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Clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional braces for many people who want a straighter and more beautiful smile.
Many dentists and orthodontists choose Invisalign treatment as their preferred clear aligner treatment program.
It’s important to schedule an in-depth consultation with your orthodontist to get a full scan of your teeth, make sure you are an eligible patient, discuss your treatment plan, and consult with them about payment plans.
The first step is to book this initial consultation. You can speak with your dentist, orthodontist, or use the internet to help you find top-rated dentists in your area that offer Invisalign consultations. Some may offer free consultations while others may charge a fee.
ZocDoc can help you find a dentist in your area that:
Invisalign is a teeth straightening treatment that can help many patients achieve a straight smile.
It can help people with:
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for Invisalign aligners.
Severe cases like severe jaw malocclusion, impacted teeth, or missing teeth may require alternative treatment such as metal braces. This is why the initial consultation and digital scan are so important.
Each doctor will have a slightly different orthodontic consultation process, depending on their practice. However, there are some things that all patients can expect. The first appointment will typically take the longest. They generally last one to two hours.
If you’re a new patient, they will gather your medical and dental history.
Then they will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your smile which may include all or some of the following:
The next step will be to discuss your treatment plan. If your dentist needs to send your impressions to the Invisalign lab, they will talk you through the next steps of the process and provide estimations on treatment time. If they have their own scanner, they will be able to provide you with a digital model of your future smile.
Your doctor will review your case with you, as well as discuss payment options for your invisalign treatment. Once the lab (either in-house or via mail to Invisalign) has your impressions, they will begin to form your custom plastic aligners.
Your next appointment will take place once your custom aligners have arrived at the dental office. The doctor will talk you through placing your aligners in your mouth for the first time, discuss how many hours per day you will need to wear them, how often you’ll be changing aligners, and answer any further questions you may have.
Some people require special tooth-colored attachments, which help the aligners shift your teeth more effectively. They will blend in with your natural teeth and your aligners will have small enclosures to fit these attachments. They often make it difficult to remove and insert your trays initially, but over time, the attachments become worn down and smoother.
You will leave the office with your first set of aligners, which should last you approximately six to eight weeks.
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After that, you’ll follow up with your doctor every six to eight weeks. You’ll return to their office and they will perform a thorough check-up and make sure your teeth are moving properly. You’ll also receive your next set of aligners that you’ll wear until your next appointment.
Patients with more severe cases will sometimes need to follow up more frequently. There are discreet metal buttons and elastics that can be used to help move teeth properly.
You’ll probably start seeing results in a few weeks. However, the treatment time varies between 6 to 24 months, depending on the severity of your condition. The average treatment time is 12 to 18 months.
Invisalign is a very effective treatment option for minor to moderately misaligned teeth. It is an ideal solution for both adults and teenagers who want an almost invisible tooth straightening method.
Over nine million people (including more than 1.4 million teens) have undergone Invisalign treatment.
Because of Invisalign’s advanced technology, this brand of aligners can fit almost all teeth. The aligners can also fix nearly all alignment and bite issues without interrupting your life. For best results, you should wear your Invisalign trays for 20 to 22 hours a day.
ZocDoc can help you find a dentist in your area that:
Yes, many Invisalign doctors offer free initial consultations. However, not all doctors do. Speak with a specialist beforehand to determine how much the consultation will cost.
The cost of Invisalign generally falls between $3,000 and $7,000. The total cost depends on the complexity of the case and the length of treatment needed.
Invisalign’s cost may be partially covered by dental insurance. Most dental insurance plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces.
Invisalign's Smile Concierge Team can help you make an appointment with an Invisalign-trained doctor near you. They can also answer any questions you may have.
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