Hello there!!
Today I want to talk about Invisalign and try to answer some of your potential questions about this treatment. I read so many reviews and other people’s opinions that I find out very important to share mine as well. Who knows? Maybe there’s one of you who also wants to get a nicer smile but is not aware that you can actually do it without having your mouth filled with metal wires.
Here are some FAQ’s:
Invisalign is a “new” way of getting your teeth straight without using the conventional metal braces.
These are plastic trays, transparent, that are custom made to your teeth.
Each person’s case is different and therefore the treatment plan is also different. In general terms, anyone could use this treatment (they have treated over 3M patients!!). Depending on the duration of your treatment, you will get a certain amount of trays. Each tray is replaced every two weeks, unless your doctor says otherwise.
You should wear them for about 20-22hours a day, meaning all the time except when having meals.
- How do they get the aligners custom made?
Nowadays, some Invisalign providers have a digital scanner that takes pictures of your teeth. Imagine using a probe with a camera on the very end and take pictures of your teeth.
In case such system is not available, then they make traditional molds of your teeth.
You also have to take X-rays of your mouth and skull.
No food, hot or sugary drinks while wearing Invisalign. Only water is allowed. If you do eat or drink while wearing them be prepared for the possibility that your aligners will get some coloring or may even break.
After every meal/snack, you have to floss, brush your teeth and your aligners. Like… always!
- Is it really “invisible”?
Depends.
In my case, I think not. Why? I have some attachments placed on my teeth, therefore, you can see “bumps” on them and the correspondent bumps on the aligners.
If you do not need any attachments (in case your teeth only need minor correction) than most likely,
your aligners will hardly be noticeable.
- What are those “bumps” on your teeth?
The bumps or attachments are small composite placed on your teeth to help them move better.
Some teeth may need more difficult movements (rotation or vertical direction – up/down) which a flat surface won’t be able to do.
They will have the same color as your teeth or as close as possible of course.
Pain is a very subjective thing. I can stand quite some pain, but in my case, I have not felt any pain so far! Like, nothing!!
I do feel some pressure on my teeth, due to having a strange object placed on my teeth. Also, some of my teeth feel more sensitive than others, but I don’t call this pain.
Pain for me is something that requires to take medicine and won’t allow you to do your normal daily errands.
So far, I’m just fine! Could change in the future though…
- Does it affect your speech?
A little bit. Some words get a funny sound but it’s nothing crazy. Words with “s” or “f” are the trickiest ones for me.
The cost highly depends on the duration of the treatment. This means that there is no price that fits all, let’s say.
In my case, the technical costs (getting your aligners manufactured) are a fixed value and what could make the whole treatment more expensive is the amount of visits required.
Invisalign says that in average, the treatment can go from 3.5 – 5.5kEur. Yes, I have been saving for some years in order to get my teeth fixed… It’s an investment. So if you are planning on doing this, make sure you’ve got your finances in order.
Some providers may allow you to pay in equal parts; like a monthly bill. Just ask if that’s possible.
- Does the insurance cover the treatment?
In my case no. Depending on your insurance company they may have special agreements for orthodontics.
Always ask them in advance, just so you know what to count on.
My experience:
So far I am positive about it. I got so excited once I had seen my ClinCheck video (a computer simulation made by Invisalign on how your teeth should progress throughout the treatment), that I just couldn’t wait to get started! 🙂
I had done an extensive research about this kind of treatment and knew what the restrictions were.
It has been exactly 2 month since I have decided to go for this treatment and had my first appointment at the orthodontics and the day I actually got my first set of aligners. they have quite a busy agenda… haha
As I said previously, I have not had any pain so far. I do miss to be able to snack and drink coffee as
many times as I want.
On my purse, I always have to carry a tooth brush&paste and flossers. I wanna be able to do things I like regardless having these on my teeth. A little bit of preparation that’s all it takes (and a purse big enough… hahaha).
If you have questions about Invisalign, please let them in the comments below and I will try to answer you.
I am no expert in this, obviously, but I can try to help you out.
When were not happy with something, you have to take the lead and measurements in order to change it!
I wasn’t happy with my smile but didn’t want to have my mouth full with wires; glad someone came up with this technique!
Before I forget, make sure you choose a certified Invisalign provider! Go to their website and search for one closer to you. If some doctor’s name is not on the list, then he/she isn’t certified!
Be aware that they may be people trying to fool you by waving with low prices and so on, but then, if something happens
you may end up in troubles.
Anyway, I will keep updating about my journey with Invisalign! If you are interested or know someone who is, then please come back. 😉
For more info, please check Invisalign’s wesite: http://www.invisalign.com/
