Invisalign, the clear, removable alternative to traditional braces has revolutionized orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth, and bite problems. With millions of Americans opting for the discreet, convenient alternative to brackets and wires, Invisalign is only growing in popularity. In addition to offering a far more subtle alternative to braces, Invisalign is popular because it is affordable. Even without insurance, Invisalign typically costs less than $7000. For those only needing minor corrections, the cost of Invisalign may only be a few thousand dollars. Read on for everything to know about Invisalign orthodontic treatment.
Paying for Invisalign: What to Know
If your dental insurance provides coverage for orthodontic treatment, the coverage typically applies to traditional braces or Invisalign treatment. However, before committing to orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, it is always wise to confirm your specific coverage with your insurer.
Your orthodontist should submit claims for your treatment on your behalf, but be sure that you understand that you will be financially responsible for any coverages they deny. To that end, be sure to inquire about the total fees for Invisalign treatment. Your orthodontist should be completely transparent with all costs and fees so that you don’t receive surprise bills.
If you do not have insurance, Invisalign can still be affordable. Most orthodontists accept credit card payments. Others offer in-house zero percent financing. If you have a Health Savings Account through your job, orthodontic treatment can often be paid for with funds in your HSA.
Getting Started With Invisalign
If you’re ready to correct imperfections in your smile with Invisalign, or if your teen needs orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation with your orthodontist about your options. Invisalign continues to prove incredibly effective at treating even severe alignment or bite issues, thanks to the use of attachments, also known as buttons. (The early iterations of Invisalign did not include the use of buttons to apply the additional pressure necessary to correct more severe bite and alignment issues). Today, Invisalign excels in correcting even severe alignment problems and bite issues such as an open bite, crossbite, underbite, and overbite.
Your orthodontist will examine your teeth, jaw, and bite before recommending the best treatment, or providing all possible treatments. In many cases, you will have a choice between traditional braces or Invisalign. Then it will be up to you to decide which treatment you prefer.
Invisalign has many benefits when compared to traditional braces. Most people find them far more comfortable than braces. Most people like that the alignment trays are nearly invisible. Nearly all patients find that being able to eat whatever they want, because the aligners are removable, is a huge benefit.
Orthodontists love Invisalign because it allows for better oral hygiene. With Invisalign, patients can brush the entire surface of the tooth, rather than only brushing around brackets. You can also floss without using special tools to clean between all teeth. Invisalign can also prevent the staining of teeth surrounding the brackets. Overall, this can lead to better oral health, with a reduced risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Andover, MA
When you’re ready to take the first steps towards improving your oral health by aligning your teeth, and correcting bite issues, Andover Orthodontics is here to help. Dr. Anthony Broccoli has provided Andover and surrounding communities with the best orthodontic care available for decades. At Andover Orthodontics, Dr. Broccoli provides comprehensive orthodontic care to children, teens, and adults. Contact us today at 978-475-0450 or request an appointment online.
If you’re ready to correct gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, or a problem with your bite, it’s time to talk with your orthodontist about Invisalign. Invisalign is only available through an Invisalign provider. Your orthodontist will examine your mouth and bite, and take digital x-rays. After your examination, and review of x-rays, your orthodontist will determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. Most, but not all alignment and bite issues can be successfully treated with Invisalign. Here’s what to know about correcting your smile with Invisalign.
What Conditions Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign uses alignment technology to correct problems with tooth alignment in teens and adults. It can be used to fix:
- Slanted teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
Invisalign treatment from your orthodontist can also be used to correct minor to moderate problems with your bite, such as:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
Most people, who are free of gum disease, and who are not missing teeth will find that they are excellent candidates for Invisalign treatment. However, some complex problems may require other types of orthodontic treatment. Very large gaps between teeth may need a combination of alignment, and cosmetic dentistry to fill in the gaps. Severe bite issues may require surgery to treat. Teeth that are severely rotated may also need alternate treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic, alignment trays to gradually shift teeth into alignment and correct bite issues. Unlike traditional braces, in which the archwire that runs through the brackets pulls the teeth into alignment, each set of Invisalign trays is a little straighter than your teeth. By wearing the aligners the teeth are gradually pushed into alignment over time. To correct issues with a bite, Invisalign often uses elastics and what are known as buttons, or attachments.
