Invisalign is a clear dental treatment device used to treat mild dental misalignment conditions. It looks like a mouthguard, but it's made of a hard plastic dental material. Invisalign is preferred because of its great aesthetic appearance and also the fact that it is not permanent like other forms of braces (traditional metal, porcelain/ceramic and lingual braces). You can take it out of your mouth anytime, especially when eating. Your dentist may, however, insist that you try and wear Invisalign braces for at least 22 hours a day.
Something else that you need to keep in mind when looking to get Invisalign braces is that they might not be suitable for your condition. Have an open mind when going to see your dentist for Invisalign brace treatment. As stated above, they treat mild cases of dental misalignment, meaning if you have severe tooth misalignment, your dentist may recommend the alternative braces mentioned above.
Are Invisalign Braces Painful?
No, they are not painful. Your dentist only needs to take a mould of your teeth to be able to get the exact shape required for the Invisalign braces; this is done with the help of a computerised system, which helps with precision. An X-ray is also required sometimes, especially when the dentist wants to confirm whether Invisalign braces are the right treatment for you and whether they will work effectively.
When you wear Invisalign braces, they, of course, exert some pressure on your misaligned teeth to push them to the right position. You might feel some slight discomfort within the first few days, but you get used to it.
How Fast Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
This is always a question asked by a majority of individuals looking to get Invisalign braces. The answer is that it depends on the severity of your condition and how disciplined you are in keeping the Invisalign braces in your mouth. Therefore, let your dentist first inspect your teeth to be able to give you an estimate of how long it might take the Invisalign braces to correct your misalignment; that is if you wear them for the recommended number of hours a day.
Why Are Invisalign Braces So Expensive?
First, they are made from expensive medical grade materials, meaning they will be priced based on the amount of material used.
Secondly, you will need to use several Invisalign braces. Once your teeth start becoming aligned, the Invisalign braces in your mouth become loose and stop working; you need a replacement that captures the new state of your teeth.