If you’re considering teeth straightening options outside traditional braces, talking with an orthodontist about teeth aligners is a good place to start. Aligners use removable, clear trays to adjust your teeth. Orthodontists then use your preferred end result to evaluate if the aligners are appropriate for your case and jaw. While braces are more flexible in terms of the conditions they can treat, people usually prefer aligners for cosmetic reasons. Keep in mind that there are numerous processes and limitations to each treatment option, and an orthodontist will be able to elaborate on those for aligners.
What Are Invisible Aligners?
Invisible aligners are trays that are custom made to fit over your teeth to gently move your teeth to the desired position over the course of treatment.
Aligners don’t require brackets and wires like traditional braces. A big advantage of using aligners over traditional braces is that they are completely removable and the patient can take them out to eat, drink or even to brush and floss.
Many people mistakenly think that the aligners are completely invisible when in reality they are designed to be discreet. How discreet the aligners are, really depends on the patient and the treatment.
How Do Invisible Aligners Work?
Treatment consists of a series of custom aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired positions. Your orthodontist creates a personalized plan to determine which tooth movements are necessary and develops a series of aligners to produce these movements.
Each aligner is worn for a set period of time to allow the teeth to move into the next position. The process is repeated until the teeth are in the final, desired positions.During treatment, some patients require small attachments to be placed on the teeth to help with movement.
Since the aligners are removable, it gives the opportunity to remind the patient that for treatment to be successful, it is important that the aligners are worn at all times, except when eating, brushing and flossing.
Who May Be Suitable for Invisible Aligners?
Invisible aligners may be considered for patients with certain orthodontic concerns, including some cases of:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Certain bite problems
- Mild to more complex alignment concerns
However, suitability depends on the individual case.
If you have teeth that are misaligned, the relationship of the upper and lower teeth when they come together, more complex requirements for moving the teeth, and the health of the gums and teeth will impact the type of treatment that is offered.
In some cases, your general orthodontist may decide that treatment with traditional braces would be more appropriate. Ultimately, a diagnosis and treatment plan should be individualized based on the judgment of a licensed orthodontist.
What Does Treatment Involve?
A consultation and exam will be the first step in the process. We may take records (x-rays, pictures, models, etc.) for treatment planning.
The orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan and the patient will receive their first set of custom made aligners. The patient will also receive instructions on the frequency and duration of aligner wear.
The patient will return for follow up appointments and x-rays to allow the doctor to assess treatment progress and check the position of the teeth. If the tooth movement is not progressing according to plan, the doctor may adjust the treatment plan. It is common for patients to receive additional aligners during treatment.
The length of treatment is variable and is hard to predict before the start of treatment.
What Should You Know About Wearing Aligners?
Removability is an advantage of aligners, but there is responsibility that comes with this.
In general, patients wear their aligners for the majority of the day, including all of the time that they are not eating. It is recommended that patients remove their aligners only when eating, brushing, and flossing. If patients remove their aligners for too long, it may mess with the treatment plan.
When plaque builds up, wearing aligners over it causes the aligners to fuse to the teeth. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid plaque buildup. To prevent plaque buildup, patients should brush and floss their teeth before putting their aligners back on.
Patients should take care to clean their aligners every day per their orthodontist’s instructions. If aligners become uncomfortable, users should resist the urge to change aligners themselves, and consult their orthodontist first.
How Much Do Invisible Aligners Cost?
Probably the most common question regarding invisible aligners is regarding their cost.
There are multiple factors that determine the total cost of treatment, including the specifics of your bite, the complexity of your case, the number of aligners required, your provider, the level of after-care required, and the need for additional aligners for optimization.
When considering the cost of treatment for invisible aligners, it’s important to look beyond the initial or starting cost.
Cost of treatment for invisible aligners is based on multiple factors, and the total cost may include the first consultation, diagnostic records (x-rays, CT scans, models, etc.), the aligners, and the after-care. Some providers also include optimization and/or retainer aligners in the total cost of treatment.
A consultation will help you understand the treatment cost and the multiple financial options (if any) that may be available to you. It will also help you understand your treatment requirements in greater detail.
