Are you an adult looking to straighten your crooked teeth but feeling too late? Then, Invisalign might be the right solution for you! Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment method that helps adult patients get their dream smile!
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign makes use of a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. They’re customised to fit your teeth and move them into their ideal position.
This blog will explore the benefits of Invisalign for adults. Read on for an in-depth look at this revolutionary way to achieve a straighter smile!
Content Navigation
- Summary of the Article
- What is Invisalign?
- Is it Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth with Invisalign?
- The Benefits of Invisalign for Adults
- Considerations of Invisalign for Adults
- How Long Will Invisalign Treatment Last?
- The Process of Getting Invisalign
- Cost of Invisalign
- Factors That Influence The Cost of Invisalign
- Maintenance and Care of Invisalign
- Common Misconceptions about Invisalign
- Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Invisalign?
- Final Thoughts
Summary of the Article
- Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. They’re clear plastic aligners that are custom-made for each patient. There are three types of Invisalign for adults.
- Invisalign Full
- Invisalign Express
- Invisalign Lite
- Adults of all ages can enjoy the benefits of Invisalign, which offers a practical and discreet method to straighten teeth.
- Orthodontic treatment can improve your oral health. It can straighten misaligned teeth and improve your bite. Not only that, it can ease jaw discomfort, prevent future dental problems, and enhance self-confidence.
- Invisalign offers a virtually invisible and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. They are easy to wear and removable for added convenience.
- The average treatment time of Invisalign usually ranges from 6 to 18 months. But this depends on the case’s complexity. The amount of tooth movement needed and patient compliance are factors that affect treatment duration.
- The Invisalign process starts with a consultation to discuss treatment goals. An impression or digital scan is then taken to create moulds that will be used in fabricating the aligners. Each aligner should be worn for 20-22 hours per day and replaced every two weeks. Regular checkups are needed to ensure the success of the treatment.
- During the treatment, your dentist tracks your progress to make adjustments as necessary.
- After the successful completion of treatment, you can expect improved oral hygiene and an improved smile!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces. It’s a system of clear plastic aligners, custom-made for each individual. Each aligner is designed to move teeth a little at a time toward their proper position. The treatment process moves your teeth into place to achieve a beautiful smile.
The system works by taking a mould of your teeth and creating a digital model. Then, a series of custom aligners are fashioned to match your teeth. Wearing your aligners 20-22 hours per day gives you ideal results.
Here are the different kinds of Invisalign treatments:
Invisalign Full
This is the most comprehensive Invisalign treatment, designed for more complex orthodontic cases. Invisalign Full involves wearing a series of aligners for 12-18 months or longer, with regular checkups to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Invisalign Lite
Invisalign Lite is a more limited form of Invisalign treatment designed for milder orthodontic cases. This treatment involves wearing a series of aligners for 6-9 months, making it a faster and more cost-effective option than Invisalign Full.
Invisalign Express
Invisalign Express is the most basic form of Invisalign treatment, designed for minor orthodontic issues such as relapse, slight crowding or spacing issues. This treatment involves wearing a series of aligners for 3-6 months, making it a quick and affordable option for those looking to make minor cosmetic improvements to their smile.
Is it Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth with Invisalign?
For the longest time, adults believe that their teeth are set in place as they age. This leads them to think that orthodontic work is only for children and teens. But with today’s advanced methods and technology, many adults can have their teeth straightened regardless of age. So, no, it’s never too late to enjoy Invisalign! Many adults have had success with this treatment.
Age is no barrier to achieving a beautiful smile with Invisalign. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, Invisalign offers a practical and discreet method to straighten your teeth.
Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment in many ways, such as:
- Improved oral health
- Straightened misaligned teeth
- Improved bite
- Alleviated jaw pain and discomfort
- Prevention of future dental problems
- Enhanced self-confidence
The Benefits of Invisalign for Adults
- Improved oral health. One of the most important benefits of Invisalign for adults is improved oral health. By addressing misalignment, Invisalign helps reduce your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
- Enhanced self-confidence. A straight and even smile can do wonders for adult patients. Invisalign helps you feel more confident in your appearance without worrying about the visibility of braces.
- Increased comfort. Traditional metal braces cause discomfort due to their sharp edges and wires rubbing against your cheeks and gums. You don’t have to worry about this with Invisalign. The smooth, flexible plastic fits your teeth and won’t rub against your cheeks and gums.
