Over 10 million people (including 1.4 million teenagers) have used Invisalign to transform their smiles. Before searching for “Invisalign near me,” it helps to have a plan, though. Otherwise, you might struggle to choose the best orthodontist in Indian Trail.

Here are seven tips that can help you narrow down your choices. With these tips, you can find an experienced orthodontist you can count on. Then, you can start Invisalign treatment knowing your orthodontic team is there for you.

They’ll ensure smooth sailing through every step of your treatment.

Find your Indian Trail orthodontist using these seven tips today.

1. Talk to Other Invisalign Patients

There are over 367,000 orthodontists across the US. Not every orthodontist in Indian Trail offers Invisalign, though.

To start your search, speak with friends, family members, and coworkers who completed Invisalign treatment in the past. Take the time to ask about their experience. For example, you can ask:

• Where did you receive treatment
• Was your Indian Trial orthodontist professional and knowledgeable
• Were you satisfied with the services you received
• Do you wish you chose a different orthodontist instead
• If so, why

Your inner circle can help you make a list of family orthodontics practices in the area. They’ll help you determine which practices to avoid, too.

If your friends haven’t completed Invisalign treatment, that’s okay. Consider someone who visited an orthodontist for another reason. For example, maybe you know someone who had their braces removed recently.

Take the time to ask them questions about the orthodontist, staff, and practice. For example, was the waiting room clean? Was the staff friendly and easy to talk to?

If you still can’t get a referral, that’s okay. Search “Invisalign near me” online. Then, make a list of orthodontic practices that offer treatment.

You can use the rest of these tips to find the best Indian Trial orthodontist that offers Invisalign.

2. Check Their Training

As you start learning more about each Indian Trail orthodontist, consider visiting their website. Look for an “About Us” or biography page. Then, learn more about each orthodontist’s training and education.

First, consider where they went to school. Make sure it’s an accredited institution. Determine when they graduated, too.

It helps to find an orthodontist with years of hands-on experience in the industry. However, you’ll want to make sure their information is relevant, too. If they graduated a few years ago, determine if their training is up-to-date.

Some orthodontists prioritize continuing their education, even after graduating. These professionals strive to offer top-notch services. They’re more likely to remain up-to-date with new techniques and technologies.

You might feel more comfortable finding an orthodontist who offers the latest procedures.

If they’re using outdated training, however, they might struggle to meet your needs.

3. Look for Years of Experience

Most professionals learn from years of hands-on experience within their field. Before choosing an Indian Trail orthodontist, consider how long they’ve worked in the industry.

First, determine how long they’ve worked as an orthodontist. Then, determine how long the practice has existed.

A new business might still need to work out some operational issues. An experienced, established team is more likely to run smoothly. The staff has likely learned how to work with one another in that time, too.

Once you find an established practice, consider how many Invisalign patients they’ve helped over the years. If they’re new to offering Invisalign, scratch them off your list. You don’t want to become their first patient.

They might still need to learn how to use certain pieces of equipment.

Instead, look for an orthodontic practice that’s offered Invisalign for at least a few years. You’ll have peace of mind in their experience.

4. Make Sure They Specialize

When searching “Invisalign near me,” take the time to review the services each orthodontic practice can offer. Your orthodontist might realize you have a more extensive alignment issue. They might suggest you receive orthodontic treatment through braces instead.

Talk to them about the pros and cons between traditional braces and Invisalign.

Otherwise, make sure the practice specializes in offering Invisalign treatment.

5. Consult a Map

Before making your final choice, Google “Indian Trail orthodontist near me” and look at Google Maps. Determine where the orthodontic practice is located.

First, make sure they’re in a safe area. Otherwise, you might not feel comfortable making it to your appointments.

Then, determine how long you’ll need to travel to reach the practice. Consider the distance from your home, school, or work. Try to find a practice that’s nearby.

Otherwise, you might struggle to reach your appointments on time.

With Invisalign, you’ll need to visit your orthodontist regularly for new aligners. Traveling long distances every month can become an inconvenience. Instead, choose a practice within your general location.

