How does Invisalign compare to traditional treatment?
So Invisalign is a series of clear aligners, which are designed to move your teeth to correct, for example, one patient might be trying to correct a crossbite. Another patient might be trying to correct a gap in their teeth. Another patient might be trying to correct any crowding in their teeth. It's a series of clear aligners that are designed specifically for your case, and a patient wears them for a designated length of time to correct the problem that they have.
Is Invisalign really faster than braces?
Invisalign, usually, yes. It is usually faster than braces, much faster than braces.
Why is Invisalign often considered more comfortable than braces?
Invisalign is usually considered more comfortable than braces because the movements built into Invisalign are usually slow and gradual. With Invisalign trays, the patient is always wearing the trays and the movements are subtle, providing slight pressure instead of sudden pressure, which is common with braces tightening. Because the trays are sleek and firm to your teeth, you don't feel the discomfort of metal wires in your mouth. Patients generally find Invisalign to be a more comfortable orthodontic treatment.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
The length of treatment time can vary for every patient because it's designed to move your own teeth. Every patient has a different problem that we are trying to solve. So based on the intensity of the problem we are trying to correct, the length can vary. But on average, Invisalign typically averages anywhere from four months to eight months of treatment time.
What is the process involved in Invisalign treatment?
The process for Invisalign treatment is very simple and straightforward. When a patient comes in for a consultation, I will ensure they are qualified and that it is the best treatment for them. We do a quick 3D scan, take precise pictures, and submit them to Invisalign. They create a 3D model and produce the trays. We bring the patient back in, give them the trays, and provide instructions on how to use them. We schedule a couple of checkups during the treatment to monitor progress. Finally, we do a final check, remove any attachments, and create retainers. The whole process does not involve any needles or drills.
How many Invisalign trays might I need?
The number of Invisalign trays you need can vary based on the length of your treatment. One person might need 15 trays, while another might need 60 trays. The number of trays is determined by what we are trying to correct and achieve for you.
Do I sleep with Invisalign?
Yes, patients do sleep with Invisalign. This ensures that the movement is consistent and prevents any backward movement, helping to complete the treatment efficiently and quickly so you can enjoy your beautiful smile.
Is there anything that could disqualify me from using Invisalign?
There are some factors that can disqualify a patient from getting Invisalign treatment. If a patient has severe active decay, we need to address that first. Active periodontal disease is another disqualifier because we need healthy gums to support tooth movement. Any infection in the mouth also needs to be treated before starting Invisalign.
Can Invisalign fix crossbite?
Invisalign can fix many types of crossbites. However, certain types of crossbites may not be suitable for Invisalign. We evaluate each patient to determine if Invisalign can effectively treat their specific type of crossbite.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign is not painful. Sometimes patients may feel some discomfort, which usually subsides within the first week, but there is no pain afterward.
Does most dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign?
Invisalign can be covered by dental insurance, but it depends on your specific plan and benefits. Coverage can vary from $500 to $2,000 based on the policy, age limitations, and other factors.
I hope I was able to answer most of your questions. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to call us at (603) 634-9445, and we will be happy to help you.
If you want straight teeth but don’t want metal brackets and wires, it’s time to find out whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, the orthodontic alternative to conventional metal braces for both adults and teens. Smiles by the Sea family dentistry in Hampton, NH, is home to experienced, certified Invisalign providers and highly skilled dentists who can create the flawless smile you’ve always wanted.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign can correct almost every alignment problem that metal braces can fix, and it gets the job done discreetly and much faster than conventional braces. Whether your teeth are crowded, crooked, gapped, or otherwise out of place, you can have an aligned smile in an average of 12 months, though some cases will take less time and others will take a little longer.
Here’s how the nearly invisible aligners work:
- Tooth crowns and roots are moved simultaneously
- Teeth are shifted a few at a time until the entire mouth is in alignment
- Movements are gentle and consistent
Before a patient can qualify for Invisalign, they must undergo a thorough examination to determine if they are a good candidate for this treatment. A careful review of your teeth and bite and 3D images will inform your dental provider and make it clear whether you would benefit from this orthodontic device. If so, a complete, customized treatment plan will be developed and you will be issued a series of custom-crafted aligners made from durable, clear plastic that fit snugly against your teeth.
How Long Will Invisalign Treatment Last?
