Are you thinking about transforming your smile? Invisalign might be right for you. We’re here to address some common invisalign questions you may before scheduling your consultation at Plymouth Orthodontics.
1. When should I see an orthodontist for Invisalign?
It is important to think on your own about your smile goals, however, we all have a habit of overthinking sometimes. Dr. Alvarado is an orthodontist with years of experience – let her do the thinking about your smile. You may have heard rumors about Invisalign only working for minimal changes, however, Invisalign has come a long way and can now treat almost the same cases as braces. We will help you sort through all those ideas and preconceptions to land on your best plan for treatment! We’re here to help you meet your smile goals, let us do the work.
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2. How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Just like traditional braces, Invisalign treatment is different for each person. Invisalign technology allows your clear aligner treatment to work just as fast as traditional braces.
3. What does it feel like to have Invisalign?
Although no one will be able to see your trays like with braces, you may still experience some discomfort. Some Invisalign patients report discomfort during the first few weeks on treatment. This varies greatly depending on each person, treatment plan, and smile.
Some people may experience a slight difficulty speaking normally in the first 2 weeks of wearing their trays. Just like anything else, practice makes perfect! Remember that it is very unlikely for the people around you to even notice such a difference in your speech. After getting accustomed to the trays for up to 2 weeks, you will go back to sounding just like yourself!
4. Is Invisalign custom made?
Great question! Invisalign became possible with advancements in 3D printing technologies. Dr. Alvarado works together with Invisalign to custom design each aligner for your teeth and smile goals. After we scan your mouth with our 3-D scanner, the Invisalign lab creates a series of aligners that you will change out about every 1-2 weeks. The aligners are made based on a personalized treatment plan created by your orthodontist.
5. How does having Invisalign affect my everyday life?
Compared to braces – barely at all! You can eat and drink what you want, play sports, practice your instrument – life goes on as usual. To eat and drink, simply remove your aligner. When you’re done eating and drinking, brush and floss and put your aligners back in. If you play sports, you don’t have to worry about braces injuring your mouth. We see no downsides here!
6. Do you have to brush your teeth every time you eat with Invisalign?
During Invisalign treatment, you will need to brush and floss more often – every time you eat. When brushing your teeth, it is also best practice to brush your aligners as well. This helps your aligners stay clear, prevents murky build-up, and damage to your teeth.
7. What are Invisalign buttons?
Invisalign buttons are small tooth-colored bumps placed on your teeth. These buttons help hold your trays in place and guide your teeth to get a more precise and straight smile.
8. Are rubber bands sometimes used with Invisalign?
Every Invisalign case is different, and occasionally some may require orthodontic rubber brands, used in a similar manner as with metal braces. Rubber bands are used to improve your bite – or the fit of your upper and lower teeth. A correct bite is not only important in a straight smile, but in eating and overall oral health.
9. How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
You have a couple of options for cleaning your aligners. First, you can brush your aligners with your toothbrush when you brush your teeth. Remove your aligners and brush the inside and outside of your trays. Be sure not to use whitening toothpaste! Although this may sound counterintuitive, whitening toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can damage your trays. You can also soak your aligners in a cleaning solution. Invisalign provides a cleaning crystal that you dissolve in water and drop your aligners into. Never use other cleaning products or solutions. Contact us if you need to purchase additional cleaning crystals.
10. How am I supposed to brush my teeth in public?
This is a slight adjustment to get used to but it really is super important to make sure you and your teeth are happy with the results. Our tip is to stash toothbrushes everywhere! Your work, purse, gym bag, car, etc.
11. Can I whiten with my Invisalign Aligners?
Ding ding, winner! Indeed you can. You already have to have your aligners in all day, might as well add some whitener in there for a portion of it! Our team is happy to provide guidance and suggestions on how to best whiten and straighten at the same time! Talk about convenience.
12. How do I take out my Invisalign Aligner in public?
At the beginning of each set of aligners, it can be a little harder to remove them because they’ll fit tightly. If you’re uncomfortable wrestling your aligners in public, simply step into a bathroom. We actually recommend this course of action because you should always wash your hands before using them to take your aligners out or put them back in.
13. Am I too old for Invisalign?
No, never! The preconception that orthodontic treatment is only for teenagers is not true! Every person at every age deserves to be happy with their smile. Invisalign Plymouth, MA is great for any age.
14. How is Invisalign different from at-home treatment?
New at-home orthodontic treatment might seem intriguing but they aren’t superior to traditional Invisalign. With traditional Invisalign, you get all the benefits of having invisible aligner trays, with the supervision of an actual orthodontist that you can actually speak to! That’s right, with other at-home companies all contact is virtual and sometimes quite spotty. When you start Invisalign treatment with Plymouth Orthodontics you have a team to email or call if you have questions and access to an actual office if you’re really in a pinch.
Aside from more contact with an Orthodontist along the way, your Invisalign journey is planned by Plymouth’s own, Dr. Alvarado, an actual orthodontist trained for years in straightening teeth, not a dentist in another state. Patients of these at-home companies commonly have trouble getting their impressions exactly right, losing valuable time, money, and even possibly jeopardizing their entire journey to a straight smile. Invisalign aligners are made out of the highest quality materials and customized to fit your teeth perfectly, every step of the way. PLUS, you get access to professional whitening to really make your smile shine!
15. About how much $$ does Invisalign cost?
We get it, the cost is something you have to think about. Many people think that since Invisalign is a more modern treatment, it’ll be more expensive. We offer free consultations where we develop your treatment plan and cost. At Plymouth Orthodontics, we file with MassHealth, Medicaid, and all private insurances. Our team wants to make sure you get the best treatment you can get so we work hard to find financing offers that work for you!
If you have additional invisalign questions similar to “Does Invisalign cost the same everywhere” don’t hesitate to contact us at Plymouth Orthodontics. Our experienced orthodontic team is here to give you precise guidance and information.
Learn more about what Plymouth Orthodontics can do to help with financing.
Find out if Invisalign is right for you! Give us a call or complete our online form to schedule now!
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