You can minimize stress (and the cost of gas) by choosing a nearby practice.

6. Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a consultation appointment with one or two orthodontists on your list. Let them know you’re interested in Invisalign. Your orthodontist will let you know if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment.

During your consultation appointment, pay attention to how the orthodontist communicates.

Do they take the time to listen to your concerns? If they tend to interrupt a lot, scratch them off your list. You might struggle to communicate with them if you have issues during the course of your treatment.

Make sure they’re professional and knowledgeable, too. If they struggle to answer your questions, look elsewhere.

Instead, make sure you’re comfortable around your orthodontist. After all, you’ll see them quite a lot over the span of your treatment.

7. Discuss the Cost

Before leaving the orthodontist’s office, ask how much treatment will cost.

Determine if your insurance plan will cover the cost of treatment. If they won’t, that’s okay. Instead, ask the practice if they offer a treatment plan.

Then, review your notes to find the best option on your list.

Straighter Smiles: 7 Tips for Finding Invisalign Near Me

Searching “Invisalign near me” doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, use these tips to narrow down your choices. With these tips, you can find the best Indian Trail orthodontist with ease.

Ready to discover your stunning, straight smile? We’re here to help.

Contact us today to get started.

These days, many people are abandoning conventional metal braces and choosing Invisalign, and with good reason! Just as the name suggests, Invisalign works in the same way as metal brackets and wires but is nearly invisible.

When eating, it can be removed and put back in place after properly brushing your teeth and flossing. Although this is considered a major benefit and makes mealtime much more comfortable, it also raises the possibility of losing your clear aligners.

Many wearers forget their Invisalign case when they leave the house and decide to wrap their trays in a napkin, only later to throw them away. So what should you do if you accidentally lose or throw away your Invisalign aligner tray?

Don’t Dilly Dally

Oh no! You’ve lost your current pair of Invisalign aligners! What should you do?

First things first, don’t delay. Your trays need to be in for 20 to 22 hours a day, and if you leave them out for several hours or days, your teeth may begin to drift. This can set you back and cause your trays to fit tightly when you finally have a replacement pair.

Worse yet, you’ll have to make up for that time and won’t be able to move onto the next tray as scheduled. So don’t wait to find a solution. Take action and avoid altering your treatment plan.

Don’t Jump to the Next Tray

You may be tempted to simply skip the current tray and move on to the next set, but avoid doing this unless your orthodontist specifically requested that you do so. It is more likely that you will be recommended to advance aligners if you were nearing the end of the treatment phase with the trays you lost.

Each tray is designed to be used in a sequence and going out of order can alter the progression of your treatment. So always check with your orthodontist before altering the sequence of your plan.

Save Your Most Recent Invisalign Aligner Tray

It’s a good idea to always save your previous trays in case you accidentally lose the current ones. It may be a good idea to keep them in the resealable plastic bag they came in, with the date marked on it. After you switch to your next tray, throw them out, and keep only the set previous to your current aligners. 

If you do have your previous trays, go ahead and use them until you replace your current pair. Although they won’t make up for the trays you’ve lost, they will help you to stay on track. Remember, you should be wearing your current trays most of the day and if you’ve lost them, your previous trays are the closest things you have to them at the moment!

Call Your Orthodontist

The most important thing to do if you’ve lost your Invisalign aligner trays is to call your orthodontist right away. They will guide you and let you know what the best solution would be for you personally since each patient has a different treatment plan.

Remember, there’s no need to be embarrassed about losing your aligners. Surely your orthodontist has many other Invisalign patients, and it won’t be their first time solving this little problem. Many times, your orthodontist can get you a replacement tray at minimal or no cost.

Treatment Delays

When patients lose their aligners, they fear that their treatment will no longer work or that it will be set back months. While your treatment may be altered a bit, acting quickly can reduce the delay significantly.  Of course, if you need to receive a new set of aligners from Invisalign, you may be set back a week or two.

Plan Ahead

The best way to avoid losing your trays is by planning ahead and creating good habits. Here are some tips that will help you avoid losing your trays in the future.