Average Invisalign time commitment is one year, but every patient is different. Here are some of the basic factors that affect how long a patient must wear Invisalign:
- Patients with minor gaps or a relapse from braces worn in the past may need only six months of Invisalign.
- The teeth of teen patients may move more quickly than an adult’s teeth. This may or may not affect timeline, depending on the dentist’s plan.
- Patients with severe crowding or other complex issues may have treatment that goes beyond one year.
- Anyone who doesn’t wear their trays as instructed will fall out of compliance and treatment could take much longer than originally anticipated.
The Rules of Wearing Invisalign
Half of the success of Invisalign is a patient’s dedication to their treatment and willingness to wear the trays as indicated by your Hampton dental provider. Here are your responsibilities:
- Drink only water when Invisalign is in place to avoid staining
- Clean trays and teeth before putting Invisalign back in place
- Change aligners about every two weeks, or per your provider’s instructions
- See your Hampton dentist every six weeks for a check-up and to collect new sets of trays
The success of Invisalign is fully dependent on a patient’s adherence to the rules. If you wear your trays as indicated, clean them carefully, and change them as instructed, your treatment should progress flawlessly.
Tips for Managing the Invisalign Time Commitment
It’s incredibly important for the trays to be on your teeth for as long as possible every day. And think about it – in a year, maybe even less, you’ll have a straight, healthy smile.
To help you manage this timeline, make good use of your mobile devices:
- Set a timer for every meal for 20 to 30 minutes. It’s easy to get caught up in meal conversation with others and forget to put your trays back in place.
- Set alerts to clean your trays day and night and after meals.
- Set reminders to change out your trays with the newest set of aligners.
- Add your dental visits to your calendar and make sure reminders pop up.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign is a form of orthodontics, so the wearer will certainly feel pressure and discomfort from time to time as teeth shift in your mouth. Those trays are doing hard work to move your teeth into alignment. Because of how Invisalign works and looks, though, you will discover many benefits of this treatment:
- Discreet: Whether you’re an adult going to work every day or a student going to school, you won’t have to worry about Invisalign drawing attention. The trays are subtle, slim, and unnoticeable. Your confidence will never falter and, in fact, will only grow as your teeth become straighter.
- Removable: You are obligated to wear your trays nearly around the clock, but when you want a break from your treatment, you can take it. The clear aligners are removable, which also means you can clean your teeth easily and enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions, unlike the journey wearers of conventional braces experience.
- Comfortable: No brackets or wires means nothing jagged or sharp poking into your lips, gums, or cheeks. These dental trays are smooth and secure.
Are You a Good Candidate for Hampton Invisalign?
Both adults and teens can qualify to wear Invisalign. If you want straight teeth, but you don’t want your orthodontics to interfere with your lifestyle, this orthodontic device can be the answer. Schedule a consultation at Smiles by the Sea in Hampton to find out whether this modern method of straightening teeth is right for you.
You might like the look of Invisalign. You might dream of getting that straight smile you’ve always wanted. But the first thing you need to find out from your Hampton, NH, dentist is whether you are a good Invisalign candidate. At Smiles by the Sea, Dr. Harbpinder Shevchenko is a certified Invisalign provider who will examine your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and determine if this treatment is right for you.
Alignment Problems Invisalign Can Fix
Every patient is different but, but Invisalign can fix nearly every alignment problem a person has, just like conventional metal braces. There will always be exceptions depending on the complexity of your case, but the following conditions can be corrected with clear aligners:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Gaps
- Crowding
- Crooked teeth
During your initial exam, digital x-rays, and 3D imaging, your Hampton Invisalign provider will get a complete picture of what your alignment is right now and whether Invisalign is the right route to take to give you the smile you want.
Reasons Patients Choose Invisalign
Invisalign has been around for decades, and its existence has made straight teeth a viable option for so many people who once thought they would never have perfect teeth. Adults and teens alike can potentially qualify as an Invisalign candidate, and most wearers choose this dental treatment for one or more of the following reasons:
- Discretion: Adults who never thought they’d have straight teeth believed so because they didn’t want to wear conventional braces. Invisalign, though, is as discreet as can be. The thin, snug, clear aligners cling to teeth without drawing attention to themselves.
