According to dental research, very few people have perfectly straight teeth- nearly everyone has some type of misalignment. While many people can live and function just fine with theirs, others require treatment to prevent future issues. Before the introduction of Invisalign clear aligners, the primary treatment option for these issues was traditional braces. While effective, braces could be uncomfortable and unsightly. Invisalign clear aligners offer a much more aesthetically-pleasing way to straighten your teeth. This treatment consists of a series of clear aligners, similar to a retainer, that gradually shift teeth into their appropriate position.
Why Choose Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry In Woodbury, MN For Invisalign
If you have mild to moderate dental malocclusion, you should consider Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry in Woodbury, MN. Dr. Avi Matha and the team strive to utilize the latest in dental technology to make treatment as efficient as possible. In addition, Dr. Matha is always undergoing additional training to learn more about dental conditions and the best methods for treatment.
We understand that dental anxiety is common. Therefore, we will work with you to ensure that you have a good experience and that you are comfortable with your treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear aligners, much like a retainer, that are custom-made to put pressure on the teeth to shift them into their appropriate position within the jaw.
The aligners are designed to be removable, which makes it easier to practice proper oral hygiene and removes the food restrictions that come with traditional braces. However, this makes compliance a critical component of treatment. The aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. If you do not wear them, they will not work.
On average, treatment takes 12 to 18 months. However, if your malocclusion is very mild, you may see resolution in as little as 6 months – but if your malocclusion is a bit more complex, you may need up to 24 months for full results.
We start with a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, which involves an exam and images. The images are put into a computer program so that we can show you what to expect from treatment. We will then discuss your treatment options.
The images and other information are sent to the dental lab, where your aligners will be fabricated. This usually takes a few weeks. Once your aligners are sent back to the clinic, you will return, and we will help you put the first aligner in to ensure a proper fit. If you are satisfied, you’ll take your remaining aligners home with you along with instructions for your treatment plan.
Typically, each aligner should be worn for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion. At the end of treatment, your results may need to be finished. If this is the case, another set of images will be taken and sent to the lab for the fabrication of a second set and treatment will continue as before.
Once you are satisfied with your results, you will be given a retainer. This will keep your teeth from shifting back to their original misalignment. For the first few months, you’ll wear the retainer most of the time. Eventually, you can transition to only wearing it while you sleep.
Invisalign vs. Braces
If you have mild to moderate malocclusion, and you are trying to decide between Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Cost
The price of Invisalign treatment vs braces is comparable- both typically range between $3,000 to $8,000.
Appearance
Invisalign clear aligners are transparent, making them virtually undetectable, even at close range. The brackets and wires of traditional braces, even clear braces, are obvious.
Treatment Timeline
On average, treatment with traditional braces takes 12 to 24 months or more, while the average treatment time for Invisalign is 12 to 18 months. In fact, in some cases, the malocclusion was resolved in as little as 6 months.
Comfort
The brackets and wires can scrape the inside of your mouth and tongue, causing mouth sores. Plus, the way they put pressure on the teeth can be extremely uncomfortable. Invisalign clear aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic and while they do put pressure on the teeth, it's evenly distributed across the arch, which is less uncomfortable.
Food Restrictions
Certain foods must be avoided when you have traditional braces because they could cause damage to the brackets and wires. Since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you don’t have to worry about food restrictions - but you still may want to avoid anything hard/tough because your teeth may be sore from being shifted.
Insurance Coverage
Since traditional braces are a standard orthodontic treatment, most dental insurance providers will cover a portion of the cost. However, while many also recognize the benefits of Invisalign treatment, many others still classify it as a cosmetic treatment and will not cover any part of it.
Who is the right candidate for Invisalign?
Research has shown that Invisalign clear aligners are an appropriate treatment option for a variety of mild to moderate dental malocclusions.
Crowded Teeth
One of the most common dental misalignments is overcrowding, which is a condition in which teeth are pressed against each other. This condition affects approximately 24% of women and 14% of men. Crowded teeth may overlap or be crooked teeth. Invisalign can resolve many cases of overcrowding. However, if teeth are severely overlapped or rotated, you may need to consider another option.
Gaps Between Teeth
Diastema is a condition characterized by gaps between teeth. Research has shown that Invisalign is effective for resolving gaps between teeth of 6 mm or less. If a gap is wider than that or if there are other issues present, such as missing teeth, you will need to consider other treatment options.
Bite Alignment
- Crossbite: when some of the upper teeth overlap some of the lower teeth
- Underbite: when the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth
- Overbite: when the upper teeth extend past the lower teeth
- Open bite: when the front teeth do not make contact when the jaw is closed
If the bite alignment issue involves only the teeth, Invisalign can be an effective treatment option. However, if the bite alignment issue is due to a skeletal problem, a different approach may be necessary.
Pros and Cons Of Invisalign
When you are considering dental treatment, it’s important to understand that there are pros and cons to consider.
The pros of Invisalign clear aligners include:
1. Appearance
2. Cost
3. Comfort
4. Convenience
Periodic visits are required to monitor progress, but not as often as with traditional braces
5. Shorter Treatment Time
The average treatment time for Invisalign ranges from around 12 to 18 months.
The cons of Invisalign treatment include:
1. Compliance
2. Food Limitations
3. Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance providers will cover a portion of treatment with Invisalign- but others consider it to be cosmetic so they will not.
How much does Invisalign cost in Woodbury, MN?
The average cost of Invisalign ranges from around $3,000 to $9,000. The final cost depends on several factors including:
- Type and severity of your malocclusion, which determine how many aligners you need and how long you need to wear them
- Experience and expertise of the dentist, if a dentist is a certified Invisalign provider, their fees may be higher
- The location of the clinic and the cost of living have a significant impact on the cost of your aligners
- Dental insurance coverage, many still do not cover Invisalign treatment, which means you must pay the full fee out-of-pocket.
FAQs On Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular option for orthodontic treatment. However, Dr. Matha and the team at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry understand that you may still have some questions or concerns. We will be happy to address those with you. Below is the most common question we’ve gotten:
The price of Invisalign clear aligners is comparable to that of traditional braces. The primary difference is dental insurance coverage. While many providers do include Invisalign as part of their covered orthodontic services, many others still classify it as an elective, cosmetic procedure. This means they won’t cover any portion of the treatment, which means you will need to pay the entire fee out of pocket.
The final results are comparable between these two options. Some believe that Invisalign does work better because it can create more refined movements. Research does show that Invisalign does seem to work better than other types of aligners.
Many dentists prefer Invisalign, while many others prefer braces. Then, some don’t have a preference. Both Invisalign and braces have advantages and disadvantages.
Invisalign has a very low failure rate in patients who wear their aligners as directed and practice proper oral hygiene habits.
Ideally, you’ll want to try to budget around $10,000 for treatment. This will be enough to cover the cost of Invisalign treatment as well as any additional procedures that may be needed.
On average, Invisalign is worn for 12 to 18 months. Patients with very mild malocclusion may see results in as little as 6 months. On the other hand, patients with a more severe malocclusion may need up to 24 months for full resolution. However, one of the major benefits of Invisalign is that it’s often a much quicker treatment process than traditional metal braces.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have mild to moderate dental malocclusion, schedule your consultation with Dr. Matha at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry today. Dr. Matha understands the importance of good oral health. We offer a variety of dental services for the entire family from pediatrics to seniors using the latest in dental technology, as well as a compassionate, gentle touch.
We are located on Bielenberg Drive in Woodbury, Minnesota. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.