• Always carry your Invisalign case with you.
• If you have trouble remembering to put your case in your bag, buy another one and always leave it in the bag you use for school or work.
• Buy an Invisalign case for home use that is a different color than the one you take with you when you leave the house. This will help you to make sure that you keep track of which one you should have in your bag and which one should stay on the bathroom counter.
• In addition to carrying an extra case with you, make an emergency dental kit. Include floss, soft picks, a toothbrush, and a miniature tube of toothpaste.
• If you do forget your case, never wrap your aligners in a napkin or tissue. Keeping them out of sight will make it more likely that you forget them and accidentally throw them out.
• At home, always remove your aligners and leave them in the same spot. For example, you might remove them in the bathroom and leave them in their case next to the sink until you can brush your teeth.
• Always save your previous trays in case you happen to lose them. This will give you a temporary tray to use until you can get a replacement.

Learn From Your Mistakes

While losing your Invisalign aligner trays can be stressful, it’s nothing to be overly worried about. With the support of your dentist, you can stay relatively on track with your treatment.

Mistakes are often the best teachers. So learn from your experience and create good habits and a routine that will help you to avoid losing your Invisalign trays again. It will all be worth it once you have the smile you always dreamed of!

What tips have helped you to avoid losing an Invisalign aligner tray? Let us know in the comments!

About 2.5 million people around the world are using Invisalign.

Many teens dread having to get their braces on, worrying about how it’ll feel and what they’ll look like. On the other hand, many teens look forward to fixing their teeth and bite.

A great answer to looking sleek while fixing your teeth is by investing in Invisalign. The clear retained is barely visible, and it works well. You won’t regret it.

For a little more convincing, make sure you keep reading below. We’ve provided the top 10 benefits of Invisalign for teens.

1. It’s Barely Noticeable

Invisalign is much less noticeable than your typical braces. Braces are made up of thin wires and chunky brackets, typically complete with funky colored rubber bands.

Teens who use Invisalign braces will barely notice them in photographs. They don’t have to worry about showing off their braces in prom photos, school pictures, or in fun selfies on Instagram.

2. They’re Great for Athletes

School athletes should heavily consider looking into Invisalign. Because they’re removable, you can pop them out before a big game to avoid any chance of injury from them.

Typical braces can cut the inside of your mouth if someone accidentally strikes you in the mouth. You’d also experience busted wires or knocked off brackets from braces that could also create injuries.

Avoid the whole situation by going with Invisalign.

3. You Don’t Have to Change What You Eat

Teens with traditional braces have to make a ton of adjustments in what they eat to avoid damage to the brackets and wires.

You can’t eat chips, bite into apples, suck on lollipops, or chew gum. The food could get stuck in the wires or remove a bracket from the tooth.

With Invisalign, all you have to do is quickly remove them while eating. Once you’re done eating, brush your teeth and pop them back in.

This will save you the headache of scheduling emergency repair appointments with your orthodontist.

4. The Results Are the Same

While learning how Invisalign works, it’s obvious to see it’s an amazing technology with even better results. There should be no worry about whether or not your teen will get the same results as typical wire braces.

Invisalign is also great for people who already had braces but need some extra fixes. They help close gaps, fix crowded spots, and increase the overall appearance of your teeth.

The technology seems too good to be true, but you can trust the process to bring you satisfactory results.

5. You’ll Have Better Dental Hygiene

Braces make brushing and flossing your teeth more difficult. It’s hard to dislodge food stuck in the brackets, and flossing between the wires is a huge pain. Because it’s such a pain, most people don’t even try.

Because Invisalign braces are so easy to pop in and out, you can carry on with your daily dental hygiene routine with no interruptions. This will keep your teeth and gums healthy while promoting fresh breath.

Don’t forget to also scrub your Invisalign with a toothbrush. It’s like taking care of an extra set of teeth.

6. You Won’t Have to Make Too Many Appointments

Teens with braces are required to schedule regular appointments with their orthodontist. Wires need to be tightened, rubber bands need to be changed, and brackets need to be repaired.

It can all get to be a bit exhausting. Avoid the hassle of constant appointments with Invisalign. While some appointments are needed for small tweaks and check-ups, you’ll be able to avoid the hassle of consistently moving around your schedule for the orthodontist.