Buttons are small, tooth-colored hooks that your orthodontist will bond to the outside of the teeth. The buttons allow for precise tooth movements that may not be possible with the aligners alone. The alignment trays will push on the buttons, resulting in a snug fit, and ultimately, more efficient alignment and bite correction.
Each set of aligners is typically worn for a few weeks before you’ll switch to the next trays in the series. Patients who only need a few teeth to be aligned often complete treatment in less than a year. Most patients who need alignment of most or all teeth can expect to complete treatment in less than two years, on average.
After you’ve completed treatment with your Invisalign trays, you’ll need to wear a retainer, just like you would after completing orthodontic treatment with traditional braces. Invisible retainers are similar to your aligner trays and work great! Although you’ll likely wear your retainer most of the day initially, over time your orthodontist will tell you that you only need to wear it at night.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Andover, MA
At Andover Orthodontics, Dr. Broccoli provides Invisalign treatment for teens and adults. In most cases, dental insurance will cover a portion of orthodontic treatment. If you do not have insurance, payment plans are available. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Broccoli, call 978-475-0450 or feel free to request an appointment online.
Invisalign orthodontic treatment really works to align teeth in a more comfortable way than traditional metal braces. Instead of metal brackets, Invisalign relies on clear aligners that are custom made to position your teeth and bite. These aligners are smooth and clear, and are made from computer-generated images or scans that your orthodontist takes.
The Invisalign Process
While Invisalign’s modern aligner system is more comfortable than metal braces, the system is also less awkward. Invisalign aligners work by moving your teeth into straighter positions in incremental steps. Aligners are changed throughout the course of treatment, so that every time you place a new aligner in your mouth your teeth become a bit straighter. The result is a gentle pressure on your teeth, one that moves them gradually to match with the new aligner.
Each individual Invisalign aligner set is worn for one to two weeks. Patients using the Invisalign system visit their orthodontist once every eight to twelve weeks to be sure their treatment is progressing well.
Why Use Invisalign?
There are a number of advantages to using Invisalign aligners instead of metal braces for straightening. Most patients will find the process not only less painful, but far less visible than metal braces. They’re made from clear plastic rendering them practically invisible, and they can be removed from your mouth for 2 to 4 hours each day, while metal braces cannot be removed at all. This ability to remove the aligners allows for trouble free eating, and easy cleaning of your teeth. And, wearing Invisalign to straighten teeth can often take less time than metal braces due to the gentle, continuous nature of the forces. Metal braces can take as much as two years to complete straightening your teeth, while Invisalign commonly takes between 6 and 18 months.
Does Invisalign Work?
Considering how much more comfortable Invisalign is than metal braces, you may still be wondering if the process really works. The answer is yes – as long as you – or your teen – follow your dentist’s instructions for wearing the aligners.
Over the months that you wear Invisalign, you’ll be wearing between 20 and 50 different aligners. The number depends on you and your teeth: you’re both unique, after all. No matter how many aligner trays are worn, you must keep them in your mouth for the number of hours that are required daily. If you don’t – your teeth will not move into the position anticipated, which throws off the aligner fit, and can derail the straightening progress.
Besides the importance of wearing your aligners for the amount of time your orthodontist tells you to every day, it’s also important that you remove them whenever you eat or drink anything besides water.
And, do not forget to remove them to brush and floss twice a day, too, and clean your aligner with a toothbrush at the same time.
In short, wear them as directed, care for the aligners properly, and remove them when eating or drinking, and then, yes, Invisalign does really work.
