Planning to get an Invisalign in Fairfax VA soon? If you are, then there are a few things you need to know about the procedure to better prepare and ensure a better outcome.
Invisalign is a fantastic technology that works just like braces, and over a series of trays, you get straight teeth. The revolutionary treatment is ideal for treating misaligned teeth, uneven bites and crowded teeth. It uses clear guides (invisible aligners) that are almost impossible for others to notice, which makes them a preferred choice over the traditional braces.
Finding the right orthodontist or dentist
With dozens of orthodontists in Fairfax, VA, it can be daunting to narrow down your options and identify the best one for you. However, the searching process shouldn’t be as complicated as you want to assume. Your best shot is to identify an orthodontist who does a lot Invisalign in Fairfax, VA. This is because they have vast experience dealing with even the most challenging case. And what better way to know this than to check out if the dentist is an Invisalign Elite or Premier provider?
Benefits of Invisalign
- Easier to clean – it is common knowledge that metal braces are a hassle to maintain – especially when it comes to cleaning. Invisalign offers the same (or even better alignment solution), minus the stress of cleaning your teeth because they are easily detachable.
- Fewer office visits – you’ll need to visit the office a couple of times for adjustments if you wear metal braces. On the other hand, you’ll only need to go to the dentist if you are done with one phase of treatment and are heading to the next with Invisalign.
- Look better – this is perhaps the most appreciated benefit of Invisalign. Since they are clear, others can’t know you are wearing them unless you mention it. So, it allows you to rectify your dental problem without announcing it to the whole world.
- No food adjustment – with Invisalign, you can eat as you usually would because they are detachable. Just be keen on your hygiene to ensure your teeth are free of any food particles before reinstalling the aligners.
- More comfort – unlike traditional braces that are fitted with wires and brackets that are associated with tension and soreness, Invisalign trays are smooth and do not hurt the mouth or cause discomfort. And the fact that they are removable makes them an even better option when it comes to comfort.
- Fixes a wide range of problems – Invisalign can address a wide range of dental issues, including underbite, overbite, gap teeth, crowded teeth, open bite, misaligned teeth, and crossbite. The procedure helps with crowding and bites issues, which assists in minimizing the rate of gum disease and cavities.
- Safe for everyone – Invisalign is safe for children and adults alike. The only reason children aren’t allowed to wear them is because of the maintenance responsibility that comes with it. There’s also the aspect of a possible loss.
The best candidate for Invisalign
- Age: as mentioned earlier, Invisalign can be worn by children, adolescents, and adults alike. The technology works well for all ages – but it’s wise for children to wait because of the reasons mentioned above.
- Have crowding or bites issues: Invisalign is an excellent solution for misalignment and other dental problems. If you are experiencing this, then you are a good candidate for the procedure.
But you are not a good candidate if:
You have cavities: if your mouth is full of cavities, you may need to fix the issue first before getting Invisalign
You have gum disease: if your gums aren’t healthy, you’ll need to treat them first. Otherwise, the Invisalign braces won’t be effective.
Note that things like dental implants, long bridges, or current TMJ problems can make Invisalign more difficult, but depending on your situation, and the expertise of your dentist, you may still benefit from the treatment.
It’s also important to keep in mind that you may require more dental restorative treatments after Invisalign to achieve the results you are looking for. Usually, these additional treatments (like veneers, bonding, and crowns) are meant to address the following conditions:
- Worn teeth
- Too small teeth
- Misshapen teeth
Invisalign cost
A range of aspects contributes to the cost of Invisalign. They include the dentist’s time for labor, your location and the average price in the area, your oral health needs, and the amount of work that needs to be done and the amount your insurance plan will cover. Overall, the treatment costs may range between $3,000 and $7,000.
The downsides of Invisalign
- It may be more expensive than the traditional braces
- It can be broken or lost leading to more time and money spent on treatment
- In some cases, it might result in mouth achiness and discomfort
Conclusion
Invisalign may seem like a luxury treatment, but that’s not always the case. Crowded or crooked teeth are not only uncomfortable and unappealing, but they are also hard to clean and may expose you to different oral health issues.