7. They Help Boost Confidence

As silly as it may seem, it’s true that Invisalign braces help boost your teen’s confidence. Many teens are nervous about having braces because they’re worried about how they look. Braces can appear clunky.

With the sleek structure of Invisalign, your teen will be smiling more often. They won’t worry about what their smile looks like when hanging out with friends, talking to their crush, or taking pictures with friends.

It’ll be a relief to see your teen socialize more confidently. They’ll be even happier when they look into their mirror and see results. Nothing is better than a genuine smile on your child’s face.

8. They’re Comfortable

Any of us that have had braces remember the feeling of the metal rubbing against the inside of our lips. We got blisters and small cuts regularly, and it always hurt when a wire would poke out.

Invisalign is awesome because it’s comfortable to wear. Because you’ll be having to wear them for most hours of the day, it’s important to feel comfortable while doing so.

9. They Don’t Shine Under Bright Lights

Public speakers or individuals involved in dance and theater don’t want to deal with the shine of typical braces under stage lights. Avoid the unwanted shimmer and shine with Invisalign braces.

You’ll be able to sing, smile, and laugh without anyone noticing you have braces in the first place. Don’t let wires and brackets steal the show.

10. It’s a Quick, Painless Process

Avoid years of headache by investing in Invisalign. It’s a painless process that brings amazing results.

The length of the process depends on the extent of the repairs, but most people only have to use Invisalign for about a year to reach a satisfactory smile.

You Can Trust Invisalign for Teens

It’s always nerve-wracking to go to the orthodontist for the first time, especially as a teen. The bright lights, cold chairs, and sterile atmosphere can make anyone shift in their seat. Make the process a whole lot less painful by investing in Invisalign for teens.

Invisalign braces provide a sleek, painless option to correcting the bite and teeth. Teens will feel more confident in pictures, during sports games, and onstage because Invisalign is nearly invisible. They also won’t have to deal with making constant emergency appointments.

Are you convinced of investing in Invisalign? Check out the rest of our site for orthodontic help to get started. You can also ask your dentist to fill out a patient referral form.

Over the past 20 years, over five million patients started using Invisalign aligners to straighten their teeth. In a single year, orthodontists prescribed Invisalign to over 931,000 people.

If you’re a new Invisalign patient, congratulations! Before you start using your aligners, however, it’s important to know how to clean Invisalign trays. Otherwise, your trays could become discolored.

One of the main benefits of Invisalign is that no one will see your aligners! If you want to keep it that way, keep reading.

In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know to clean Invisalign trays daily. Start your road to a straighter smile with these tips today.

1. Take Them Out Every Morning

First, it’s important to remind yourself to take your Invisalign trays out every morning. You might want to keep this guide on how to clean Invisalign trays handy. That way, you can review these steps to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Removing your trays gives you the chance to clean them after a long night’s rest. Bacteria can build and spread against your trays, even as you’re sleeping.

Reminding yourself to use your Invisalign cleaner guide every morning will ensure they’re fresh for a new day!

Think of cleaning your aligners as part of your preexisting morning routine. Consider putting a sticky note on your bathroom mirror the first few days you wear your aligners. It can take a little time to adjust to this new step in your routine.

Taking your aligners out to clean them is part of maintaining your oral hygiene. Otherwise, you could go through the day with bacteria clinging to your aligners. In addition to causing discoloration, bacteria can also cause you to develop bad breath.

After removing your trays, clean both your teeth and the trays thoroughly. Make sure to review this step before bedtime, too. We’ll discuss how to clean your trays in the steps below.

2. Rinse Them Out

It’s important to dedicate yourself to learning how to clean Invisalign trays from the moment you start wearing them. Otherwise, bacteria from the food you eat will harden into plaque. Dry salvia can build against your aligners, too.

In order to keep your aligners clean, you should rinse them every time you remove them to eat. That’s in addition to your morning and evening cleanings.

Cleaning your aligners regularly will ensure bacteria and plaque don’t build against the trays.

