Invisalign®
Clear Aligners
Invisalign®
Your El Paso Invisalign® Provider
Unlike traditional metal braces or ceramic braces with brackets and wires, Invisalign® aligners are hard to see with the naked eye. As the name would suggest, Invisalign® is designed to be nearly invisible.
The discreetness offered by Invisalign® has made it one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options for teenagers and young adults who want to improve their smile without altering their appearance.
To feel comfortable about your treatment options, the expert team at Smile Straight Orthodontics will provide you with everything you need to know about Invisalign®, including how Invisalign® works, how long treatment takes, advantages, cost, and proper cleaning techniques.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a cutting-edge orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth into a desired position. Invisalign® aligners are custom-made for each patient to ensure a perfect fit and optimal results.
These aligners are a great alternative for people who want a more comfortable, flexible, and less obvious treatment option for straightening their teeth.
Invisalign® aligners are made of a BPA-free plastic material that is designed to be both durable and comfortable. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign® doesn’t rely on brackets or wires. Patients can remove their aligners for eating, brushing, and on special occasions. The flexibility offered by Invisalign® makes it appealing to teens, young adults, and older adults that feel self-conscious about wearing braces in social or professional settings.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
The Invisalign® treatment process begins with a consultation with a member of our care team. Our doctors will evaluate your child’s teeth and determine if Invisalign® is a viable option.
Digital scans or impressions are taken of the teeth and then used to create a customized treatment plan with Invisalign® aligners fit for the patient. A member of our orthodontic team will expertly craft a series of aligners designed to shift the teeth over time.
Each set of Invisalign® aligners is typically worn for 1-2 weeks depending on the treatment plan. The aligners work by applying gentle pressure to specific teeth which gradually move them closer to the target position. As teeth shift, patients progress through different sets of aligners.
Advantages of Invisalign®
Invisalign® offers a number of advantages over traditional metal braces:
- Discreet appearance: Invisalign® aligners are clear and nearly invisible, giving patients the opportunity to straighten their teeth without changing the way they look.
- Better comfort: The smooth plastic material reduces the risk of the related irritation and discomfort more commonly experienced by patients wearing metal or ceramic braces with brackets and wires.
- Ability to remove: One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign® is that the aligners are removable and can be taken off for eating, drinking, and cleaning. It’s much easier to maintain good oral hygiene if you can brush and floss free from the obstruction of brackets and wires.
- Fewer office visits: Because there are no brackets and wires that need adjusting, Invisalign® patients require fewer office visits. Most patients come in every 6-8 weeks to check progress and receive your next set of Invisalign® aligners.
- No dietary restrictions: Unlike traditional braces that can be easily damaged by sticky, chewy, or hard foods, Invisalign® aligners can be removed for eating and drinking.
How Long is Invisalign® Treatment?
Invisalign® treatment time varies from patient to patient and is largely dependent on the complexity of dental issues involved and how an individual’s teeth respond. On average, most people complete their Invisalign® treatment in 12-18 months.
While Invisalign® aligners are removable, they should be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day to achieve the best results. This allows for consistent pressure on the teeth and ensures the treatment progresses as planned. Failing to wear aligners for the recommended amount of time can extend the length of treatment.
Invisalign® Cost
The Invisalign® treatment cost ranges based on the complexity of dental issues, your location, and more. The average cost of Invisalign® is between $3,000-$8,000 which is comparable to the cost of traditional metal braces and ceramic braces.
Many dental insurance providers offer coverage for Invisalign®. The billing team at Smile Straight Orthodontics has experience working with most insurance companies, and will work for you to make sure you’re getting the most of your dental coverage. We will make sure you feel comfortable with the overall cost and payment structure before beginning Invisalign® treatment.
Cleaning Invisalign® Aligners
Cleaning Invisalign® aligners is an important part of your at-home treatment and will affect the long-term health of your teeth and the effectiveness of your aligners.
- Rinse regularly: Rinse your aligners with water every time you remove them to prevent buildup of saliva and bacteria.
- Brush gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your Invisalign® aligners with mild, clear soap. Avoid toothpaste as it can be abrasive and cause damage.
- Soak Invisalign® aligners: Soaking aligners in a mixture of water and Invisalign® cleaning crystals or other cleaning solution helps remove stains and odors.
- Avoid hot water: Never use hot water to clean your Invisalign® aligners; it can warp the plastic and decrease treatment effectiveness by altering the aligner fit.
Begin Invisalign® Treatment with Smile Straight Orthodontics
Invisalign® offers a modern, discreet solution for teens and adults who want straighter teeth without the drawbacks of traditional braces. If you’re considering Invisalign® for yourself or your child, our skilled orthodontic care team would be happy to meet with you to see if it’s the right treatment option for your situation.
Patients who commit to properly caring for and wearing Invisalign® aligners as instructed can achieve the smile they’ve always dreamed of while maintaining their normal diet and confidence in their appearance.
Ready to get started with Invisalign®? Schedule a consultation with our El Paso care team today.