Andover Orthodontics is Ready to Help
If you want to know more about Invisalign, our dental team is here to answer any questions. Call us today at Andover Orthodontics, for an appointment or simply to learn more about the Invisalign process.
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct gapped teeth, crooked teeth, protruding teeth, slanted teeth, and a variety of bite issues in teens and adults. If your insurance plan covers orthodontic treatment, it will likely cover a portion of Invisalign treatment. Insurance plans often pay for a percentage of orthodontic treatment. Other plans offer a set coverage amount. Check with your insurance provider to learn specifics about your coverage for orthodontics and Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
If you have decided to straighten your smile with Invisalign, you’ll first meet with your orthodontist. They will examine teeth, mouth, and gums to confirm that you are free of active gum disease, and/or untreated tooth decay. Then a series of painless, digital, 3-D scans will be taken to create an image of your mouth. Your orthodontist will design your treatment, and can even show you what your teeth will look like once you’ve completed treatment. Your scans will be used to create your series of alignment trays.
Alignment technology works differently than traditional orthodontic treatment with braces. Instead of adhering metal or clear brackets to the surface of each tooth, Invisalign uses clear, plastic, removable alignment trays to shift teeth into place over time. Each set of alignment trays is typically worn for one to two weeks before you graduate to the next set of trays. Invisalign is suited for patients of any age, especially teens and adults, who are committed to wearing their aligner trays at least 20-22 hours per day.
Is Invisalign Better Than Metal Braces?
Invisalign offers many benefits for both teens and adults. The nearly invisible alignment trays allow many people to feel more confident while receiving orthodontic treatment. Patients also report that the alignment trays are comfortable to wear because they do not scrape on the insides of your lips or cheeks.
Those who choose Invisalign instead of traditional braces are also able to eat anything they want, and won’t have to worry about food becoming stuck. Dentists and orthodontists also love the fact that with Invisalign you can brush the entire surface of the teeth, and floss normally. This helps maintain excellent oral hygiene habits during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign treatment may also be completed a bit sooner than treatment with traditional bracket and wire braces.
Upon completion of treatment, all patients will need to wear a retainer to maintain the new alignment of the teeth. Clear plastic retainers are available so that they offer the same nearly invisible look as your alignment trays.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost Without Insurance?
The cost of Invisalign will vary depending upon the type and complexity of corrections that need to be made. Most patients find treatment to cost between $2500-$6500. For patients who only have a few teeth that need to be straightened, in-house alignment trays can reduce the cost to less than $500.
Learn More About Invisalign for Teens and Adults in Andover, MA
Today, you and your teen have more choices than ever when it comes to selecting orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is one of the most effective and popular choices in Andover, MA. Invisalign consultations with Dr. Broccoli are free. So, if you’re ready to learn more about Invisalign, contact our friendly team today by calling 978-475-0450 . You may also request an appointment online.
Invisalign is a leading orthodontic treatment for adults and teenagers. Effective at straightening crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gapped teeth, and slanted teeth, Invisalign can also help with problems with a bite including an overbite. Even better news? Invisalign technology has advanced so that it can often achieve the same results as traditional braces with a shorter treatment time. Here’s what to know about how Invisalign can fix an overbite.
What Causes an Overbite?
The majority of people who have an overbite are genetically predisposed to the condition where the top teeth and upper jaw lay over the bottom teeth and lower jaw. Known as a Class II malocclusion, overbites are the most common bite and alignment issue affecting children, teens, and adults. Other people may develop an overbite as the result of habits developed during infancy and childhood, including tongue thrusting, thumb or finger sucking, or prolonged use of a pacifier. Premature loss of baby teeth or sleep apnea may also cause an overbite.
How Invisalign Works to Fix an Overbite
Invisalign offers the best of tried-and-true orthodontic science with the capabilities afforded by state-of-the-art 3D imaging, graphics, and technology. There are a couple of ways that your orthodontist can correct an overbite with Invisalign.