You can clean your aligners using a clear, antibacterial soap. Try to use a soft-bristled brush. Brushing your trays will remove any particles that are stuck against the trays.

That way, they’ll look clean and clear—perfect for a bright smile!

Make sure to pack your toothbrush and a small bottle of soap everywhere you go. That way, you can clean your aligners throughout the day (instead of waiting until you get home).

3. Soak Them Once a Day

In addition to brushing and rinsing your aligners, you can also give them a nice soak. Soaking your trays in an Invisalign cleaner or denture cleaner will ensure they look and smell their best.

After letting your aligners soak, use an extra brush to clean away any plaque or food particles.

Then, give them a rinse and put them back into your mouth.

For the best results, it’s important to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours every day. You’ll also need to change to a new set of trays every one to two weeks (per your orthodontist). Once you clean them, it’s important to promptly put your trays back in.

Otherwise, you might extend the timeframe for your treatment.

You can learn more about your Invisalign timeline here.

4. Brush and Floss First

Before you put your trays back in, make sure your teeth and gums are free of food particles and bacteria. Make an effort to brush and floss before putting your trays in. Otherwise, you could trap food particles against your teeth.

Remember, food particles contribute to the spread of bacteria, which can cause plaque buildup. Plaque hardens into tartar, which can lead to gingivitis (gum disease).

Brushing and flossing first will ensure your clean Invisalign trays stay clean.

5. Don’t Leave Them in the Open

Invisalign trays cost anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000. The price range can vary depending on your insurance coverage, the severity of your case, and where you live. Regardless of how much you spend on your aligners, they’re an investment.

You wouldn’t want that investment to go to waste by failing to take care of them properly.

Each time you take your aligners out, make sure to put them back into their case. Leaving your trays in the open could expose them to bacteria. You could risk losing or damaging your trays, too.

If you do forget to put your trays in their case, make sure to soak them before putting them back into your mouth.

6. Know When to Take Them Out

Don’t eat or food or drink water when wearing your Invisalign aligners. Only drink water when your trays are in. Otherwise, food particles can stick to your aligners.

Food dyes, coffee, and tea can also stain your aligners.

Take them out before you eat, brush your teeth, clean your aligners, then put them back in.

7. Avoid Colored or Scented Products

The best way to clean Invisalign aligners is to gather the right equipment. You can use:

• Clear mouthwash
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Vinegar
• Polident
• The Invisalign Cleaning Kit

Make sure to avoid cleaning your aligners with toothpaste. Most kinds of toothpaste contain abrasive ingredients. These ingredients can cause discoloration, build up, and odor to develop.

Instead, use a mild detergent or soap to brush your aligners.

Make sure the soap you use is free of color dyes or scents. Otherwise, you could risk discoloration. Your trays won’t taste great when you put them back in, either.

How to Clean Invisalign Trays: 7 Tips for a Whiter Smile

Ready for a whiter, straighter smile? Keep these tips for how to clean Invisalign trays in mind before you put your trays in for the first time. That way, you can keep your smile looking its best (and your breath smelling minty fresh)!

Eager to discuss your treatment options? Contact us today to get started!

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Have you found yourself taking endless selfies recently and not being happy with the results? Do you ever think, “if only I had a better smile?” If so, then don’t worry, you’re not alone.

According to a study by the American Association of Orthodontists, over one-third of Americans feel that they would have a better social life if they had better teeth. Thankfully, many of the issues that we have with our smiles can be fixed with modern orthodontic solutions. And this is where Invisalign can help.

“What is Invisalign?”, you might be wondering. Well, it’s essentially a much more aesthetically pleasing alternative to the traditional metal braces that so many people try to avoid.

Are you interested in learning more Invisalign? Do you want to see if these clear aligners are right for you? If so, then continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know!

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that can fix a variety of alignment issues, including overcrowding, crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. It’s a preferred method of treatment by millions of Americans thanks to how easy it is to use and how unnoticeable it is to most people.

To better understand what Invisalign is and how it works, let’s go over the entire treatment process.

