WHAT IS INVISALIGN®?
Invisalign® is the clear alternative to braces that can help you achieve a straighter smile. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually move your teeth into their desired position. These aligners are virtually invisible, comfortable to wear and easy to remove. Simply take them out for special occasions and brush and floss as normal throughout your treatment. Invisalign® is the modern and hygienic way to straighten your teeth.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Using the latest in 3D imaging technology, your dentist or orthodontist can depict the complete series of movements your teeth need to go through to achieve a straighter smile. A series of custom-made aligners are then produced, which you simply change yourself every two weeks to gradually move the teeth.
HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT TAKE? The length of treatment is dependent on the severity of each individual patient’s orthodontic issues. Treatment may vary from anywhere between six months to two years. The average treatment time is between 12 to 14 months.
HOW MUCH DOES INVISALIGN® COST?
In most cases, the cost and treatment time of Invisalign® is comparable to traditional braces. However, as with other medical treatments, only your dentist or orthodontist can determine the cost based on your specific needs. Other factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you are in treatment, your orthodontic insurance coverage and additional factors determined by your dentist or orthodontist.
DOES INSURANCE COVER INVISALIGN®?
If your insurance policy has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign® should be covered to a similar extent as conventional braces. However, as medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should check with you health fund.
WILL INVISALIGN® TREATMENT BE PAINFUL?
Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This short-term effect is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure.
WHAT ARE THE ALIGNERS MADE OF?
Aligners are made of clear, strong, medical grade, non-toxic plastic. They are smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible. They are so discreet, many practitioners describe them as ‘contact lenses for teeth’.
WILL WEARING THE ALIGNERS AFFECT MY SPEECH?
Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear.
HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO SEE MY DENTIST OR ORTHODONTIST?
Once in treatment, you will need to schedule regular appointments with your dentist or orthodontist which will usually occur every 6-8 weeks. It is necessary to check-in with your treating dentist or orthodontist to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE THAT INVISALIGN® CAN TREAT?
Almost all teenagers over the age of 14 are eligible for Invisalign® treatment as long as their 2nd (12yr old) molars are fully erupted.
