Hello, I'm Dr. Larry Adams here at Dental Care by Design. We get a lot of questions about Invisalign. Today, I'm going to answer some of the most common questions on this topic to help you better understand whether Invisalign may be right for you.
Dr. Adams, what is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces involving removable aligners rather than fixed brackets and wires.
How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
There are no metal brackets or wires. Instead, it is a set of removable plastic aligner trays that get switched out about every 7 to 10 days.
Is Invisalign really faster than braces?
Not necessarily. It depends on the end goal. Sometimes it can be, but in other cases, it may take just as long or longer.
Why is Invisalign often considered more comfortable than braces?
There are no sharp brackets or wires to cut your tongue, lips, or cheeks, making it much more comfortable in that regard. Also, you should take them out when you're eating or cleaning your teeth. It is much easier to clean your teeth without having all those brackets and wires on them.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
It depends on the case and the end goal.
What is the process involved in Invisalign treatment?
First, we use a digital scanner to scan the upper and lower teeth and the bite, of course. This data is then sent to Invisalign along with the patient info and goal for the end result.
What are Invisalign trays and how many will I need?
Invisalign trays are computer-generated plastic trays. You receive a set of them, and you switch them out every 7 to 10 days.
Do I sleep with Invisalign?
Yes, it is absolutely necessary to wear them all the time except when you're eating or when you're cleaning your teeth.
Is there anything that could disqualify me from using Invisalign?
Some cases are just too complex for a predictable outcome.
Can Invisalign fix crossbite?
Yes, in most cases it can.
Is Invisalign painful?
No, it's more comfortable than traditional braces.
Does most dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign?
Yes. Our experience has been that we haven't had any issues with that.
Does Medicaid cover Invisalign?
I don't know the answer to that. It has to be pre-authorized, but possibly.
How much does Invisalign cost without dental insurance?
I think it's comparable to traditional braces.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk with a dentist about Invisalign?
Simply call our office to schedule an initial digital scan. You're not committed at that time, but we send the scan off to Invisalign and get back what we call a clean check, then we review it with the patient. At that point, you decide whether you want to proceed.
I hope we've been able to answer some of your questions on Invisalign. If you have additional questions or if you're ready to take action, please give us a call at (360) 800-2372. We're here to help you. Thank you.