The Consultation

Before you actually wear your first Invisalign aligner, you’re first going to have to consult with your orthodontist. During this time, your orthodontist is going to examine your mouth. This is going to let them know if Invisalign is a good treatment for your oral issues.

During this time, feel free to talk to your orthodontist about any questions or concerns you might have. They can go over what the next steps of the Invisalign process are going to be for you and can answer any questions you might have.

As a result of this, you’re going to have a much clearer idea of what to expect before your treatment actually starts.

X-Rays

Either during the consultation or at a later time, the orthodontist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. All of this will help give your orthodontist a 3D map of your mouth that is going to be used to shape your aligners.

This map is also going to assist your orthodontist in figuring out how your teeth are going to move during the treatment. Throughout the process, you’re going to have multiple sets of aligners. Your orthodontist will then be able to measure your progress and make sure that the teeth are moving as planned.

The data that your orthodontist collects will be sent off to an Invisalign laboratory. There, technicians will manufacture clear aligners to your orthodontist’s exact specifications. They will then ship the aligners to you.

Getting Your Invisalign Retainers

For your first set of aligners, your orthodontist will likely want you to come in so that they can make sure everything is as it should be. You’ll then be expected to wear these aligners for the next several weeks. During this time, your teeth should shift into a more correct position.

After they’ve shifted properly, you’ll receive a new set of aligners that are going to further shift your teeth.

You’ll be expected to wear your Invisalign trays between 20 and 22 hours every day. You should only take your aligners out to eat and to floss and brush your teeth. If you keep them out for any longer, then you might prolong the treatment process.

The length of your treatment is going to depend on how serious your current dental condition is. It’s generally advised to floss and brush right after you eat so that you can shorten the amount of time that you’re not wearing your aligners.

Follow-Up

After you get your first set of aligners, you can then schedule your follow-up appointments. These appointments will help your orthodontist check on your progress. You won’t have to go after you receive each new set of aligners, however.

What to Expect with Invisalign

While Invisalign aligners will likely affect your daily life much less than if you were to wear metal braces, there are still certain things that you should be ready to expect.

First, you might have to adjust the way you speak when you wear your aligners. This is similar to if you wore a standard retainer. During your first few days of treatment, for example, you may notice that you have a slight lisp.

This should go away as your tongue adjusts to the aligners, however.

Also, when you first start to wear your aligners, your teeth and gums might feel compressed. This is normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. This is just what naturally happens as the Invisalign works to straighten out your teeth.

No matter what, it’s important that you wear your Invisalign every day. If you don’t, your teeth might not be able to adapt properly.

If you’re feeling tenderness in your mouth, then you can wear dental wax over the edges of your aligner. This will stop the aligner from scraping against your mouth.

And when it comes to maintenance, you should clean your aligners often. This way, they won’t get dirty or discolored.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now feel that you have a pretty good answer to the question, “what is Invisalign?” If you’re one of the many adults who is looking to get orthodontic work done, then you should definitely consider this simple and effective treatment.

Are you looking for a new orthodontist to help correct your smile? If so, then contact us today and see what we can do for you!

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If you’ve always dreamed about having perfect teeth, you’re not alone.

According to the National Library of Medicine, roughly 65% of American adults have misaligned teeth.

If you or one of your children has misaligned teeth, it has never been easier to get them straightened than now, thanks to Invisalign. It’s never too late to finally get that perfect set of straight pearly whites.

If you’re thinking about correcting your misaligned teeth, sit tight! We’re breaking down how Invisalign works.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign does what the name suggests, invisibly aligns your teeth with clear retainers. Invisalign is a company that creates invisible aligner trays for your mouth through 3D imaging or putty impressions.

How Invisalign Works

If you’ve been considering getting your teeth straightened, you’re considering the option of using a clear aligner. You may be wondering, how does Invisalign work?

The clear aligners gradually move your teeth in straight formation through applied force. Each tray is different.

Typically, people will wear each tray for one to two weeks before moving onto a new tray; however, this is dependent on your orthodontic treatment plan.

The amount of trays you’ll need depends on your orthodontists’ recommendation based on your specific needs.

What Is Invisalign Made of?

