Invisalign and Clear Aligner F&Q
What is invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used by orthodontists to move teeth. Other clear aligner companies include 3M Clarity Aligners or Henry Schein’s Reveal Clear Aligners.
Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional braces and are designed to help guide teeth into their proper position.
Similar to braces, clear aligners use a gradual force to control tooth movement, but without metal wires or brackets. The aligners are made of a strong plastic material and are fabricated to fit each individual's mouth.
How does Invisalign or CLear Aligners work?
Similar to braces, clear aligners use a gradual force to control tooth movement, but without metal wires or brackets. The aligners are made of a strong plastic material and are fabricated to fit each individual's mouth.
A series of aligners is used, and each aligner moves the teeth in small increments, usually only 1/4 of a millimetre at a time, until the desired movement is achieved.
Aligners are worn for at least 22 hours a day to reach the desired maximum effectiveness. Each aligner is worn for two weeks before changing to the next one. The length of treatment with aligners depends upon the severity of each case.
Dr. Moran may use attachments on a few or all of the teeth to help the plastic trays grip the teeth and complete the necessary movements.
What are attachments or “buttons”?
Attachments or “buttons” are tiny tooth-colored “bumps” that are bonded to the teeth using dental composites. They will be placed at precise locations to allow the aligners to grip the teeth as they are guiding them to their new locations.
What is the process to get started with aligner treatment?
After your initial orthodontic consult, Dr. Moran and the treatment coordinator will collect full diagnostic records including a 3D x-ray, 3D digital scan of the teeth, and photos.
We will send these to the clear aligner company along with a prescription from the doctor. Using the information given to them, the company will make your custom-made aligners (after your proposed treatment has been approved by the doctor). This process usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
Once we receive your aligner case, we will get you back for an appointment to deliver your very first aligners.
At this delivery appointment, you will be given instructions on how to properly care for your aligners. We will usually send you off with 3-4 sets of aligners then we get you back again in about 4-6 weeks to deliver your next 2 sets. This process continues until we reach the end of your aligners.
How often do I have to come in for appointments?
Usually about 4-6 weeks. This will depend on how quickly things are moving along and how extensive your treatment is. The doctor will be able to better determine this during your treatment.
Do aligners take longer than braces?
Dr. Moran evaluates the type of movements that are necessary to move your teeth to help decide if aligners are right for you.
By doing this, we are able to ensure that your treatment in aligners will be comparable to time in braces with proper wear.
What happens if I lose a set of aligners?
Depending on how long you have already worn the missing aligner, we may just move you up to your next aligner or we may have to order a new one from the clear aligner company.
If we have to order a new one, we will have you wear the previous aligner until the new one arrives.
If completing a full orthodontic treatment with aligners, there will be no fee for the new aligner. We will simply move onto the next “stage”!
What Is a “stage” or “refinement” in clear aligner treatment?
A “stage” or “refinement” is a normal part of nearly all aligner treatment plans.
When completing treatment with clear aligners, computer algorithms estimate how quickly your teeth will move and in what direction. These predictions are used to make the trays, but since everyone’s teeth move at different rates, your teeth may not follow the set progression.
If we notice a tooth is not “tracking”, or following this progression, we simply re-scan your teeth and send it out for a new “stage”.
When we submit this new “stage”, we let the computer algorithm know which teeth were not tracking. It can then make changes to the trays to pay special attention to these teeth.
While submitting for a new stage, you will remain in your current aligner.
Once we have received the new “stage”, we will have you come back into the office and give you your new trays!
With Foundations Orthodontics, all comprehensive orthodontic treatment plans include unlimited stages so you leave with a perfect smile!
Will wearing the aligner affect my speech at all?
Just like any other mouth appliance, wearing the aligner will take some getting used to and could affect your speech. Most people get used to having them in after a week or two.
Are there certain foods I should avoid during my Invisalign treatment?
No. When you eat, the aligners can be removed so there are no food restrictions.
Is invisalign painful?
Depending on the amount of movement that happens with each aligner, there can be some discomfort that usually lasts for about 24-48 hours. Taking Ibuprofen can be helpful in alleviating some of this discomfort.
During the first few days in treatment, the patient may experience some soreness. This is because the teeth are not accustomed to having pressure being applied to them and the teeth are beginning to move. During this time, we recommend avoiding biting into any hard foods and taking pain medicine as needed.
After the first few days in treatment, the teeth should no longer be sore. When starting a new tray, a patient may notice a specific tooth or area is sore. That means that specific tray is focused on moving those teeth and that it is doing it’s job!
How much does invisalign cost?
Each treatment fee is customized based on the patients goals for treatment. From straightening just a few teeth to full orthodontic treatment, there is a wide range in fees.
After completing the in-office orthodontic exam and review, the treatment coordinator will be able to give you a quote for treatment in addition to several payment options.
Do aligners qualify for interest free FINANCING?
Absolutely!
We offer in-house, interest free financing payment options to all of our patients. These plans are usually fairly flexible and we have no problem adjusting the payment schedule so that it fits your needs.
Is Invisalign a good option for teens?
Invisalign can be a great option for active teens and adults alike!
To determine if your child is a candidate for aligners, Dr. Moran must complete a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s bite.
Once Dr. Moran has determined that your child would be a candidate, there are a few questions to consider such as:
Will my teen wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day?
Will my teen brush and floss their teeth each time they put their aligners back in?
Will my teen keep their aligners in their case if they are not in use?
These questions are important to consider as treatment success is highly related to patient compliance.
How do i schedule my complimentary invisalign exam?
Ready to schedule you complimentary Invisalign exam wit Dr. Moran?
Click below to complete an online appointment request!