Clear Aligner Therapy: 7 Frequently Asked Questions
Are you dissatisfied with your smile? Have you been experiencing problems with your teeth as a result of crooked teeth or an improper bite? The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions we have answered for our patients during their consultation appointment:
What is clear aligner therapy?
Clear aligner therapy is an orthodontic treatment option that gradually corrects the positioning of the teeth as patients wear a series of clear aligners. Each aligner is custom designed for slight shifts over a period of time until optimal results are achieved.
Are clear aligners right for me?
Invisalign can be used to successfully correct every type of malocclusion: overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and more. It is also a successful treatment plan for crowded teeth, gap teeth, or generally straighter teeth.
What can I expect during my consultation?
At your consultation appointment, you will have the opportunity to see the science behind your new smile and actually preview what Invisalign treatment can do for you with customized before and after images. Our iTero Element Scanner eliminates the need for messy molds. Taking 6,000 images per second, the scanner will instantly generate a 3D rendering of your mouth. Then, the scanned images will be loaded into the ClinCheck Software in which Dr. Joel will work with Invisalign technology to expertly design every shift of each tooth. This individualized plan can be previewed on the spot so that you can see exactly what clear aligner therapy can do for you.
How does clear aligner therapy work?
The individualized treatment plan will map each movement of every tooth. A series of clear aligners are custom designed to apply gentle force with precision. Progress is monitored at every step so that you can be assured that your treatment is going according to plan and the aligners are fitted and trimmed correctly.
What is Invisalign made of and what does it look like?
Invisalign SmartTrack is a patented, flexible thermoplastic material that is both BPA-free and BPS-free, and does not contain latex or gluten. The thin aligners are clear and custom fit for maximum comfort and virtual invisibility. The trimmed and contoured gum line ensures an ideal, snug fit.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of treatment varies depending on each patients’ needs. By using the aligners for 22 hours each day, you will be closer and closer to your new smile. The timeline for Invisalign treatment can be faster than or similar to braces, depending on each individual’s case. The full course of treatment could typically be anywhere from 3 months to 2 years. Most patients complete their treatment by using an Invisalign retainer to keep their new smile in place.
How much does Invisalign cost?
You might be surprised by how affordable your new smile can be. Our patients typically find that the cost of Invisalign treatment is actually similar to the cost of traditional braces. Depending on your plan, insurance may cover costs up to $3,500. Since patients also may use pre-tax dollars through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), there are actually three ways to pay. As an Invisalign provider, Smile Center can walk you through a monthly payment plan process that works best for you. Ultimately, an investment in your smile could save you thousands of dollars by helping you avoid the negative side effects of having misaligned teeth.
Dr. Joel Butterworth is a Platinum Invisalign Provider who has helped hundreds of patients in the Fredericksburg region achieve the smile they deserve. Call the office today to book an appointment and learn more about clear aligner therapy. We look forward to discussing the many reasons why Invisalign could impact your smile and your life.
Published: August 9, 2018