Invisalign is made from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. This patented formula is exclusive to Invisalign, which provides a more comfortable fit that makes them easier to take on and off.

The material is FDA approved, is BPA free, BPS free, and latex and gluten-free.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?

If your teeth are misaligned, you usually fall into two different camps:

• You had braces as a child, but your teeth shifted
• You never had braces

Whatever is the case, Invisalign can help straighten your teeth. You may be wondering, though, how long does it take for Invisalign to correct my teeth?

The short answer to the question is that it depends. Several factors go into treatment and length of Invisalign use. Nonetheless, many people notice a difference in their teeth in a few weeks.

Every case is different and depends on your unique set of challenges and circumstances. The typical length of time that it takes to correct someone’s teeth using Invisalign is 12 months.

However, for extreme cases, it may take up to 18 months. Here are a few factors that may increase the amount of time you need to wear Invisalign.

Teeth Crowding

Depending on how close your teeth are set together, it may take more time to correct this issue with Invisalign. Minor cases of crowding may take up to 6 months, while moderate cases could take up to a year.

For severe cases of crowding, it could take more than a year.

Gaps in Teeth

If you have minor to moderate gaps in your teeth, you can expect that Invisalign can adjust your teeth in 6-12 months. For more severe cases, it may take longer or require additional services after Invisalign.

In some instances, it may be necessary to use bonding or veneers to correct the gap.

Patient Age

Invisalign works well for teens and adults. Teens may see a more noticeable change quicker than adults, given that teens are still growing. This allows the teeth to shift more quickly.

Nonetheless, different people have different times of correction. How quickly Invisalign works for various ages depends on their unique needs, adherence to the treatment plan, and other factors.

Inconsistent Use

When it comes to using aligners, consistency is vital. It is always advised that you follow your treatment plan. Wearing your aligners inconsistently can increase the amount of time required to wear your Invisalign trays.

Additionally, if you’re not wearing your aligners to the specified amount of time, you may notice some regression in your treatment. The best course of action is to follow your treatment plan to the best of your ability.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Besides the obvious fact that Invisalign is clear, there are other reasons why Invisalign trays may be a better option than traditional braces.

You may also be weighing the options of clear braces. If so, you may want to consider your options between Invisalign vs. clear braces.

Food Restrictions

If you’re choosing to wear traditional braces, you may have some food restrictions. This is because some foods make it easy to snap the metal wires, making your treatment less effective, and expensive.

Some food restrictions that come along with traditional braces are:

• Crunchy foods – popcorn
• Hard foods – hard candy or nuts
• Chewy foods – bagels or licorice
• Sticky foods – gum or caramel

Because Invisalign trays are removed while you eat, there are no food restrictions when it comes to Invisalign. This is a definite plus!

Comfort

Many people can probably remember a childhood friend who complained about their braces feeling too tight, their rubber bands coming out, or their wires snapping. It all boiled down to one understanding. Traditional braces are uncomfortable.

While Invisalign doesn’t have any rubber bands or metal wires, they use force to move your teeth into alignment. So while they may have some discomfort, you won’t have to worry about rubber bands and wires poking your gums.

Convenience

Let’s face it, traditional braces aren’t very convenient. Just ask any teenager with braces to smile for a picture.

Traditional braces can stick out like a sore thumb on our face causing us to feel self-conscious. Even clear braces still have metal, which can stand out at times.

However, Invisalign is invisible and just more user-friendly. They make life more convenient when we eat when we take a picture or any other time where you wouldn’t be able to remove your braces for a second.

The Choice Is Clear

We hope this helps you understand how Invisalign works. If you’re looking to straighten your teeth or have your child’s teeth straightened, the choice is clear. Invisalign can help you get the straight teeth you’ve always dreamed of, and in some instances, faster than braces.

If you’re looking to set up a consultation, please contact us. We’ll answer any questions that you have. You can also feel free to check our blog for answers.

Did you know that more than 4 million American citizens wear dental braces and nearly a quarter of them are adults? Braces are required for people who have a misaligned jaw or people who need to align their teeth properly.