Invisalign clear aligners can be designed to include what is known as “mandibular advancement.” The aligners are made of the same clear, smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic as traditional Invisalign trays. But, they include a feature called precision wings. The precision wings are crafted from a patented material called SmartTrack®.
These wings are placed between the first molars and the premolars. With each bit, the precision wings hold the lower jaw in a forward position. Over time the lower jaw continues to incrementally shift forward, reducing the space between the upper and lower jaw. As treatment progresses, the lower jaw will grow into the proper size to align properly with the upper jaw.
Elastic bands may also be used in conjunction with Invisalign clear plastic aligners to correct a bite issue. The elastic bands can attach to the aligners themselves, or small buttons placed on your teeth. Consistent wearing of your elastics will then begin to correct your overbite.
Orthodontic Treatment for Teens and Adults in Andover, MA
At Andover Orthodontics, Dr. Broccoli and his experienced team provide complete orthodontic treatments to children, teens, and adults. From early intervention in children, through adulthood, our team provides compassionate, experienced service to patients from Andover, Burlington, Boxford, Middleton, and surrounding communities. Contact us today at 978-475-0450 , or request an appointment online.
When you first get your braces on, your orthodontist will provide you with information on braces care. Food restrictions are necessary to prevent damage to your braces. Eating the wrong things or biting into certain foods could cause a bracket to come loose or bend your archwire, which could affect your progress. If you don’t want to wear braces any longer than is absolutely necessary, avoid the following foods.
- Gum. Chewing gum is definitely not a good idea when you first get your braces. Your new wires are very light and flexible and can easily break. Once you have stronger/ thicker wires placed a small piece of sugarless gum should not harm anything, but do not chew large pieces of sugary gum as these can break braces and lead to cavities.
- Ice. Please do not chew on ice, even crushed ice. It is too hard for your braces, and is a bad oral habit to have as it can damage your teeth as you age.
- Hard candy. It is recommended that you avoid hard candy with braces. Although it is safe if you simply hold it in your mouth until it dissolves, if you bite or chew it you could do significant damage to your braces.
- Chewy candy. Taffy, hard caramel, and other chewy or sticky candy (Now or Laters) can be a problem with braces as well. These can be hard enough to do damage and then stick to braces when they soften. As you try to pull it off, your braces may come off with it.
- Popcorn. Popcorn is usually not a problem. Do not crunch on the hard kernels that are left at the bottom of the bag, and clean your teeth well to avoid those slivers getting caught in your teeth and gums.
- Hard pretzels. Biting into large pieces of hard pretzels like pretzel rods or twists can damage your braces. If pretzels are something you can’t live without, eat soft pretzels and tear them into pieces, or choose thin pretzel sticks.
- Corn chips. Some corn chips can be very hard, think Fritos, and should be avoided. Usually, eating one corn chip at a time will not damage your braces. Try not to put too many in your mouth at the same time.
- Pizza crust. It is typically ok to bite into pizza, but it is best to avoid biting the crust. Pizza crust can be pretty hard and may cause damage to your braces. You may be able to cut or tear the crust into smaller pieces to eat as long as it isn’t too hard to chew.
- Bagels or hard breads. Bagels tend to be hard on the outside, so it is best to cut them up into pieces to eat. Other hard breads or breads with crispy crusts should be eaten the same way, in small pieces. You want to avoid tearing pieces off with your teeth.
- Avoid biting into raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables. You can still eat things like apples, carrots, celery, and other raw fruits and veggies as long as you cut them into bite size pieces first and chew them with your back teeth or cook them until they are soft. It’s the act of biting into an apple or biting off a piece of carrot that could damage your braces. Eating healthy is especially important for your dental and overall health, so we still encourage eating fruits and veggies, just in a way that is safe for your braces.
