What is Invisalign?
Treatment with Invisalign is comprised of a series of clear aligners that are custom manufactured for your teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. Invisalign technology was pioneered in 1999 by Align Technology, Inc., which is now is an undisputed leader in clear aligners therapy. Invisalign dentist network consists of more than 58,000 dental professionals around the world and the manufacturer claims to have produced over 46 million clear aligners.
How it works?
A process of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is comprised of several stages:
- First, your doctor takes precise impressions and pictures of your teeth.
- These impressions are then used to create a virtual representation of teeth movement. In many cases, your doctor will be able to show you the actual 3D projection before, during, and after the treatment is complete.
- Using your teeth impressions and treatment plan developed by your dentist, Align Technology produces a series of custom aligners (typically 20-30 pcs per arch).
- Invisalign aligners are then sent to your doctor, who will provide you with a new set (or 2 sets) every 4-6 weeks, during your regular checkups.
- To achieve a successful Invisalign treatment, each aligner must be worn for at least 20 hours a day in a specific order prescribed by your dentist.
- A typical Invisalign treatment lasts for about 1 year and could vary depending on initial condition of teeth and your commitment.
Invisalign vs. Braces
Clearly, Invisalign aligners present several benefits over traditional metal braces:
- Aesthetic – discreet and virtually invisible, they make it hard for anyone to notice you’re actually wearing them.
- Removable – Invisalign gives you the option to remove them when you eat, sleep, or brush your teeth.
- Comfortable – designed with smooth edges to prevent gums irritation.
Is Invisalign right for me?
Only your dentist can make a call on whether Invisalign is right for your specific case.
Invisalign can be suitable for treatment of the following mild conditions only:
- Crowded teeth – when a jaw does not have enough space for all the teeth to fit in properly.
- Spaced teeth – occurs when a jaw bone is too big, teeth are too small, or any of the teeth are missing.
- Crossbite – involves misalignment of both jaws, where the occlusion is reversed (upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth).
- Overbite – condition, where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth beyond acceptable range (1-2 mm).
- Underbite – a lower jaw is positioned further than upper jaw, so that lower front teeth overlap the upper ones.
The disadvantage of Invisalign, however, is that it only allows for horizontal teeth alignment, making a treatment of certain conditions, such as anterior open bite, impractical.
Therefore, treatment of complex bite problems (malocclusion) may require the use of traditional fixed orthodontic appliances. Given the advancements in orthodontic industry, today’s metal braces are smaller, less visible, and more versatile, making them suitable for addressing all major types of orthodontic problems.
Invisalign cost
According to Align Technology, the average cost of Invisalign treatment is an average of $5,000. Simple cases, however, may start as low as $3,500. Invisalign cost greatly depends on initial condition of teeth and the extent of treatment, prescribed by your dentist.
Depending on the type of dental insurance coverage, some providers may cover the cost of Invisalign treatment to some extent. Financing may be available through third-party companies, such as CareCredit, or right in your dentist’s office. Some dental offices may also offer general discounts, based on payment type, patients’ age (students), and professional occupancy.
How to find Invisalign dentist?
It is important to initially understand, that to be able to offer Invisalign as a treatment option, a dentist does not necessarily have to be an orthodontic professional (orthodontist).
However, in order to provide Invisalign treatment, dentists have to complete a specially designed training course. According to Align Technologies, as of 2007, there was an estimated 20,000 general dentists in the US, certified to offer Invisalign treatment.