But there are many types of braces out there such as clear, metal, or Invisalign braces, and many people are wondering which one is cheaper. This article looks at the cost factors when it comes to clear braces vs. Invisalign, so keep reading to find out what budget to prepare for this health investment!

The Type of Braces You Choose Influences the Total Cost

As mentioned earlier, there are many types of braces out there. You can go for regular metal braces, as these are the most affordable. You might expect to pay a couple of thousand dollars for these braces, depending on your doctor and needs.

You can also go for ceramic braces, which are basically clear braces. These don’t have metallic components and their color blends with the color of the teeth for a seamless look.

Finally, you can also go for Invisalign braces. These are made from plastic and they replicate the looks of your teeth.

Most people cannot tell if you’re wearing them and they’re still very effective at straightening your teeth. Invisalign braces are usually the most expensive and some people might pay up to $8,000 for them.

Your Age Influences the Cost as Well

Adults should expect to pay more for any type of dental braces. That’s because grown men and women usually have larger oral cavities and larger teeth, so more material needs to be used to make the brakes.

On the other hand, if you want to buy clear braces or Invisalign for children, you should expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars less.

The Number of Follow-Up Visits Can Affect the Total Cost

If you go for regular dental braces, these are usually worn for a period of 12 or 24 months. In some rare cases, your doctor might recommend wearing them for 36 months to completely straighten your teeth.

You also have to do follow-up visits so that your doctor adds new wires and tightens your braces. These visits might take place once a month.

If you go for Invisalign braces, these can be worn for a period of 6 up to 18 months, depending on your needs. You also have to do follow-up visits, usually once every four or six weeks.

Whether you go for Invisalign or regular braces, these visits can add up to the total cost you pay for your dental treatment. If you go for Invisalign, you might pay more upfront, but you will have fewer follow-up visits in comparison with regular braces that are cheaper, but require more doctor appointments.

Your Insurance Company Might Cover Some of the Costs

Whether you go for clear ceramic braces vs Invisalign ones, you might be happy to find out that a portion of the cost can be covered by your health insurance. In some cases, the insurance company might cover as much as a few thousand dollars, allowing you to save almost 50% of the total cost.

Make sure that you discuss this with your insurance agent and find out if the company covers the cost of dental braces so you know exactly how much you should pay out of pocket.

You Don’t Have to Pay the Entire Price Upfront

Some people are worried that braces can only be acquired by paying the entire cost at once. This is not the case.

Your doctor might offer you a quote for the braces that you need, whether you go for clear or Invisalign ones. Then, some of the costs will be covered by the insurance company and the remaining cost will be divided into a period of 12 or 24 months.

So if you have to pay just $2,400 out of pocket for a period of 24 months, you’re looking at $100 payments each month. This is great because it allows many people to afford clear or Invisalign braces for themselves or their children.

Your Location Can Also Influence the Total Cost

As you probably know already, there are big price differences when it comes to products and services sold in rural areas in comparison with those sold in large cities. Dental braces are no exception in this case and if you live in a large city, you should expect to pay more for these products.

However, the payment difference is not abnormally huge and it still permits patients to afford clear or Invisalign braces.

Making the Correct Choice: Clear Braces vs. Invisalign Braces

As mentioned earlier, your doctor can tell you what type of braces is more suitable for your teeth. However, you can also have a say in this and choose the braces that make you feel the most comfortable.

If you want your braces to be as inconspicuous as possible, you might want to go for Invisalign. These can be removed easily when you eat and they blend perfectly with your teeth. However, there’s also the risk of losing the braces or damaging them if you’re not careful, so make sure that you take this aspect into account too.

On the other hand, clear braces are hugely popular these days. However, they can get stained easily, so make sure you don’t drink any fizzy beverages, because they can significantly deteriorate the braces and your teeth.

Now You Know More About Clear and Invisalign Braces

Hopefully, now you know more about clear braces vs. Invisalign costs and you can make a more informed decision. Although dental braces can produce slight discomfort in the beginning, you will quickly get used to them and you might even forget you’re wearing them.

Are you interested in getting braces? Then make an appointment with us today!