Braces Care Information From Andover Orthodontics
Being careful about what you eat is an important part of braces care. At Andover Orthodontics we provide you with all of the information and tools you need to take good care of your braces and teeth. Following your orthodontist’s instructions to properly care for your braces will help you get through your treatment faster. If you’re looking for an orthodontist for you or your child, Andover Orthodontics is currently accepting new patients in Andover, Massachusetts and the surrounding area.
Call 978-475-0450 today to request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with quality orthodontic care.
Are you currently in the process of Invisalign treatment? If so, you’ve probably noticed that your aligner trays need cleaning now and then. Food particles and bacteria build up on them, which can cause discoloration and reduce their invisibility. Dirty aligners also increase the risk of tooth decay as plaque and bacteria settle into the space between your teeth and the trays.
What’s the best way to clean Invisalign trays? There are a few different methods that are recommended by dentists, orthodontists, and the creators of Invisalign. Here’s what to do to keep your trays clear and free of bacteria.
Brush Your Trays
The best way to clean your Invisalign trays on a daily basis is to brush them when you brush your teeth. Take your trays out and rinse them. Set them aside while you brush your teeth. Then use a separate soft bristled toothbrush and some clear, unscented soap to brush your trays clean. Clear, unscented soap is best because strong fragrances can cling to your trays and give them a bitter taste.
Toothpaste contains abrasives which can over time cloud your aligners. If you are in Invisalign treatment and changing to new aligners every 7-10 days, this should not be a problem. You can just brush your trays with the foamy toothbrush after you brush your teeth.
Rinse Your Trays
You shouldn’t eat or drink anything with your Invisalign trays in, other than water. But if you do, be sure to rinse your trays off afterwards to remove the residue. Rinsing prevents sugar and dyes from coating your trays and staining them. Even if you don’t drink anything other than water, it can still help to rinse your trays periodically throughout the day.
Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Invisalign makes cleaning crystals that are designed to gently but effectively clean your trays. You simply place your trays in the cleaning container with water and crystals according to the instructions. Then shake the container to activate the crystals and clean your trays. Rinse them off and put them back in your mouth.
There are also numerous cleaning products available for clear aligners or clear retainers. Find one you like and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What Not to Do:
- Do not soak them in mouthwash. Mouthwash is too harsh for your Invisalign trays and is not very effective at cleaning them. Many mouthwashes contain dyes that could stain your trays.
- Do not use hot water. If the water is too hot it can warp and distort your trays. For the same reason, do not place your trays in a dishwasher (it has happened!).
- Do not use alcohol. Never soak your retainers or wash them in alcohol. Alcohol is another substance that is too harsh for Invisalign trays.
- Do not use bleach. There are many reasons you should not use bleach to clean your aligners. For one, no matter how well you rinse them afterwards, you never want bleach to come in contact with your mouth. Also, bleach is one of the harshest chemicals in your home, definitely too harsh for your trays.
- Do not brush them with baking soda. Baking soda is too abrasive for your trays. It can scratch them and compromise their invisibility.
Why is Cleaning Your Trays Important?
If you don’t clean your trays, bacteria can build up on them and lead to tooth decay. Another side effect of built up bacteria is bad breath. You may only wear each set of Invisalign trays for two weeks at a time, but they can get pretty dirty in that amount of time. Clean them regularly to keep them looking clear and keep your mouth healthy and fresh.
Andover Orthodontics Provides Invisalign Treatment
Are you looking for an Invisalign provider? Andover Orthodontics provides both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen for patients who are candidates for this treatment. Adults and teens choose Invisalign because they can straighten their teeth in a subtle way that is less noticeable to others. The removable trays are convenient with no food restrictions and the plastic is smooth and comfortable.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile with Invisalign.
Getting your braces off is a great feeling. The same is true of finishing Invisalign or any other orthodontic treatment. But the next stage in your treatment is just as important: retention. Retention means maintaining your results via a retainer.
A retainer is an orthodontic appliance that you wear after orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth from shifting back to their previous position. It helps you maintain all of the wonderful, hard-earned progress of your treatment.
