Getting a straighter, healthier-looking smile is easier with Invisalign.
How does Invisalign work?
At My Family Dentistry, Dr. Wes uses X-rays, dental impressions, and photographs to create a 3D image, which helps us plan out a series of invisible aligners—clear trays that fit perfectly over your teeth—that will gradually move your teeth into the proper places. You get a new pair of aligners every couple of weeks.
With Invisalign, all you have to do is wear your custom trays every day. Depending on the level of your individual needs, you’ll have a more beautiful smile in just 6-18 months!
While you do have to wear the aligner trays for 20-22 hours a day, Invisalign is comfortable for all of them. Cleaning is simple, too. Apart from soaking, all you need to do is pop them out, brush thoroughly with your toothbrush and toothpaste, then rinse to keep them fresh.
Invisalign vs Braces
Instead of the wires and bands of traditional braces, which can irritate your mouth and appear distracting, this system subtly realigns your teeth using custom-fitted clear aligners. Invisalign is virtually undetectable as it works. You can wear them to work or school, and still eat the snacks you want.
Braces
Food and plaque can gather around the metal brackets of traditional braces, making your teeth more difficult to clean. As many as 50% of patients with braces experience tooth decay or demineralization because of this, even if they brush and floss twice a day. Braces can also cause physical discomfort until you get used to them, and the tightening process is especially painful, leaving your mouth sore for days. In fact, the pressure exerted by braces can even impact the health of your gums, supporting tissue, and tooth roots.
Invisalign
The Invisalign system offers transparent, removable aligners which you can take out of your mouth anytime you need to eat, drink, brush, or floss. That way, you can still enjoy your favorite foods and beverages without excess plaque or bacteria buildup. In addition, Invisalign trays cause less discomfort than metal braces, even when you’re fitted for a tighter pair of aligner trays. When they’re in your mouth, their presence is almost unnoticeable.
Is Invisalign Your Best Option?
Getting a straighter, healthier-looking smile is easier with Invisalign. Instead of the wires and bands of traditional braces, which can irritate your mouth and appear distracting, this system subtly realigns your teeth using custom-fitted clear aligners. Invisalign is virtually undetectable as it works. You can wear them to work or school, and still eat the snacks you want.
3 Reasons to Choose Invisalign
When you want to take steps toward the best and most beautiful smile you or your child can have, consider the following reasons why you should choose Invisalign.
Looks
Where braces are typically made of metal – often titanium or high-grade stainless steel – Invisalign is clear. Unless inspected closely, they’ll be practically invisible when taking photos, talking with friends and colleagues, and eating or drinking. While colored or enamel-looking braces can be installed, it usually comes at a higher cost.
Comfort
When applied to your teeth, braces become a semi-permanent fixture in your mouth – the presence of the braces can be aggravating and slightly painful. This is compounded by the fact that food can and will get stuck in the wires and brackets. In contrast, Invisalign can be removed easily when needed and cleaned.
Shorter Treatment Time
In order for metal braces to work, they have to be worn all day, every day for an average of 24 months. Invisalign doesn’t require you to wear them for nearly so long. In most cases, while they should be worn for nearly the whole day, they only take 6 to 18 months for the treatment to be complete.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The typical cost of Invisalign is between $3,500 to $8,000, depending on your individual needs. This is somewhat higher in comparison to the cost of braces, which is normally in the range of $2,500 to $6,000. Luckily, most dental insurance plans cover Invisalign just as they would regular braces. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to determine the extent of your coverage.
How long does it take for Invisalign to work?
With Invisalign, you will have straighter teeth in as little as 9 to 15 months—much shorter than the 18-36 months required by braces—with no brackets, rubber bands, wires, or headgear. Wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours a day, you progressively shift your teeth into their ideal positions with minimal irritation or discomfort.
Learn More from Dr. Wes
Now you can find out if Invisalign is the right solution for you with a free consultation from Dr. Mullins at My Family Dentistry.
You’ll learn more about this tooth straightening solution and get answers to commonly asked questions, including:
- How much Invisalign costs
- How long it will take to straighten your teeth
- The number of dental aligners you’ll need
- Cleaning and maintenance of your aligners, and
- Whether Invisalign is covered by your insurance
Dr. Mullins is your expert on Invisalign in Knoxville. At My Family Dentistry, you can start building your best smile today.