Invisalign aligners can be removed during eating, brushing your teeth, or flossing. They also tend to be less uncomfortable than metal braces.

During your first consultation with an invisalign provider in Cambridge, the dentist creates a 3-D image of your mouth. This model will help you determine the final results that you can expect.

How It Works

Invisalign involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligning trays that are customized to your teeth by an orthodontist or dentist. Each tray is designed to move the teeth a quarter of a millimeter at a time. The trays can be removed for cleaning and eating, but for best results they should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day.

During the initial consultation, X rays and digital scans will be taken to assess your dental health. The information is then input into a specialized system that creates 3D mockups of how your mouth will change at each stage. The mockup is then sent to an offsite lab, where your aligners are fabricated from clear BPA-free thermoplastic.

SmartForce attachments may be placed on your teeth to accelerate the tooth movement process. These tiny button-like accessories act as handles that the trays grip onto to aid in tooth movement. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including to correct an overbite and underbite. They can also help open a mouth or align crowded or crowded teeth.

Once your teeth have been straightened, a retainer will be recommended to hold them in place. If you don’t wear the retainer as directed, your teeth can slowly begin to revert back to their original alignment, undoing all of the hard work that you put into your Invisalign treatment!

Treatment Time

How often you wear your aligners is one of the most important factors that will determine how long Invisalign takes. If you don’t wear them for at least 22 hours a day, it will take longer to see results.

How well you follow the instructions of your orthodontist for cleaning and caring for your aligners is another factor. If you’re not careful, the aligners can become scratched or damaged, which will extend your treatment time. Invisalign can also be prolonged if you miss your regular appointments or delay them.

Treatment duration varies depending on the goals you have. It’s often shorter for patients whose main focus is to correct mild misalignment issues, such as closing small gaps or tightening crowded teeth. It’s usually longer for patients with more severe spacing and crowding problems.

If you need to address an open bite, it can take a little longer because the Invisalign treatment uses pressure to shift your teeth into place. This can be caused by genetics, bad habits (such a thumb-sucking and excessive pacifier usage) or an injury. In this case, you may need to undergo additional treatments, such as jaw surgery, to fix the issue. After this, you can complete your Invisalign treatment.

Cost

The cost of Invisalign will vary depending on how severe your alignment problem is. Those with a very crooked smile or an overbite will require more time to straighten their teeth, which will increase the cost of their treatment. The cost of Invisalign will increase if you require additional procedures like whitening, dental implants, or other cosmetic treatments.

Typically, dental insurance will cover a portion of Invisalign treatments. Most companies will only cover your treatment costs up to $1500. They will also usually have a lifetime or yearly limit. It is therefore best to check with the insurance company before receiving treatment.

Another way to help reduce the cost of your Invisalign treatment is to use your health savings account or flexible spending account (FSA). These accounts let you put tax-free money toward Invisalign and other treatments. Your doctor may offer other systems in place to help patients with the cost of their Invisalign treatment as well.

If you decide to shop for the lowest price for Invisalign treatments, make sure that you get the same quality as you would from a doctor nearby. You should also consider travel expenses and how much time you will spend traveling to another location.

Insurance Coverage

Invisalign treatment is not cheap, but there are financial options available. Before beginning treatment, it is important to review your insurance policy thoroughly and consult with the orthodontist. This will help you determine if you are eligible for coverage. Ask about the details of your coverage, including any limitations or requirements and how reimbursement works.

You should also ask if your insurance covers any pre-treatment procedures such as dental examinations or x-rays. Also, consider checking into the possibility of using your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA) to cover costs. These accounts, which are usually set up by your employer, can be used to cover healthcare expenses including Invisalign.

Invisalign can be covered by dental insurance, but they limit the amount reimbursed to either a percentage or a dollar amount. It’s best to choose an in-network Invisalign provider as this will reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

It’s also worth considering various financing options. Many orthodontists offer monthly payment plans, which can help you manage the cost of your Invisalign treatment over time. These payment plans are usually low-interest or interest-free, so you can pay monthly according to your budget. You may also want to explore other third-party finance options that are specifically designed to cover medical expenses and can be paid back over a period of 12 to 48 months.