One of the most common questions is, how long do you have to wear a retainer? Here’s what you can expect.
Phase 1: Full Time Wear
For the first few weeks after completing your orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear your retainers full time. You can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, play sports, or play a musical instrument, but you should aim to wear them at least 14 hours a day.
The reason for this is that immediately after your treatment your teeth are at the greatest risk of shifting back out of alignment. The support structures for your teeth, which include your jaw bone, ligaments, and gum tissue, need time to adjust and solidify the current position of your teeth. Once this happens you can reduce the amount of time you wear your retainers.
Phase 2: Nighttime Wear
When your teeth have had time to settle into their new positions, your orthodontist may allow you to reduce your retainer wear to nighttime. You can put your retainers in before you go to bed each night and take them out again in the morning.
It is very important to wear your retainers every night because your teeth are still susceptible to shifting because of all the forces your teeth encounter from your lips, tongue, eating, etc. If your retainers begin to feel tight when you put them in at night, consider wearing them for a bit longer during the day until they fit more comfortably each night.
Never Stop Wearing Your Retainers
Most orthodontists recommend that you never stop wearing your retainers altogether. There is always a chance that the teeth could shift out of alignment again, and no one wants to repeat orthodontic treatment if they could prevent it. Keep wearing your retainers at night and check to see that they still fit comfortably.
Types of Retainers
There are a few different types of retainers that your orthodontist may recommend for you following your orthodontic treatment.
- Clear. Clear plastic retainers fit over the teeth like Invisalign trays. They are basically invisible.
- Hawley. Hawley retainers are a combination of plastic and metal. The metal portion fits against the front side of your teeth and the plastic portion fits behind.
- Permanent. A permanent retainer is made of metal and is cemented to the back side of the bottom row of teeth. It is convenient and invisible, but makes it more difficult to keep the bottom teeth clean.
Retainer Recommendations From Andover Orthodontics
At Andover Orthodontics, we want you to get the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment, and for those results to last forever. The best way to do that is to wear your retainers according to our recommendations. If you ever have a problem with your retainers or if they stop fitting, let us know and we will do our best to correct it.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you retain your beautiful smile.
Plaque and bacteria can build up on retainers just like they do on the surfaces of your teeth, so it’s important to keep them clean. While your retainers can’t get cavities, that bacteria buildup can cause tooth decay and gum disease elsewhere in your mouth! The good news is that cleaning your retainer doesn’t add much time to your oral hygiene routine, and by doing so, you can make sure your retainer will last for years to come.
How to Clean a Hawley Retainer
Hawley retainers are made of plastic or acrylic and hold the teeth in place with a thin metal wire. These retainers are strong and durable; they’re sometimes used after your braces have been removed to make refinements to your teeth.
Clean your Hawley retainer as soon as you take it out in the morning; if you wait too long, the plaque will harden, making it difficult to remove. Clean the retainer with a soft-bristled brush and lukewarm water; a mild dish soap can be used for a deeper clean, but toothpaste should be avoided because it can leave small scratches in the plastic base where bacteria can collect. Once a week, soak your Hawley retainer in a retainer cleaning solution to remove plaque and kill bacteria.
How to Clean an Essix Retainer
Essix retainers are clear plastic retainers that are molded to your teeth’s shape. They have the appearance of clear aligners, but the plastic is thicker to give them more durability because, unlike aligners, Essix retainers are meant to last a few years.
Cleaning Essix retainers is similar to cleaning Hawley retainers, with the exception that extra care must be taken to ensure that every groove and ridge is fully cleaned. After removing your retainers, clean them with a soft bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water, using mild dish soap if needed. Cotton swabs can be used to clean hard-to-reach areas that a toothbrush can’t clean. To sanitize your retainers and dislodge any stubborn plaque deposits, soak them in a retainer cleaning solution once a week.
