Invisalign, one of the more popular names in invisible orthodontics, works by using a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom made to fit your mouth and teeth. These trays gradually move your teeth over time until they’re where you want them to be. What is Invisalign, and how does it work? The rest of this article will explain everything you need to know about this process!
The History of Invisalign
Invisalign was originally developed in 1995 by a research team in Rice University and ClearCorrect. While researchers have been working on aligners since 1997, it wasn’t until September 2000 that Invisalign was release to consumers. The idea behind Invisalign was to create a removable option for orthodontic treatment. Instead of patients having to visit their orthodontist every few weeks for adjustments or fittings with bulky headgear, Invisalign users are able to self-monitor their progress without even removing their aligners—allowing them to correct their smile without disrupting daily life. In 2000, Align Technology acquired ClearCorrect so they could develop a greater range of options for treating misaligned teeth while still maintaining an affordable price tag.
The Process of Getting Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are invisible. No one will see them (unless you take out your mouth guard). Dentists take impressions of your teeth using a moldable plastic material called alginate. The impressions are sent to Invisalign in order to create 3D computer models of your teeth.
Possible Side Effects
When you have your aligners in place, make sure you wear them as directed. You may forget at times because they’re virtually invisible, but that’s okay. Just use reminder apps or set alarms on your phone so you don’t accidentally skip a day. If you do accidentally misplace them for a short period of time (like I did), just go to your next appointment and get another pair so you can still reach your goal. It doesn’t matter if you need to spend an extra $200 now rather than spending thousands on braces in six months; better safe than sorry! My only real regret was eating fries with my son at TGI Fridays one night when I had misplaced my aligners after getting back from vacation.
After the Treatment
Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions during your treatment to get your best results. For example, you may be told not to eat food or drink water for a certain amount of time after treatment; you might need to avoid alcohol-containing drinks like beer or red wine if they can affect how well treatment works. Your dentist will tell you what to do. Following these instructions helps prevent possible problems from occurring. It’s also important that you don’t change anything about your oral health routine while wearing Invisalign trays—regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups are all important. If something feels wrong during or after treatment, call your dentist right away so they can address any issues right away.
The Cost of Getting Your Teeth Straightened with Aligners
Dentists who opt for traditional braces or Invisalign treatments charge anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000—and sometimes even more. The cost of getting your teeth straight with Invisalign ranges from about $3,500 to as much as $7,500. For example, if you’re in Los Angeles and go to The Dental Wellness Center for treatment—it’ll run you a little more than $4K for 18 months’ worth of aligners. Having your teeth straight with Invisalign is definitely not a cheap process. But does that mean it’s not worth investing in? Certainly not!