- Flexibility: If you’re wearing braces, you can’t take them off. If you’re wearing Invisalign, you must keep them on your teeth for 20 to 22 hours a day, but they are removed for every meal and snack for a little taste of freedom.
- Speed: Braces usually take about two years to complete treatment. Invisalign takes an average of 12 months, sometimes even less depending on your unique misalignment. Teeth and roots are moved at the same time which speeds up treatment, even though only a few teeth are being moved at a time.
- Comfort: Smooth aligners are far easier to wear than metal brackets that poke and scrape at the soft tissue of your mouth. You won’t have to worry about anything snagging on your lip or cheek, only keeping your Invisalign trays clean so they are clear and odor-free.
- Oral health: It’s not easy to brush brackets and wires. It’s easy to clean Invisalign trays and brush and floss your teeth as normal when you can remove the aligners. Keeping your teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment is just as important as maintaining good oral hygiene after you’re done with treatment.
Find Out if You’re an Invisalign Candidate in Hampton, NH
If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign and finding out if this treatment can benefit you in any way, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shevchenko and her team at Smiles by the Sea in Hampton, NH. She has treated hundreds of patients, revitalized their smiles, improved their oral health, and given them new confidence, all thanks to customized Invisalign treatment.
Whether you need your entire smile realigned, have a few spaces or crooked teeth that need to be adjusted, or have relapsed from previous orthodontic treatment and now suffer with minor spacing issues, Invisalign could be responsible for making the smile changes you’re craving. Contact us today to learn more.
Invisalign for Adults
Many adults want straight teeth. They dream of that perfectly aligned smile, but they have never pursued it because they don’t want to sport metal braces. Invisalign for adults has changed these circumstances for millions of people, offering a discreet orthodontic alternative that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. At Smiles by the Sea in Hampton, NH, Dr. Harbpinder Shevchenko is a certified Invisalign provider and prepared to create a customized treatment plan that works for your lifestyle.
A Reasonable Invisalign Schedule
Adults don’t have a lot of spare time and you may not be interested in filling what little free time you have with yet another responsibility. But braces of any kind require your regular attention, though some are far less demanding than others.
Here is the kind of time commitment you can expect with Invisalign for adults:
- Dental visits: You will need to see your Invisalign provider every six to eight weeks for a checkup and to collect your next sets of aligners.
- Daily wear: Trays must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day and are only removed for meals, snacks, and cleaning.
- Bi-weekly wear: You will be instructed to change out old trays for new ones approximately every two weeks. Each set of aligners is designed to move certain teeth at certain times to achieve complete alignment.
- Overall: The average Invisalign treatment takes about one year to complete, but it could take less time for simpler cases or more time for complex misalignment.
Benefits of Invisalign for Adults
Invisalign is a worthwhile investment in yourself and your current and future oral health. When you compare the demands of Invisalign for adults with the dividends it delivers, there really is no good argument against this treatment and what it can offer.
- Discretion: If you’re anti metal-mouth, have no fear – Invisalign for adults is clear. The trays are very difficult to see on the teeth because they are colorless and super thin. No one will know you’re wearing Invisalign at work, in photos, at home, or anywhere.
- Comfort: Traditional braces involves brackets and wires, which often snag and poke sensitive lips and cheeks, but Invisalign trays are smooth. There is a little pressure with all braces because they are moving teeth after all, but you’ll adjust to the sensation quickly.
- No food restrictions: Unlike braces-wearers, Invisalign for adults allows the wearer to eat whatever they want whenever they want simply by removing their trays. Just make sure they aren’t out of your mouth for more than three to four hours a day.
- Easy cleaning: Being able to continue brushing and flossing your teeth as normal is a big deal, just ask anyone with brackets on their teeth. The only extra job you have to do is clean your trays to keep them clear and odor-free.
- Healthier teeth: Straight teeth are healthier teeth. It’s easier to clean in all the nooks and crannies, which means a lower chance of tooth decay, infections, gum disease, or other oral health problems.
Invisalign for Adults from Hampton Dentist Near Me
If you are ready to learn more about Invisalign and find out if you’re a good candidate for this procedure,contact your Hampton dentist and certified Invisalign provider at Smiles by the Sea. This high-performing treatment has made a straight smile possible for so many adults, and it begins with a dental exam and digital imaging to review your teeth and their potential.