How to Clean a Fixed Retainer
Fixed retainers are metal wires that are bonded to the backs of the teeth to keep them in place. You might think they’d be the easiest to clean because you brush twice a day already, but they’re actually the most difficult!
To begin, clean around the wire anytime you brush, as plaque can easily accumulate there. After that, clean between each of the teeth attached to the retainer using a floss threader and dental floss. Floss all the way down to the retainer, then thread the floss underneath the wire and clean all the way down to the gum line. It’s important to do this every single day to keep plaque and tartar at bay, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Learn More About Retainer Care
Do you have questions about how to care for your retainer? Contact us today at 978-475-0450 to speak with one of our team members.
Are you considering Invisalign for yourself or your child? Invisalign is an alternative orthodontic treatment to braces that is designed to straighten teeth and correct bite alignment. It achieves similar results as braces through a different method, using clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth and gradually shift them into proper position. This is quite a bit different from traditional braces, which typically results in a lot of questions from patients and parents.
One of the most common questions is: how long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth? Here’s what you can expect in terms of treatment duration.
Average Treatment Time for Invisalign
The length of treatment varies from one patient to another, but will typically fall somewhere within the range of 6 to 20 months. Treatment time may be shorter for some or longer for others, depending on a variety of factors, such as case severity. But you can most likely have a straighter smile in less than 2 years when you decide to undergo Invisalign treatment.
How Does the Length of Treatment Compare to Braces?
On average a patient will need to wear braces somewhere between 1 and 3 years with an overall average of 2 years. Invisalign is not necessarily a shorter treatment option for every patient, but we find teeth can correct as fast, if not faster, with Invisalign provided we have excellent wear. There are certain circumstances that can increase or decrease the length of time you will need to wear either braces or Invisalign to achieve the desired results.
What Factors Affect the Length of Orthodontic Treatment?
The following are the biggest influences on the length of Invisalign treatment:
- Extent of the Corrections Needed. The further your teeth will need to be shifted in order to be in proper alignment, the longer your treatment will take. Minor orthodontic issues can be treated on the shorter end of the time range, but major issues may extend your treatment time to the far end of the range.
- How Much You Wear Your Aligners. It is recommended that you wear your Invisalign aligners 22 hours per day. If you fail to wear your aligners often enough your treatment will take longer, or may not work at all.
- Keeping Up With Scheduled Appointments. It is important to go to your scheduled appointments for monitoring during your treatment. Missing appointments or rescheduling can extend your treatment time.
- How Well You Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions. A key element to the length of your treatment is following your orthodontist’s instructions. You will typically wear each of your aligners for about 2 weeks before switching to the next. But if you aren’t making progress according to your goals your orthodontist may want to adjust that timeframe. It is important to follow instructions carefully to avoid a longer treatment duration.
- Your Age. There’s a good reason why orthodontic treatment is typically done during adolescence. At this stage of growth and development you tend to experience significant growth spurts, which allow your teeth and jaw to be more easily shifted and molded into the desired position. Adults may find that treatment takes longer for them because their teeth are not as easily moved.
- Whether or Not You Had Prior Orthodontic Treatment. Interceptive orthodontics is the term for any treatment that is done at an early age (starting at or before age 7) to correct the teeth or bite. Early orthodontic treatment can correct some of your teeth alignment issues, thus shortening the overall length of your time in braces or Invisalign.
Why Should I Receive Invisalign Treatment From an Orthodontist?
Many dental offices are offering Invisalign treatment these days. They allow the computer software to do the majority of the treatment diagnosis and planning. An orthodontist has specialized training in how teeth move, and years of experience in correcting bites. They can customize your treatment to meet your specific needs giving you the best possible results.
Interested in Invisalign? Andover Orthodontics is a Certified Provider
If you’re looking for an Invisalign provider, Andover Orthodontics has the necessary training and expertise to ensure the treatment is administered properly for faster, more effective results.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.