Most of us are lucky enough to naturally develop a perfectly straight smile. Fortunately, if you have misalignment issues, you don’t need to settle for a mouthful of metal brackets and wires either. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment. This way, you can undergo orthodontic treatment discreetly. However, you may still have some unanswered questions, so continue reading. Here are the answers to some popular questions asked about Invisalign.
Is Invisalign Painful?
Just like any orthodontic treatment modality, moving teeth with Invisalign isn’t completely pain-free. Teeth get sore any time they are moved into a new position. Studies of pain/discomfort in Invisalign/aligner patients compared to braces/fixed appliance show similar levels of discomfort in both groups. Most of the discomfort from having braces is front loaded into the first week or two with appliances in the mouth. The discomfort from wearing Invisalign is usually less intense than the first two weeks in braces, but it reoccurs every time you change into a new set of aligners.
How Often Do You Need to Wear Your Trays?
You need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours each day for the ideal results. If you do not wear your trays for long enough, your teeth won’t move the way they should be. They may even shift back to their original locations, prolonging your treatment time and requiring us to accept an inferior result from treatment. Wearing clear aligners for 22 hours per day is pivotal to obtaining an ideal result.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Everyone’s treatment plan is a little different. There are multiple factors that contribute to the amount of time it takes for you to see your ideal results. On average, patients finish their Invisalign treatment after about 12 months. During your consultation, you will discuss the expected treatment time so you know when you can look forward to your results.
Will Others Notice Invisalign?
Clear aligns are very difficult to detect. They may cause your teeth to appear more shiny than usual, but it’s unlikely that anyone other than a dentist or orthodontist will notice that you are wearing trays on your teeth. Many patients appreciate the benefit of completing orthodontic treatment discreetly.
How Do You Clean Invisalign Trays?
Invisalign aligners can be cleaned with a toothbrush and cool water. You may want to use a 50:50 mix of mouthwash and water for extra freshness. The buildup isn’t usually much of a problem because you’ll likely only be wearing your aligners for a week or two before changing into a new set.
How Often Should You Clean Your Teeth?
When you have Invisalign, you should brush and floss your teeth prior to reinserting your aligners, especially if you are having a snack or meal. This helps to keep cavities and gum disease from developing due to food being trapped between your teeth and your aligners.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
This will depend on your dental insurance plan. Some of your Invisalign treatment may be covered if you have orthodontic benefits. To find out for sure, you should contact your dental insurance provider. You should also ask if there is an age limit on orthodontic benefits. You don’t want to run into any surprises.
Invisalign is an excellent option for teens and adults to straighten their smiles, but it is important to be informed. To find out if Invisalign is right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ben at Grayslake Orthodontics. This way, you can get on track toward a straighter smile!
About the Author
Dr. Ben Youel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago before completing a 12-month hospital-based residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. After practicing as a general dentist for a few years, he returned to UIC to complete a three-year orthodontic residency. Currently, he serves as a volunteer leader with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Illinois Society of Orthodontists. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule a consultation at his office in Grayslake, visit his website or call/text (847) 548-4330.
