What to Expect Before Getting Invisalign

You’ve done it! Deciding to get Invisalign can be one of the most exciting moments for patients. If you’ve used a orthodontist near me search and were unsure where to start your Invisalign journey, an orthodontist at Monarch Dental is with you every step of the way. The decision to get Invisalign over traditional braces can be tough, and you may not know what to expect. Search for an orthodontist and you’ll find plenty of Monarch Dental locations that will get down to the nitty gritty of what you should know before you start your Invisalign transformation.

Knowing the difference between Invisalign and braces is crucial in understanding how you’ll play a role in the development of your orthodontic treatment. The biggest distinction with Invisalign over braces is the method of using aligners. Patients tend to look to Invisalign when they want a treatment plan that offers them an aesthetic appearance as though they’re not straightening their teeth at all! Invisalign has this advantage by using aligners made of BPA-free plastic. While they’re not technically invisible, they come close as the aligners are perfect fit to your teeth. Patients will gradually shift their teeth by changing out aligners based on your orthodontist’s discretion.

Here’s what you should expect before getting Invisalign:

1. Invisalign Cost Varies

Giving a straight cost for Invisalign treatment isn’t possible because it’s dependent on the patient. Each patient’s needs are different, causing both the time and depth of customization needed with the aligners to change on a personalized basis. On average, patients can expect to spend $3,500 – $5,500. However, because this is just an average, your case may exceed this value.

When looking on where to start your Invisalign treatment, it’s only natural to look for the most affordable option. Use an orthodontist near me search to pull up local orthodontists in your area. There are several Monarch Dental locations in your neighborhood with both dentists and orthodontists capable of guiding you through the consultation process and beginning the first steps of Invisalign treatment. When considering cost, Monarch Dental offers flexible payment plans with no interest to help patients choose Invisalign over other types of braces.

Another option for patients looking to get Invisalign at an affordable rate comes down to offers and promotions. Often times several Monarch Dental locations will be running offers on Invisalign or other types of braces that are great to take advantage of while they last.

2. Expect to wear your Invisalign aligners

Expect to wearWe get it, you can see progress in your Invisalign treatment and it can be tempting to wear your aligners less often. Having the temptation of removing your aligners can be difficult for some patients. Before you go through in getting Invisalign, make sure you’ve assessed your ability to wear the retainers at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Patients should only be removing aligners to eat and brush their teeth. Wearing your aligners on a consistent basis the best way in making sure you’re reaching your timeline for treatment. your Invisalign aligners

3. Your speech and Invisalign

Some patients can expect their speech to change when they first get Invisalign. Because you have an aligner tray in your mouth at all times, it can affect the way you speak, sometimes creating a lisp. Some patients find it noticeable, while others don’t notice any change at all. Over time, patients will grow accustomed to their aligners and learn to speak with them in. If you have a lisp with Invisalign and it doesn’t go away over time, tell your orthodontist as it could indicate your aligners aren’t fitting properly.

4. Invisalign can be uncomfortable

It is normal for patients to experience some pain while undergoing their Invisalign treatment. When you put in your aligners for the first time, your teeth are being pushed and pulled into their new positions. This can leave your mouth feeling tender, which is normal. It’s important to keep wearing your aligners and gradually push your teeth. Over time, this pain will reduce.

If it’s the aligners themselves that are causing pain, such as poking into your gums, there are several things you can do. For sharp edges, you can use dental wax to cover the areas and prevent them from rubbing your cheeks or gums the wrong way. Try putting wax on the minute you start to experience any abrasion as it can prevent pain from worsening. You can also have your orthodontist file down any edges that are too sharp.

5. You may wear Invisalign attachments

Some patients expect their treatment to only consist of wearing the aligners. This isn’t always the case. Depending on your teeth and how they need to be moved will determine if you need to wear attachments or buttons. These attachments are generally glued to the enamel of your tooth and are made to be the same color, so they won’t be as noticeable as metal braces. These buttons and attachments can often help accelerate your treatment with Invisalign.

6. How long until I see results with Invisalign?

Seeing results and finishing treatment are two different goals. Many patients are surprised to see results fairly quickly in their treatment. It’s often great motivation for patients to see just how quickly their teeth are moving. It’s completely normal to experience a boost of confidence during your treatment, as you can actually see the changes occurring.

Treatment completion varies patient to patient. On average, treatment is about a year. Adult patients may take a bit longer, as their teeth are fully developed and less malleable. There are some factors that adults should consider before getting Invisalign. Search for a dentist near me and you can find doctors in your area that are licensed Invisalign providers that can assist you through a consultation.

7. Eating with Invisalign

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you’re not restricted from eating certain foods during treatment. Because you can simply remove the aligners prior to eating, you can go about eating the foods you normally would. Of course it’s always a good idea to keep in mind a diet that boost healthy teeth! Do not eat with you aligners in, as they can trap behind plenty of bacteria and plaque that can harm your teeth.

8. Clean, clean, clean

As an Invisalign patient, expect to pay a little extra attention to the care of your teeth. You should brush your teeth after every meal, and clean your aligners before popping them back on. This is the best way to prevent plaque build up, especially considering the aligners are extra close to your teeth, making a breeding ground for bacteria to collect. Refraining from brushing can result in an increased risk for cavities and gum disease. It’s also a good idea to only consume water as a beverage when wearing your aligners. For anything else, like coffee, soda, beer or wine, it’s a good idea to remove your aligners and brush your teeth after consumption.

9. You’ll have to wear a retainer

Also called the “refinement process”, your aligner after Invisalign treatment is imperative to keep your beautiful results well, beautiful! Wearing a retainer will keep your teeth in their new position, and prevent them from gradually moving back to their original state. Wearing retainers will be different for every patient, but most are expected to wear a retainer daily and nightly for six months and then only at night after that. Invisalign offers their own kind of retainers that are clear, called Vivera retainers. They cost more than other types of retainers but are a great way for patients to fully complete their treatment and maintain their results.

10. Invisalign isn’t right for everyone

Depending on your teeth, Invisalign might not be the best option for you. Invisalign can’t treat certain complex dental issues such as the need to rotate canine teeth or move teeth vertically. For these concerns, patients may need to look to traditional braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces as alternative options. Since there’s no way to tell on your own, it’s important to schedule a consultation and find out if Invisalign is right for you.

Orthodontist Near Me

With such a big leap of faith into your smile, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into. Invisalign can be a great option for many patients at any age looking to transform their smile. If you’re ready for a consultation, you can schedule an appointment with Monarch Dental by visiting us online or calling us at 1-844-800-7645. We have dentists and orthodontists specially trained in Invisalign, and can help you with any range of questions you’ll have about Invisalign and your smile.