Invisalign Treatment
Adults seeking orthodontic treatment have exponentially increased in the last decade. Most of our adults patients today are most interested in Invisalign treatment – a.k.a. clear aligner therapy. When we ask more about why, we've found it is more about them not wanting conventional metal braces and less about “I want to use plastic to move my teeth and get a new smile.”
The Invisalign branded aligner system was the original aligner manufacturer over 20 years ago, and are now victims of genericization - people use the term "Invisalign" interchangeably for any clear aligner treatment, much like Kleenex is a generic term for tissues and Googling is a generic term for internet searches. Things have changed since - there are more aligner models on the market now that are even more accurate and efficient. We make our own PORTH Clear Aligners in-clinic, and with Dr. Rooz's research background, our patients find that not only are they more effective, but you can get them within two days instead of waiting weeks for them to arrive in the mail from Invisalign.
Aligner treatment can help fix overbites, underbites, crossbites, severe crowding, spacing, openbites and deep bites. Orthodontists often give you multiple treatment options if you have one of these conditions. Clear aligners are better at correcting some of these conditions than others, and you might have to modify them with other tools, like wearing elastics with your Invisalign aligners. Check out the FAQ at the end of this article to see answers to more of your top questions!
PORTH Aligners Before & After
Before starting orthodontic treatment, most people want to see results. Check out these shots below of one of our patients who went through out PORTH clear aligner therapy program. These are results from just 7 months of using clear aligners!
Want to hear a real person's experience with clear aligners? Watch Sara’s clear aligner journey at PORTH here!
FAQ
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign therapy includes a series of clear plastic trays that you move through during your treatment. Each aligner incrementally moves your teeth. A series of aligners are designed by your orthodontist to fix your bite and help you to straighten your teeth.
Is Invisalign effective for adults?
Clear aligner therapy or Invisalign treatment is an effective treatment option for adult patients who are committed to wear the aligner full time – 22 hours per day.
How long do adults wear Invisalign?
Most cosmetic adult orthodontic treatments last from 1 - 1.5 years, on average.
What is the average cost of Invisalign for adults?
The cost of orthodontic treatment for adults independent of the appliances significantly varies. Adult patients have different treatment needs, and the cost of treatment depends on the complexity and length of the treatment. The average cost of Invisalign for adults is from $2,000 to $10,000.
How long does it take to see results from Invisalign?
You should expect to start seeing changes around 6 months into the treatment.
What should I ask about at my consultation if I'm interested in clear aligners?
In dentistry, orthodontic treatment is one of the few services that you can seek for free consultations. These days, orthodontists also offer virtual consultations. At the consultations, you will want to ask about all the treatment options available to you to see which is the right fit, your estimated treatment time, and the aligner or Invisalign cost.
What is an alternative to clear aligners if I don't think they're the right fit for me?
Hidden braces (lingual braces) are great alternative to Invisalign! These braces are placed behind your teeth, and they're one of our specialties at PORTH. There are multiple types of lingual braces available SureSmile, Incognito, BRIUS, inBrace, and Eline are a few examples.
What are the side effects of Invisalign?
Poor oral hygiene with aligners can results in major tooth decay or gum issues.
What is the difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Express?
These are two different products by Align Technology, Invisalign's manufacturer. Basically, the Invisalign Express aligner package has a more limited number of aligners and it is often used in 3-5 months of treatment.
What is the best way to maintain Invisalign?
Regular cleaning of aligners with a toothbrush can help keep the trays clean. Special solutions are also available to help with this process.
Can you eat while wearing Invisalign?
No. You can develop dental caries (cavities). If, for whatever reason you decided to eat with aligners, make sure to thoroughly clean your teeth and the aligners afterwards.