- Convenience. With traditional braces, you have to visit the clinic every 3-4 weeks for adjustments. With Invisalign, you can switch to a new set of aligners by yourself. Follow-up checkups are usually every 6-8 weeks making it more convenient for busy adults.
- Easy to maintain. Brushing and flossing around metal brackets and metal wires can be difficult. Invisalign trays are removable, so you can take them out for brushing and flossing.
- Improved bite. When your teeth are aligned, it can help improve your bite, which helps make chewing easier.
- Better oral health. Invisalign allows orthodontic patients to have better oral health. Since the aligners are removable, plaque is easily removed, and the risk of dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay is reduced.
Considerations of Invisalign for Adults
Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment for adults, but there are certain considerations that need to be taken into account before starting the treatment:
Bone health
Adults tend to have more mature and dense bones than children and teenagers, which can affect the movement of teeth. Adults with bone health issues, such as osteoporosis or bone loss, may have a more challenging Invisalign treatment.
Presence of gum disease
Gum disease is a common dental issue among adults and can affect the success of Invisalign treatment. If you have gum disease, it’s important to manage and control it before starting Invisalign to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and can withstand the treatment.
The severity of the case
There are some cases Invisalign cannot address. Since Invisalign aligners rely on gradual and consistent pressure to move teeth into their desired position, they are a great option for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. However, for more severe cases that need more intensive and precise movements, traditional braces may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
How Long Will Invisalign Treatment Last?
The duration of Invisalign for adults varies depending on the individual case and treatment goals. On average, Invisalign treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
The length of treatment depends on several factors. These factors include the following:
- patient’s compliance with wearing the aligners
- case’s complexity
- the amount of tooth movement required
Your dentist will provide a customised treatment plan during your initial consultation. This plan includes the number of aligners needed and the expected treatment duration.
The Process of Getting Invisalign
Initial consultation
During the initial consultation, your dentist will check your teeth and discuss your treatment goals. Then, they will explain the Invisalign process in detail. This includes the length of treatment, the number of aligners required, and the expected results.
Impressions and scans
This will involve taking x-rays and impressions of your teeth. In the past, dental impressions involved using putty-like materials to make moulds of your teeth. However, more recently, many dentists have switched to using digital scanners to create 3D images of teeth. They’re more accurate and comfortable for the patient.
These impressions or scans are used to create a customised treatment plan and a series of plastic aligners to straighten your teeth. The scans also help create before-and-after images of your teeth. That way, you can see the expected results of your Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign trays
Aligner trays are an essential part of the Invisalign treatment process. Each set of trays is custom-made to fit your teeth. They apply the appropriate amount of pressure to move the teeth gradually toward their proper position.
At the start of treatment, you are given a series of aligners to wear. Each set is worn for two weeks before replacing them with the next set in the series. As your teeth shift with the help of the aligners, your dentist will provide the next sets of aligners to continue the treatment process.
Regular checkups
Throughout the treatment, your dentist will track your progress. This is to ensure that your teeth are moving as expected. Your dentist may make adjustments to the treatment plan if necessary.
Regular checkups are essential to ensure the success of your Invisalign treatment.
Monitoring progress
Scans and X-rays help your dentist track your Invisalign treatment progress. They may also use intraoral scanners to help create a 3D replica of your bite and smile.
These images measure the movement of your teeth throughout the entire treatment process. At each appointment, they can track your progress in moving your teeth from their original position to the desired placement.
Final results
The final results of your Invisalign treatment depend on several factors. These factors include the severity of your dental problem, the duration of your treatment, and your compliance. Generally speaking, you can expect straighter teeth, improved oral health and hygiene, and an improved smile. Additionally, many people report feeling more confident after completing their Invisalign treatment.
Cost of Invisalign
While the cost of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the specific needs of each patient, the average treatment cost usually ranges from $6,000 to $9,000. In some cases, the cost may be higher or lower depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the length of treatment, and the location of the orthodontic practice.
Factors That Influence The Cost of Invisalign
- The severity of your misalignment. The more severe your misalignment, the more expensive Invisalign will be. This is because you will need to wear Invisalign for longer, and you may need to use additional treatments or attachments to straighten your smile.
- The number of aligners you need. The more aligners you need, the more expensive your Invisalign treatment will be.
- Additional treatments. In some cases, patients may need additional treatments to achieve their desired results.
- Your geographic location. The cost of Invisalign varies on where you live. Dental care tends to be more expensive in urban areas than in rural areas.
