Do you want to straighten your teeth without much change to your lifestyle? Are you motivated and committed to keeping up with your dental treatment to completion? If your answer to these questions is yes, then Invisalign® may be the right treatment option for you.
Spain Orthodontics in Shoreline offers Invisalign® to adults and teens who are ready to change their lives by improving their smiles. All you need to do is take the first step by scheduling a consultation. Still not sure? Read on to learn more!
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a series of removable clear aligner trays that fixes a variety of teeth misalignment problems including overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps between teeth, and crookedness.
The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and are constructed using multiple layers of medical-grade plastics with rounded edges to protect mouth tissues.
Because the aligners are clear, they are virtually invisible to others. Even your friends and family may not notice you are wearing them.
How does Invisalign® work?
The aligners work by gradually shifting your teeth into correct alignment over a period of time. A consultation is required to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®. A scan of your teeth will help us make a 3D model of them so as to manufacture a set of aligners just for your teeth.
You wear the aligners for 22 hours a day. Every two weeks, you will switch to a new set of aligners to begin the next stage of shifting. Remove the aligners before you eat and before you engage in sports activities. Clean your aligners whenever you take them out if possible, but at least before bedtime and after you wake up in the morning.
Initial discomfort is normal when beginning each new set of aligners, which puts pressure on teeth to shift them into position. Talk to your orthodontist about ways to reduce discomfort if you feel like you can’t handle it.
Be sure to show up for follow-up appointments so the orthodontist can check your progress and make changes to your treatment if necessary.
How long does Invisalign® take?
Invisalign® treatment lasts between 12 and 18 months depending on the condition of your teeth and if you have other dental problems. However, you should begin seeing results in weeks after starting treatment. Again, you should wear your aligners for 22 hours a day and make sure you switch to the new set every two weeks. Failure to consistently wear your aligners could cause setbacks that will increase the amount of time it takes to complete your treatment.
How much does Invisalign® cost?
The average cost of Invisalign® ranges nationally between $3,000 to $8,000 depending on what kind of treatment you need. At Spain Orthodontics, the cost ranges between $5,500 to $7,000. Dental insurance can cover all or part of the cost of your treatment, so be sure to contact your provider to ask about your coverage. It could save you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.
In addition, orthodontists offer low payment plans that work with just about any budget, and there may be other options available to you as well. Spain Orthodontics offers payments as low as $129 a month with a down payment as low as $99. Regardless of which options are available, Spain Orthodontics will help you choose which one is best for you. Everyone deserves affordable dental treatment.
Invisalign® vs Traditional Braces
The best feature of Invisalign® is that it offers patients a treatment to fix their misalignment without the need to wear traditional metal braces, which can be uncomfortable and clunky while causing you to feel self-conscious about your smile.
That being said, there are several differences and similarities between the two treatment options that knowing about could help you make your choice.
- Traditional braces are visible to others while Invisalign® is not. You can smile normally during treatment with clear aligners.
- Clear aligners are removable. Braces cannot be removed because they are bonded to each tooth and are anchored by wires and elastic bands, adding more hardware into your mouth.
- There are no dietary restrictions while using Invisalign® because you can remove the aligners. Braces require dietary restrictions, which means no popcorn, chewing gum, and other consumables, many of which could be your favorites.
- Clear aligners are also easier to clean because you can remove them to do so. Braces are difficult to clean and getting a cleaning at your dentist is the best way to get a thorough clean.
- There are fewer follow-up dental appointments while using Invisalign®. Those who use braces must visit more often so the orthodontist can tighten them.
- Both treatments cost around the same.
- Both treatments last around the same amount of time.
- You can disrupt Invisalign® treatment by failing to wear your aligners. Braces cannot be removed so treatment is ongoing with little to no delay.
Which is best for you?
Only you and your orthodontist can decide which option is best for you. If you are a responsible person who has the motivation and commitment to wear the aligners 22 hours a day to avoid the lifestyle changes required by braces, Invisalign® may be the best choice for you.
Invisalign Teen®
Invisalign® is not just for adults, it’s for teens, too! The treatment is basically the same, albeit with two minor differences. Invisalign Teen® features a blue dot on the aligners that fades away the more you are using them. This allows you and your parents to check on your progress and remind you to wear them more if the dot is visible.
There are also more aligners for teens because of the increased risk of loss or damage.
Contact us
Spain Orthodontics is ready to help you make the choice that will give you a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles.
To schedule a complimentary consultation, call us at 206-693-3123 or visit our website today!
We proudly serve Shoreline and surrounding areas in Washington.
Don’t wait to straighten your teeth.
You can have the smile you have always wanted by choosing Invisalign®!
