All About Invisalign with Southern Smiles
Hey there. This is Dr. Shakally with Southern Smiles. We get a lot of calls to our office and inquiries about Invisalign, clear aligners, or braces. I'm here to answer some of those questions you may have and hopefully clarify some things.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is essentially trays that you put on top of your teeth and switch out every one to two weeks, depending on what we're doing. They slowly move your teeth over time. They can help fix the bite or make your teeth straighter in a low-profile, almost invisible way. It's really nice for adults who still have meetings and need to take pictures. It's much cleaner than braces because you just take them out and brush your teeth like normal.
How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
That's a great question. Sometimes, Invisalign may not be for you, and traditional braces might be the better option. For those who are good candidates for Invisalign or other clear aligners, the difference between Invisalign and braces includes the ability to remove Invisalign, which is convenient for short periods, like taking pictures. It's nice to take them out to eat, so your teeth don't get dirty, and you have the ability to brush more easily. Invisalign is a much lower profile, almost invisible in most cases. They don't differ much in how quickly they move teeth; they have similar speeds. Some movements may not be possible with Invisalign, but the technology is continually improving.
Is Invisalign faster or slower than braces?
A very common question is whether Invisalign is faster or slower than braces. All studies show they are very similar in speed. A lot depends not on the aligners themselves but on how quickly teeth can move through bone. There are limitations on how fast or slow that can happen.
Why is Invisalign often considered more comfortable than braces?
Invisalign allows you to take them on or off whenever you want, which is convenient for brushing your teeth and eating. They tend to be less bulky. Braces can cause lip injuries from the metal brackets, which is another reason Invisalign is more comfortable.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
It really depends on how much we're trying to move. I've had cases as short as four months, usually for someone who had braces and just lost the retainer, causing slight teeth shifting. I've also seen cases as long as three to four years. The duration depends on the amount of movement needed.
What is the process involved in Invisalign treatment?
The process involves starting with a full exam, taking a full set of X-rays to ensure the mouth is in pristine condition with no cavities, infections, or gum disease. If all is well, we do a digital scan of the teeth, which is cool because you can see your teeth in real time. We can simulate what they could look like. After taking pictures, we submit this to the software. We analyze the person's face and goals, asking questions about the patient's expectations. If everyone is happy, we decide on the duration, get patient approval, fabricate the aligners, and deliver them. The process usually takes three to four weeks.
What are Invisalign trays and how many will I need?
Invisalign trays are what Invisalign is. They click into your teeth, and you wear them for 22 hours a day, only removing them when eating. You change trays every one to two weeks. Each tray moves teeth slightly until the desired result is achieved. The number needed depends on the amount of movement, ranging from 6 months to three or four years.
Do I sleep with Invisalign?
Yes, you are expected to wear Invisalign for about 22 hours a day for them to work effectively. Most people sleep for eight hours, so you only remove them when eating.
Is there anything that could disqualify me from using Invisalign?
Some patients ask if they are good candidates for Invisalign or if there's something that disqualifies them. Unfortunately, sometimes yes. It often doesn't have to do with Invisalign itself but with the ability to move teeth safely. If someone has infections, serious gum disease, or bone loss, Invisalign could accelerate the damage. That's why a full exam, x-rays, and ensuring teeth are in pristine condition is crucial before moving forward.
Can Invisalign fix crossbite?
Many people ask if Invisalign can fix a crossbite. For a long time, it was thought no, but the technology has improved significantly, and skilled professionals can now fix crossbites with Invisalign.
Is Invisalign painful?
Some people ask if Invisalign is painful, and I would say absolutely not. I remember traditional braces as a kid compared to using Invisalign myself, and it's much less painful. You may feel sore the first day of using new trays, but you usually get used to it quickly. At worst, an ibuprofen is enough.
Does most dental insurance cover the cost of a visit?
Some patients ask if their dental insurance covers Invisalign. It has been increasing in frequency for insurance companies to cover Invisalign for adults or orthodontics in general. It's about a 50/50 chance. You can call us to see how much your total cost would be, how much insurance would cover, and we have various payment plans available.
Does Medicaid cover?
Some people call and ask if Medicaid covers Invisalign. Each state has its own rules, but generally, Medicaid is targeted toward emergency care, especially in Arizona. In Arizona, the answer is no. It may differ in other states, but typically it's an out-of-pocket cost.
How much does Invisalign cost without dental insurance?
The cost of Invisalign depends on several factors. Some providers charge based on whether it's a limited or complicated case. For example, if you've had braces before and your teeth crowded slightly, that might be a limited case with a lower fee. The cost also varies depending on whether treatment is done by an orthodontist or a general dentist, location, and insurance coverage. Invisalign allows for various payment options since it's a long treatment. We work with patients on different financing options. The best answer is to call us for a full exam and consult.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk with the dentist about Invisalign?
Patients often ask how to schedule an appointment to talk about Invisalign. We schedule a consult just like we do with everyone else. Before taking X-rays, we discuss expectations, previous experiences, and whether Invisalign is a good fit. If not, we might recommend an orthodontist. A consult is the best way to start, and from there, we proceed with X-rays and ensure teeth are in pristine condition before starting Invisalign.
I hope I was able to answer your Invisalign questions. We do a lot of them here, and they are truly one of my favorite treatments, especially when part of a bigger plan. If you live in or near Phoenix, AZ, and are looking to schedule an Invisalign consult or have questions, contact us at (480) 530-0755. You can also email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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