Quick Facts About Invisalign®
Key Benefits: Invisalign® can straighten teeth using clear, removable aligners that offer a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces.
Potential Candidates: Teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment concerns, including crowding, spacing, and bite issues, are often good candidates for Invisalign® treatment.
Treatment Details: Each set of custom-made aligners is typically worn for one to two weeks, with the overall treatment duration ranging from several months to over a year depending on complexity.
Cost: The average cost of Invisalign® treatment often ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, though final pricing can vary based on individual treatment plans and needs.
Invisalign® clear braces are designed to progressively straighten teeth to give you the confidence of a great and healthy smile. Using a series of clear, virtually invisible aligners, Invisalign® can gently and gradually shift your teeth into better alignment based on the treatment plan prescribed by your dentist.
Our Blaine dentists are experienced in crafting personalized Invisalign® treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique smile goals. From your initial consultation through your final retainer fitting, our Blaine dentists are committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Invisalign® vs. Braces
Traditional braces are composed of brackets and wires that are affixed to the teeth, often creating a significant impact on a patient’s appearance. By comparison, Invisalign® clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn. In fact, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. The aligners are also removable, so patients have greater freedom when eating and tending to their oral hygiene routine. In general, patients report enjoying the enhanced comfort, convenience, and aesthetics of Invisalign® over traditional braces.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign® Treatment?
Invisalign® is a versatile treatment that’s often suitable for a wide range of patients, though not everyone qualifies. Ideal candidates are typically teens and adults with fully erupted permanent teeth. Invisalign® can effectively address:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Open bite
- Generally misaligned teeth
Patients must be committed to wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours per day for successful results. Those with severe skeletal misalignments or complex bite issues may require traditional braces or surgical intervention instead. A consultation with our team can help determine whether Invisalign® is the right fit for your smile.
How Often Do I Need To Wear My Aligners?
It is generally recommended that you wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day and only remove them when it comes to eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Consistency is key — the more diligently you follow this schedule, the more likely you are to achieve your desired results within the projected timeline.
What Procedures Complement Invisalign® Treatment?
Invisalign® can work beautifully alongside several other dental procedures to help patients achieve a complete smile transformation. Teeth whitening is a popular complement, as freshly straightened teeth are generally an ideal canvas for brightening. Dental bonding or contouring can refine the shape of individual teeth once alignment is complete. For patients with gum concerns, periodontal treatment should be addressed before or during Invisalign® to ensure a healthy foundation. Porcelain veneers or dental crowns may be placed after treatment to enhance smile appearance and function. Together, these procedures help support a comprehensive approach to both aesthetic and functional dental health.
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?
The average cost of Invisalign® treatment in the U.S. ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. A variety of factors can influence the final total, including insurance coverage, the complexity and duration of treatment, and your geographic location. At Legacy Dental Care, we understand that cost is a prominent concern for many patients, and your dentist can give you a personalized price quote after your Invisalign® consultation. Oftentimes, Invisalign® treatment is similar to the pricing of traditional metal braces.
Additional Invisalign® Frequently Asked Questions
How effective can Invisalign® be?
Yes, Invisalign® treatment has proved transformative and beneficial for many patients over the years. Millions of patients with a wide range of dental challenges have been treated with Invisalign®. It was developed with orthodontists and is commonly used at dental practices all over the world.
Will wearing Invisalign® aligners affect my speech?
Invisalign® aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as you get used to wearing your aligners, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.
Will I need a retainer after Invisalign® treatment?
You will almost certainly need a retainer after Invisalign® treatment. Once your teeth have shifted to their desired positions, they need ongoing support to stay there, as teeth naturally tend to drift back over time, a process called relapse. Most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers full-time initially, then transitioning to nights only. Retainers after Invisalign® are typically clear and removable, similar to the aligners themselves. Skipping retention is one of the most common reasons people lose their results, so long-term retainer use is considered an essential part of treatment.
Does insurance cover Invisalign®?
Since dental benefits and coverage can differ from policy to policy, you should review your personal plan and check with your insurance provider. In most cases, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign® should be covered to the same extent as conventional metal braces.
For more information, call 763.757.1323 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.