- Your health fund. Some private health funds cover a part of the cost of Invisalign, so it’s important to see your specific level of coverage.
Financial stress shouldn’t prevent you from receiving quality dental treatment. At Comfort Care Dental, we put patients first.
Our clinic offers flexible payment options for major health funds like CBHS, NIB Medicare and Medibank. Our team will work with you so you can find a plan that works for your budget.
Plus – get even more flexibility with Afterpay and Humm payment plans to spread out the cost of bigger treatments over time!
Our team is always available if you have any payment questions– never hesitate to ask us today!
Maintenance and Care of Invisalign
- Cleaning the trays. You should regularly clean Invisalign trays to maintain optimal results. It is recommended to rinse the trays with lukewarm water and mild soap after each use.
- Storing the trays. Keeping Invisalign trays in their case prevents the aligners from being discoloured or damaged while not being worn. It helps to keep the trays clean and free of debris.
- Wearing the trays. Consistently wearing Invisalign trays is essential for achieving optimal results.
- Regular checkups. Regular dental checkups are important when you get Invisalign treatment. The dentist can oversee the treatment progress, identify any potential issues early on, and offer guidance to maintain the course of treatment.
- Replacing trays. Replacing your aligner trays on time is key to getting the results you want. Each tray is shaped differently, facilitating the movement of your teeth.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces For Adults
- The extent of misalignment. Before committing to Invisalign treatment, assess the degree and type of misalignment. Your dentist will determine if Invisalign is the right course of action for you. They need to know the extent of your orthodontic problem before recommending a treatment. Problems such as crowding, tooth rotation, or bite problems must be identified before making a decision.
- Lifestyle. Adults should consider their lifestyle before deciding on orthodontic treatment. Those who participate in contact sports may replace their Invisalign trays with customised mouthguards. On the other hand, patients who play wind instruments may need extra maintenance to ensure their aligners are not damaged by excessive air pressure.
- Cost. Price is always a factor when choosing an orthodontic treatment. Invisalign costs more than traditional braces but is much more convenient.
- Oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene habits are essential for successful orthodontic treatments. People considering Invisalign should be dedicated to maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Personal preference. Patients should consider their preferences when choosing an orthodontic treatment plan. Most people prefer the aesthetic benefits of Invisalign. They’re nearly invisible compared to conventional metal braces. However, others may prefer traditional braces because they are less expensive. Patients need to weigh all the factors before deciding so they can choose which fits their needs.
Common Misconceptions about Invisalign
- Invisalign is only for minor dental problems – Invisalign can address a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gaps, overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
- Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces – While Invisalign may have a slightly higher cost upfront, it can often be a more cost-effective option in the long run due to fewer required office visits and less need for repairs or adjustments.
- Invisalign treatment takes longer than traditional braces – The length of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the individual case, but it is often comparable to or shorter than traditional braces.
- Invisalign is uncomfortable to wear– While there may be some mild discomfort or pressure during the adjustment period, most patients find Invisalign to be comfortable and convenient to wear.
- Invisalign is only for younger patients – Invisalign is a great option for patients of all ages, including adults who may have previously avoided orthodontic treatment due to the stigma of wearing traditional braces.
Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Invisalign?
While Invisalign can be an effective treatment option for many people, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some factors that may make a person not a good candidate for Invisalign:
- Severe dental problems: Invisalign is designed to address mild to moderate dental problems such as gaps, crowding, and bite issues. If you have severe dental problems such as large gaps, significant crowding, or a severe overbite or underbite, Invisalign may not be able to effectively address your condition.
- Poor compliance: Invisalign requires a high level of compliance to be effective. The aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day and must be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. If you are not able to commit to wearing the aligners as directed, Invisalign may not be a good option for you.
- Active gum disease: Invisalign aligners can trap bacteria and other debris between the teeth and gums, which can exacerbate gum disease. If you have active gum disease, you may need to address this problem before starting Invisalign treatment.
To determine if Invisalign is a good option for you is to consult with a dentist. They can evaluate your dental condition, discuss your treatment goals, and recommend the treatment suited for your individual needs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re 18 or 80, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider Invisalign if you want to get a straighter smile! Your dentist can help you decide which type of orthodontic treatment option is suited for your needs.
It’s never too late for adults to get the straight smile they have always wanted! With Invisalign, adults can now have fast and effective orthodontic care without anyone ever knowing about it!
Comfort Care Dental is committed to giving all our patients beautiful smiles. If you’re interested in our Invisalign service, pay us a visit today! W