The state-of-art clear braces (invisible braces, or Invisalign®) provide a major benefit of no unwarranted attention to your mouth during bracing process. Other than this, the clear aligners can be taken out while eating, drinking or brushing and flossing because they are removable. This is why Invisalign is getting more popular in recent years.
The Invisalign® treatment consists of a series of snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays, or aligners, which apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, forcing them to shift. The process begins with a computer-generated image of what your teeth will look like at each stage of treatment, right up until the end. Each tray is designed to pressure specific teeth to move into place, beginning with the back teeth and finishing with the front. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch to a new set of trays. Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a clear retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.
The treatment price is often the same or higher than traditional braces. Treatment price is set by your dentist, although the cost of treatment varies considerably by doctors and the complexity of a patient’s case. Typical orthodontic insurance may cover $1,000 to $1,500 of treatment.
Invisalign® offers the benefits of invisibility and comfort unlike traditional braces, but there are several things to keep in mind:
• Only certified dentists and orthodontists who have attended a special workshop can prescribe and oversee Invisalign® treatment, so you may ask your dentist for the certification. Dr. Sun is certified to use Invisalign® to give you the smile you have always been looking for.
• Proper hygiene is mandatory. Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly before reapplying the aligner. Only water drinking is allowed during the wearing of your aligners.
• As with all orthodontic treatment, patients may experience discomfort for a few days following the beginning of a new stage in treatment (in this case, a new tray). Remember, the pain is a good thing—it signals that your treatment is working.
• Also like all orthodontic treatment, Invisalign® can potentially aggravate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for getting better or worse. Consult your dentist if you have problems in this area.
For more information, please call Dr. Sun at 661-799-8800, visit the website of www.DrSunDDS.com or go to her dental office at 23450 Lyons Avenue, Suite B, Newhall.