Are Affordable Invisible Aligners a Good Option?
There’s no reason to think that patients will not look for the best price for invisible aligners. The price of orthodontic treatment is high.
However, cost should be one of the last things you consider.
You should investigate the entire treatment process and find out who will assess your teeth, create a treatment plan, ensure your teeth are moving, and address why your treatment may not be achieving its goal.
The total price of treatment is often not disclosed and may include additional costs, like the expense of travel or other means of getting to your treatment destination.
There may be additional costs associated with your treatment that you should take into account when deciding on your treatment plan.
A treatment plan often includes many steps and the quality of these steps can impact the overall success of treatment.
How Do You Find Invisible Aligners Near You?
When looking to start treatment, many people search for invisible aligners near them.
Of course, patients have other considerations beyond distance when determining which practice to choose. These should include: the availability of an orthodontic assessment and treatment plan; the provision of ongoing and regular treatment monitoring and review, and the availability of post-treatment care.
There are several advantages of using a conveniently located dental clinic, with orthodontic treatment, which requires several visits. Treatment can be interruptible to address issues.
Patients should select a clinic based on the provider’s ability to determine their particular orthodontic requirements and plan an appropriate treatment response, as opposed to selecting a provider who uses a one size fits all treatment approach.
Do Invisible Aligners Work?
A frequently asked question is do invisible aligners really work?
They can be effective in the right circumstances for some orthodontic cases. Results will always vary case by case. You can plan for the best outcome for clear aligner therapy; however, you can’t always get the outcome you desire due to a number of limitations.
Some patients may respond well to clear aligner therapy while others may not.
Patients often look at before and after pictures of other patients to gauge the potential outcomes of their own treatment. It is important to understand these pictures may not always reflect the treatment outcomes of your case.
The best way to evaluate your alternatives is to come in for a visit. An online assessment will assist you in identifying your questions. However, the limitations of the online assessment will quickly be apparent.
Benefits and Limitations to Consider
Invisible aligners can offer several practical advantages:
- They are generally less noticeable than traditional braces.
- They can be removed for eating and oral hygiene.
- They may fit conveniently into many daily routines.
- There are no conventional brackets and wires attached to the teeth.
At the same time, there are limitations:
- They are not suitable for every orthodontic problem.
- Consistent wear according to professional instructions is necessary.
- Some cases may require attachments or additional orthodontic features.
- Treatment can take longer if the planned tooth movements do not progress as expected.
- The total cost varies depending on the individual treatment plan.
Evaluating both sides of the cases can help you make the right decision regarding your treatment with transparent aligners.
When Should You Consult an Orthodontist?
If you have any of the following issues: crowding or spacing of your teeth, misalignment of your teeth, gaps in your teeth, and/or problems with your bite, you should schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
During the assessment, you can discuss:
- Whether aligners are suitable for your condition
- What type of tooth movement is required
- How long treatment may take
- What level of compliance is expected
- What the total treatment cost includes
- Whether braces may be another option
- What follow-up and retention will involve
This will help you to understand the treatment, its cost, and commitment.
Discuss Your Aligner Treatment Options
Your decision should not be based on appearance or price. Come up with your own conclusion based on your needs after consulting a specialist on your case. The orthodontist will evaluate your situation and let you know of the available options if any.
At Dr Mathesul Invisalign Orthodontist Braces & Dental Implant Clinic, patients can discuss their orthodontic concerns and understand the available treatment options based on their individual needs.
Call us today at 8983101099 or email us at dailydentist@gmail.com to book your consultation.
Final Thoughts
Though convenient, invisible aligners may not be right for every case. Much like other orthodontic treatment methods, the alignment of the patient’s bite, the patient’s oral anatomy, the patient’s oral health, and the desired outcome must be taken into consideration when determining treatment method and plan.
It is important to look past the outward appearance of the aligners and the cost of the treatment when determining orthodontic options. Understand the treatment expectations and limitations as well as the potential costs of treatment and available options.
Invisible aligners may be an option for some patients; however, it is always a good idea to consult with an orthodontist to determine the best option for you.
