow you to ask questions or discuss any concerns.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Oftentimes, patients are surprised to hear that there isn’t a flat fee for Invisalign. The reason for this is simple: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment plan! So, we need to complete a comprehensive oral exam in order to provide you with an estimate of the price. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more, including if dental insurance usually covers a portion of the cost of Invisalign in Newton.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
During your consultation, we will determine:
- If you’re a candidate for single-arch treatment
- If any preliminary services are needed
- How many aligners must be made
- If rubber bands or any other orthodontic accessories are needed
- The type of retainer we need to make
Keep in mind that these are just the factors that will impact the cost upfront. If you consistently misplace your aligners or fall off-track with your treatment plan because you aren’t wearing them for 20+ hours each day, then there may be additional fees.
Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
Almost always, Invisalign requires a higher upfront investment. Before you let that deter you, it’s important to consider how mail-order alternatives cut costs. Usually, it’s because they don’t complete a comprehensive oral exam, they rely on DIY impressions, and they don’t have licensed dental professionals overseeing the teeth-straightening process. As a result, many end up experiencing worsened misalignment, dental damage, and, perhaps worst of all, nowhere to turn for help. So, the best thing for your smile and your wallet is to choose a reputable, safe, and proven service, like Invisalign.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
There are some dental plans that include a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit. So, if you are insured and are interested in Invisalign, don’t hesitate to provide us with your membership information! Since we welcome dental insurance and are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, we can review your benefits and provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses. We can also file the claims on your behalf, after answering any questions you have, of course.
Invisalign FAQs
Am I Too Old for Invisalign?
Absolutely not. There are no age cutoffs for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign was specifically designed with adults in mind. It’s not uncommon for us to see recent retirees or busy grandparents who are straightening their teeth for the first time.
Do I Qualify for Invisalign?
Thanks to the numerous advancements in CAD/CAM technology, Invisalign is a viable option for most adult orthodontic cases. Over the years, modifications in Invisalign systems have made it possible to take on more complex tooth misalignment needs. The key to determining whether they’re right for you, however, calls for a personal evaluation by your certified Invisalign provider.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Invisalign?
Although there aren’t any firm dietary restrictions with Invisalign, there are some foods we recommend avoiding. Taffy, caramel-filled candies, and other sticky sweets are a great place to start since they are packed with added sugar and can easily get stuck to your teeth (which is a recipe for cavities). Crunchy foods, like hard pretzels and peanut brittle, should also be avoided, especially if you have attachments. Basically, it’s best to stick to mostly healthy, well-balanced meals that are filled with cooked carrots, cottage cheese, and other nutrient-dense foods.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The length of your treatment timeline with Invisalign in Newton will depend on several factors, including the complexity of your case and how well you follow the guidelines we provide. With that said, most patients achieve the results they desire in just 12-18 months. This is a huge improvement over traditional braces, which often take 2+ years.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Let’s start with what you should NOT do: do not use toothpaste, mouthwash, or bleach to clean your aligners. Instead, get in the habit of rinsing them with clean, cool water each time you take them off. Then, before you put them back on, gently scrub the surface with a damp, soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid. If you want to give your trays a deeper clean, you can use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit, too!
What Should I Do if My Invisalign Tray Broke?
If there is a small, hairline crack, then you can continue to wear your aligners as long as you exercise caution. If the damage is more severe or your trays have split down the middle, then don’t wait – contact our team at Waban Dental Group right away. Depending on where you are in the teeth-straightening process, we will either have you progress to the next set in the series or revert to the previous pair while we have a replacement made.
Important reminder: You should not use superglue or any other household adhesives to try to repair your aligners.
Can You Get Invisalign After Braces?
It is possible, yes. So, if you had metal braces in the past, don’t just assume that you’re not a candidate for Invisalign. Instead, schedule a consultation at our office! During this visit, we will discuss your dental history, needs, and goals in order to determine if clear aligner treatment is ideal for you.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Aligners Per Day?
Patients are asked to wear their Invisalign aligners for 20 hours a day. However, the closer you can get to 22 hours, the better. The easiest way to make that goal a reality is by only taking them off when it’s absolutely necessary, like before you eat or brush your teeth.
