The journey to a better smile can start with Invisalign®, but you likely have several questions you want to ask your orthodontist before you make a final decision. Ricci Orthodontics is here to help before you take a seat in one of our dental chairs, so here are twelve questions to ask about Invisalign®.
1. Can you explain how Invisalign® works?
Invisalign® is a set of nearly invisible aligners that gradually shift your teeth over time into a correct position. It is often used to fix issues with your smile like overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps or spaces between teeth, and crooked teeth. You may experience little to some discomfort when you begin using Invisalign® and when you replace the aligners every two weeks, but this is normal and should not disrupt your daily routine. You can also remove Invisalign® before eating and put them back in afterward.
2. How will my Invisalign® treatment begin?
Your treatment will begin by making an appointment to see us. Once you are in our office, we will scan your mouth and teeth via x-ray and take an impression or mold so a custom set of Invisalign® aligners will be made just for you. Our orthodontist in Johns Creek, Dr. Ricci, will also answer any questions you may have and give you instructions.
3. How long will I have to use my Invisalign® aligners?
It depends on how responsible you are with using your aligners. It could take around 8-10 months to complete the treatment. However, if you fail to wear your aligners regularly for at least 22 hours every day or fail to switch to the new set of aligners every two weeks, your treatment will take much longer. The length of treatment really does depend on the patient.
4. How much money will my treatment cost?
Invisalign® treatment can cost between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on what kind of treatment you need. Again, most dental insurance plans cover Invisalign®, so be sure to call your provider to ask them about it. That one phone call could save you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. Payment plans are also available to alleviate the cost.
5. Do I still need to visit the dentist during treatment?
Using Invisalign® actually reduces the number of visits to the dentist, unlike traditional braces. While you should at least schedule a check-up every six months, patients using Invisalign® should schedule an appointment every two or three months so the dentist can evaluate their progress. You may need changes to your treatment depending on how well you are keeping up with using your aligners and maintaining them.
6. What if I accidentally break or lose my aligners?
We understand that accidents happen. Aligners can be lost if you don’t place them in their case. They can also suffer damage if they take a hit. It’s important that you always use the Invisalign® case to store your aligners when you aren’t using them. Invisalign® is also not a substitute for a mouthguard, so be sure to use an actual mouthguard when playing sports. Keep your aligners clean by using correct cleaning methods such as soaking them in water with retainer cleaning tablets or brushing them using a soft brush and a children’s toothpaste. If for some reason your Invisalign® trays break or you lose them, a replacement set can and should be obtained as soon as possible. Please be aware that there will be an extra cost, so it’s best to be very careful with your aligners to prevent damage or misplacement.
7. Will Invisalign® affect my diet?
Invisalign® trays will not affect your diet. Because they are removable, you can simply take them out prior to eating without having to worry about any restrictions. However, make sure you brush your teeth after eating to help keep food particles from lodging between your teeth or in your gums. Brushing also helps keep your aligners clean since food particles can stain them and foster the growth of bacteria.
8. What can disqualify me from getting Invisalign®?
This is one of the best questions to ask. While many patients do qualify for Invisalign®, there are some reasons why the dentist might disqualify others. If you smoke or use tobacco and refuse to quit during treatment, that would be cause for disqualification. Patients whose teeth are smaller than normal or have teeth that are eroding or deformed may not be suitable to use Invisalign®. If you are also unwilling to wear the aligners for 2o to 22 hours every day, Invisalign® is definitely not for you. In addition, Invisalign® may not be right for patients who have dental implants or bridges. Your dentist will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign® during the consultation.
9. Is Invisalign® better than conventional braces?
Traditional braces utilize metal brackets on each tooth held in place by wires and bands. Unlike Invisalign®, which is hardly noticeable by others, braces are visible and can be more uncomfortable. You cannot remove braces before you eat, which means there will be diet restrictions. Since you can’t remove braces, that also means your treatment will continue for the duration without interruption or setbacks due to not wearing them or not switching them out for new ones. Expense is similar, although it does vary from patient to patient and both are covered by insurance. The only real difference between the two methods is that Invisalign® is more convenient and discreet as long as you are willing to be responsible for your daily treatment. One method may be better for you than the other, but Invisalign® does offer more normalcy overall.
10. What happens if my teeth aren’t tracking properly with Invisalign® during treatment?
If your teeth are not tracking with Invisalign®, inform your orthodontist or dentist. It could be that your aligners are simply too tight and don’t want to seat onto your teeth. There might be a delay in your treatment, but this problem can be addressed by getting “chewies,” a device you chew on to close air bubbles between the aligners.
11. Can the patient switch to braces if Invisalign® isn’t working?
Yes, in most cases a patient can switch to braces if Invisalign® is not working out for them. While ordinary dentists may not be able to do this, orthodontists are specially trained and have the experience, technology, and techniques to do this.
12. Will my orthodontist charge more for additional aligners, or does the treatment include unlimited aligners for up to 5 years?
The full price of Invisalign® generally includes additional aligners. Most patients will need refinements to complete treatment. And Invisalign® has a comprehensive option allowing for unlimited aligners for up to five years.
Make an Appointment Today
Getting Invisalign® treatment is a big decision, and you may have more questions to ask. Ricci Orthodontics offers Invisalign in Milton, and our dedicated staff is ready to help you. Please call us today at 678-417-9848 to schedule a consultation or visit our website for more information.
Tags: Inivisalign, Invisalign in MIlton, questions to ask
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