We often think that dental work and orthodontics are something for kids and teens, but the fact is that millions of adults around the world also need and get orthodontic treatment to fix their smiles, and that includes Invisalign for adults.
At Webb & Goldsmith Orthodontics in Charlotte, Invisalign is one of our specialties and we are accepting new patients. But if you want to know more about Invisalign before you schedule a complimentary consultation, you can continue reading about it below.
What Is Invisalign For Adults?
Invisalign is a series of clear removable aligner trays that are made of multiple layers of medical-grade plastic with rounded edges to fit comfortably in your mouth over your teeth. Available since 1998, Invisalign is an alternative to braces that has treated millions of patients while requiring little to no changes in their lifestyles. It’s for adults who want to fix their teeth without the hardware and restrictions that come with braces.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works by gradually shifting teeth into alignment over a period of time to fix a variety of problems including overbite, open bite, underbite, crossbite, crookedness, spaces between teeth, overcrowding.
Dr. Webb will examine your teeth and jaws during a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. An iTero scanner will create a digital model or impression of your teeth so a set of aligners can be made just for you. You wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every two weeks to begin the next stage of shifting. All you have to do is remember to keep wearing them.
Can You Be An Unsuitable Candidate For Invisalign?
Most patients qualify for Invisalign treatment, but there are reasons why a patient may not be a suitable candidate. If your teeth are too small, Invisalign may not work properly for you. If your problem is too severe, braces may be the best choice. If you smoke or use tobacco you will stain or damage the aligners so you must quit during treatment.
Furthermore, if you are not responsible enough to consistently wear the aligners, you may want to consider braces instead. Dr. Webb will be able to tell you if Invisalign is right for you or not. Either way, you’ll get a treatment option that will work best for you.
How Do You Clean Invisalign?
Invisalign does not clean itself. It needs a little maintenance every day to keep the aligners fresh and clean in your mouth to prevent the growth of bacteria and the build-up of plaque that can cause cavities and gum disease. That being said, there are several professional cleaning products you can choose from plus a few home remedies you can consider if money is tight or you run out of cleaning products.
- OAP Gel and Foam
- Cleaning Tablets
- WhiteFoam
- Cleaning Crystals
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Unscented and Uncolored Dish/Hand Soaps
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Soft Toothbrush and Non-abrasive Toothpaste
Cleaning Invisalign is easy since you can simply remove the aligners to do so. Try to clean your aligners after every meal or snack. Several cleaning methods mentioned above can clean them in minutes. You should also clean your aligners at night before you go to bed and in the morning after you wake up. As long as you take care of your aligners, your teeth will get the best performance out of them.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Patients can expect to start seeing results only weeks into treatment, but the typical length of treatment from beginning to end is about 12-15 months. Treatment time can be shorter or longer depending on several factors including the severity of your problem, how consistently your wear the aligners, and how well your teeth respond.
What Does Invisalign For Adults Cost?
The average cost of Invisalign ranges between $3,500 to $8,000 but varies from patient to patient depending on your location, length of treatment, and complexity of your misalignment. The cost of Invisalign in Charlotte ranges between $5,500 to $7,000.
However, you should not let the cost stop you from seeking the treatment you need. There are options that make treatment more affordable. Webb & Goldsmith Orthodontics offers low monthly payment plans that fit just about any budget. Dental insurance also covers at least part of the cost. We accept most providers and will help you file claims.
Invisalign vs Braces
Braces and Invisalign both straighten your teeth by gradually shifting them via pressure. They also share similar costs and treatment lengths. But there are several key differences as well. Invisalign is removable and virtually invisible while braces are visible and not removable because they are bonded to your teeth using an adhesive.
For that reason, braces are harder to clean and come with dietary restrictions. However, you never have to worry about remembering to wear your braces. There are also more follow-up appointments with braces because Dr. Webb will need to tighten the wire to maintain pressure. You can easily make the switch to braces if Invisalign is not working out.
Invisalign For Adults vs Invisalign Teen
The two treatments are basically the same and work the same way, but with a couple of minor differences. Invisalign Teen aligners feature a blue dot that fades away the more you wear them. This serves as a reminder to wear them more if the dot is visible and allows parents to check progress.
In addition, Invisalign Teen comes with extra aligners since teens can often lose or damage them. That being said, please do not use Invisalign as a sports mouthguard. It’s too thin to protect teeth from impacts.
Contact Webb & Goldsmith Orthodontics Today!
Webb & Goldsmith Orthodontics proudly serves Charlotte and surrounding communities in North Carolina. We are committed to providing our patients with the best care possible. We are a Diamond Plus Provider of Invisalign and we treat patients of all ages. Your oral health is important to us, and we hope you’ll consider us to provide your treatment. To make an appointment or to learn more, call our office at 704-364-7343 today!