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Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

If you have overcrowded or crooked teeth, you've probably considered getting braces to correct the issue. However, traditional braces are much more noticeable than Invisalign aligners. This type of orthodontic treatment consists of clear aligner trays that snap on and off of your teeth. The trays are made of a plastic-like material. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be taken off during a short period of time.

Should I Get Invisalign?

Despite being preferred by older teenagers and adults, Invisalign can be used by people of all ages. So, who is a good candidate for Invisalign? It depends on a couple of factors, as explained below by our experts at OG Dental in Denver, CO.

  • Dental Problem. What do you want to fix, and how severe is it? Major dental issues like large overbites require more advanced orthodontic procedures. However, if you have gapped teeth, crowded teeth, a small overbite, underbite, or crossbite, you can use Invisalign.
  • Age. Although young adults typically prefer Invisalign, there is a limit to how young you can be. Children are still growing, which makes them unsuitable for Invisalign.
  • Your level of commitment. Invisalign may be a relatively easy dental treatment compared to others, but you'll still have to put in the effort. Although the trays can be removed, our Denver Highlands dentist, Dr. O'Grady, insists that you wear your Invisalign for no less than 20 hours a day. You are required to remove the aligners whenever you eat or drink (except water). Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown KY, says that tons of dentists instruct their patients to wear a retainer after finally removing their braces to make sure their teeth don't shift back to their original position.

Invisalign treatment

Once you've decided to get Invisalign, make an appointment with your Denver dental care provider. He will examine your teeth, your overall oral health, and take a 3D model of your teeth. The model, along with your dentist's recommendations, will be sent to the lab to custom-make your aligners. Once your aligners arrive at the office, you'll need to come in to make sure they fit properly. 

Since they are designed to shift and move your teeth into the desired position, the aligner trays will feel strange at first. You'll be able to adjust to them after about a week. Every one to two weeks, you'll need to switch to a new tray, which will move your teeth closer to the desired position. Every time you get new trays, you'll be one step closer to achieving the perfect smile! 

How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign?

As we've seen, Invisalign can only be used to treat mild to moderate dental issues. Although you can take it off, professionals recommend you wear them for no less than 20 hours a day to be effective. They should only be removed when you're eating, brushing, and flossing. 

Treatment with Invisalign usually takes around 12 months, but it could be longer or shorter, depending on your treatment. Rotations and bite correction can take longer.

On the other hand, small tweaks may require 12 weeks or six months of using Invisalign consistently to get the job done. Your Denver Highlands dentist will advise you about the specific duration of your treatment.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The average treatments range anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, roughly the same as braces. If the dental issue is minor, the cost of the treatment may be slightly less. If you're insured, your insurance can cover up to $3,000. It varies depending on your insurance plan. Ultimately, the severity of the issue being addressed will determine how much your Invisalign costs.

Do you have crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, or gaps in your teeth? Invisalign may be the perfect solution for you! Contact OG Dental today to learn more about Invisalign in Denver, CO