Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable plastic aligners to correct misalignments. This revolutionary teeth-straightening method is both effective and discreet. However, it can be expensive. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost. Additionally, some orthodontic offices offer flexible payment options. Is invisalign worth it?
Cost
Generally, Invisalign costs more than traditional braces. However, you can save money by discussing payment options with your orthodontist and asking about dental insurance or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefits. Many dental offices also offer in-house financing or accept third-party payment options such as CareCredit. These services allow you to make payments over time without incurring interest charges.
You can also get the best results by choosing a dentist who specializes in Invisalign treatment. These dentists may charge more, but they will typically provide a better experience and more impeccable results.
Before starting Invisalign, you should be aware that it will take some time before you see the desired results. This is because the aligners must be worn consistently for at least 22 hours a day to achieve optimum results. Patients who don’t wear their aligners as directed will often see their timeline delayed. Invisalign also requires a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position, and these can cost $100-$500.
Effectiveness
Many patients who choose to get braces or invisalign want to know how fast they can expect their malocclusion to be corrected. However, it’s important for patients to understand that there are various factors that influence how quickly or slowly orthodontic treatments can work. For instance, a recent study found that removable aligners are less effective than fixed appliances in the treatment of skeletal class III malocclusions, particularly for premolar extraction cases. The results of this study were surprising as it was thought that aligners could not achieve good root angulation.
Discomfort
Most people who use invisalign for crooked teeth will experience some discomfort as their teeth adjust to the new alignment. This is because their jaw muscles are working harder than usual and it takes time for the tissues to get used to the new pressure.
Some over-the-counter painkillers can help ease the discomfort till your mouth gets used to it. It is also advisable to avoid chewing on hard, crunchy foods like nuts and popcorn. This will reduce the discomfort in your gums and teeth.
If you aren’t disciplined about wearing your aligners for 22 hours every day, then they may not produce the best results. Invisalign is only effective when you wear the aligners as advised, and it will be useless if you remove them too often.