Invisalign® is a orthodontic appliance that uses a series of clear aligners to gradually reposition the teeth into proper alignment. These clear aligners are customized to fit over the teeth and are virtually invisible. They can be used for children and adults, although they tend to be a popular choice for adults.
Invisalign® aligners must be worn for twenty two hours a day and can only be removed during meals and when brushing or flossing. Over the course of Invisalign® treatment, you will receive a series of aligners that need to be worn at a specific time during your treatment. These aligners work by exerting slight pressure on the teeth, causing them to move.
DID YOU KNOW?
Currently, teeth are the second trait that Americans would change about themselves with 57% of Americans feeling insecure about their teeth. The first trait, weight, has 60% of Americans feeling insecure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR INVISALIGN® TREATMENT?
Ideal candidates for Invisalign® treatment are individuals who have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, gap teeth, or general overcrowding, and are seeking a discrete treatment to correct these issues. To find out for sure if you are a candidate for Invisalign® treatment, schedule your FREE Invisalign® consultation with Dr. Alkass today!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING INVISALIGN® TREATMENT?
When you come in for your free Invisalign® consultation, Dr. Alkass will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine your treatment plan. He will discuss this with you, and if you decide to move forward with treatment, he will take a digital scan of your mouth. This digital scan is then sent out and used to manufacture your custom aligners. Once you return to office to pick up your aligners and Dr. Alkass can verify they fit properly, then your Invisalign® treatment will officially begin.
Over the course of your Invisalign® treatment, you will wear your aligners everyday for twenty two hours a day and only remove them at mealtimes or when you are brushing and flossing your teeth. Every week or two, you will switch out the aligners as directed. You will also need to attend regular appointments with Dr. Alkass approximately every six to eight weeks so he can monitor your progress and give you your next series of aligners.
WHAT ARE SMARTFORCE ATTACHMENTS?
SmartForce attachments are tiny, tooth-colored attachments that sit on the surface of your teeth and are worn with your aligners. They are used in places that require a specific amount of force and can help accomplish dramatic movements without the need for traditional braces. They fit well underneath your aligners and will be barely noticeable. Keep in mind that SmartForce attachments are only used in some cases and not everyone will need them.
HOW LONG WILL INVISALIGN® TREATMENT LAST?
Most Invisalign® treatments last for an average of 12-18 months, however this timeframe can vary depending on the severity of the correction and your final treatment goals. During your free Invisalign® consultation, Dr. Alkass will give you a more concrete idea of how long your individual treatment will last.
WILL INVISALIGN® TREATMENT BE PAINFUL?
Invisalign® treatment should not cause extreme levels of pain, however it can cause some discomfort at times. Since each new aligner exerts pressure on the teeth, there can be some short-lived discomfort that occurs when switching aligners. Usually this discomfort is very mild, but it can be alleviated with over the counter pain medication, if required.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY ALIGNERS?
To maintain your aligners during your Invisalign® treatment, you will need to keep them clean by rinsing and gently brushing them every night. You will also need to keep up on your oral habits by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily. Keeping your teeth clean will help keep your aligners clean as well, so you will need to also brush your teeth after meals or drinks before wearing your aligners. Finally, to prevent your aligners from becoming damaged you will need to store them in their case when they’re not in your mouth and avoid using hot water to rinse them because this can warp their shape.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER INVISALIGN® TREATMENT?
After your Invisalign® treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in the desired position. Invisalign® offers discrete Vivera retainers that can be purchased and include an extra retainer in case one becomes lost or damaged. Traditional wire retainers can also be used. Immediately following treatment, your retainer will need to be worn at all times, but eventually you should be able to wear it only at night. Be sure to follow Dr. Alkass’ instructions to achieve the best results.
CAN I AFFORD INVISALIGN® TREATMENT?
At Alkass Dental, our Invisalign® treatments are averaged at $4,000. In addition, Alkass Dental offers free bleaching will any Invisalign® treatment, allowing you to have brighter teeth to accompany your new and improved smile!
Depending on your dental insurance company, you may be able to receive partial coverage towards Invisalign® treatment. We also offer monthly payment plans to help finance your treatment.
To find out what Invisalign® can do for you, schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Alexander Alkass today! Alkass Dental proudly serves Oakland County and the communities of Waterford, Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Pontiac, Sylvan Lake,and White Lake.
