How healthy are your teeth? Although many people are quick to underestimate their dental health, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of different elements that play into overall dental wellness. From how often you brush and floss to how regularly you attend regular checkups, it is important to stay in close communication with your dentist, especially if you come down with a new symptom. The purpose of this website is to help people to understand and resolve dental issues, since small symptoms can lead to big problems down the road. Check out these posts to learn more about dental care.
If your teeth are not properly aligned, you can run into all sorts of problems. You may have trouble chewing if your teeth don't make contact correctly, or you may notice jaw pain. Some people develop feelings of insecurity because their misaligned teeth are noticeable when they smile. If you don't want to get braces, but you still want to straighten your teeth, you should ask your dentist about Invisalign. Here are three Invisalign facts that can help you determine whether this is the right treatment for you:
1. Treatment will take at least a year.
Clear aligners can give you the same result as braces, but the process is still a gradual one. You will change your clear aligners every couple of weeks to a tighter set which will move your teeth fractionally. According to Invisalign, it will likely take at least a year for your treatment to be completed, although some people's treatment will take up to 18 months. Before you agree to undertake this orthodontic treatment, make sure you can agree to this time commitment.
2. You will have greater responsibility.
When you choose to get braces, there is very little responsibility required on your part; your orthodontist makes adjustments every few weeks, and all you need to do is keep your braces clean. When you choose to get clear aligners, you will have to remember to wear them as often as your dentist recommends. Ideally, you should wear your clear aligners whenever you aren't eating or cleaning them. If you follow your dentist's treatment plan, your teeth will become straight on schedule. Neglecting to wear your clear braces can mean that your treatment is ineffective or takes even longer.
3. Financially, Invisalign is similar to braces.
Clear aligners don't cost significantly more than other orthodontic treatments, so cost shouldn't be a factor. Many dental insurance companies will completely or partially cover the cost of clear aligners if they determine that orthodontic treatment is medically necessary for you. If you're concerned about your ability to pay for Invisalign, talk to your dentist about the cost and any potential repayment plans. You can also call your insurance company directly to find out if they cover this particular treatment.
Clear aligners can help you get the straight, correctly aligned teeth you've always wanted. If you decide you'd like to move forward with this treatment after learning the facts, your dentist or orthodontist can help you with your next steps.