Looking for Invisalign in Delray Beach?  The facts are there: a straight smile is a healthier smile. Crowded teeth make it more difficult to floss and brush, and easier for bacteria to grow. You can opt for traditional metal braces, but why would you want to when you can improve your smile with the InvisalignRead More

 

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on July 25, 2016

Delray Beach Invisalign FAQ

Looking for Invisalign in Delray Beach?  The facts are there: a straight smile is a healthier smile. Crowded teeth make it more difficult to floss and brush, and easier for bacteria to grow. You can opt for traditional metal braces, but why would you want to when you can improve your smile with the Invisalign system. Go wireless!

Invisalign FAQ Videos:

What is Invisalign and how does it work?
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom made for you to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor. Over the course of treatment, we’ll give you a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.

Why should I get Invisalign instead of braces? Aren’t braces less expensive?
There is a clear difference between Invisalign and traditional braces! Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, they’re removable, there are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth (an advantage over braces), and you’ll be able to see your virtual results before beginning Invisalign so you’ll know exactly how your smile will look when you’re done!

Spodak Dental Group is a Top 1% Provider for Invisalign, meaning that we’ve successfully completed hundreds of cases. Because of this, we are able to keep costs low, and we pass these savings on to you! We’ve also made sure that we are the most affordable provider of Invisalign in the area, and have found that our price for Invisalign is less than traditional braces.

How long will I have to wear them?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.

What happens once I’m done and my teeth are straight?
Once your teeth are in the desired position, you will have to wear a set of retainers for two to three months, 20 to 22 hours a day. These retainers will just keep your teeth from shifting. After you wear these retainers for a few months, you will only have to wear them at night while you sleep!

What are attachments?
Depending on your specific treatment, some of the movements may require “attachments” to help the aligner grip the teeth. You’ll notice “bumps” on your aligners where the aligner grips the attachment the doctor places on your teeth. The attachments are actually small pieces of enamel-colored composite the doctor affixes to your teeth that are then gripped by the bumps on your aligners. The ridges are slim indentations in your aligners and are used by your doctor to achieve the desired tooth movement.

How often do I need to come in for appointments?
We will schedule your first appointment four weeks after your initial Invisalign visit. After that, we typically see patients every three to four months. As long as you are compliant, we are very flexible with the number of visits needed. We treat a lot of patients who live out of the state and see them just a few times a year. Also, average appointments are less than 30 minutes so we can have you in and out in no time!

Does it hurt?
While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as the feeling of pressure. It’s also a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their final destination! The discomfort usually subsides in a couple of days.

I play sports. Will the aligners be a problem?
Actually, wearing your aligners will help to protect your teeth during any organized or recreational sporting events. The aligners will help to keep your jaw and teeth in place should you come into contact with another team member.

Can I drink/eat with them on?
The good news is that there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign! Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. You do, however, have to remove the aligners while you eat. So, unlike when undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks. Just remember to brush and floss your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene.

Can I chew gum?
Unfortunately, you cannot chew gum because it will stick to your aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.

How long, on average, do people have to wear Invisalign?
The length of treatment depends on your specific case and can only be determined by your doctor. However, average treatment length in our office for adults is only 10 months, which is a fraction of the time of metal braces!

How much does it cost?
You can get started with your Invisalign treatment for $0 down and only $199 per month for 24 months, interest free! We also have frequent specials and offer financing to fit your needs.

Do I have to brush after every meal?
Yes, it is recommended that you brush and floss after every meal, just as you would without Invisalign. At the very least, make sure you brush and floss twice a day. This will help to rid your mouth of any leftover food particles and sugar that would otherwise get trapped under your aligners.

Can I take aligners off at night?
No, the aligners must be in place 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective. Sleeping with the aligners shouldn’t affect your sleeping habits.

Will the aligners affect my speech?
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.

How do I clean them?
The best way to clean your aligners is by using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to brush the aligners. You can easily clean them every time you brush your teeth (at least twice a day) and it takes just a couple of minutes.

What if I accidentally lose my aligners?
We always recommend that you keep at least the previous set of aligners so if you do lose, for instance, aligner No. 8, then you’ll have No. 7 to use in the meantime. Contact us if you lose your aligners and we will order you another set.

I’ve already had braces but notice that my teeth are crooked again. Will Invisalign fix this?
We treat a number of patients who have undergone previous treatment involving braces at some point in their past, usually during their youth. Adults can usually have the shifting that occurs after braces corrected their smile, without having to go through the trauma and social awkwardness associated with wearing metal braces.

Will my insurance cover Invisalign?
It depends on your insurance coverage but we are happy to check for you! Some insurance plans cover a certain percentage (i.e. 50 percent) or certain dollar amount (i.e. $2,000). However, in general, if you have orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.

Please reach out to us at inform@spodakdental.com if you have any additional questions or would like to schedule your complimentary Invisalign scan in our Delray Beach office! We look forward to helping you get your teeth back where they belong and having a healthy, straight smile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Dr. Craig Spodak is a third generation dentist who joined his father’s practice in Delray Beach, Fla. after graduating from Tufts University in 1998. His dream was to change the way patients experience dental care and he developed a new vision for the modern dental practice with a goal to deliver comprehensive dental care in a singular, all inclusive practice. He created one of the world’s only LEED Gold Certified dental facilities, which boasts not only a team of the finest dental and medical professionals from all disciples of the field, but also a holistic environment that comforts patients. Dr. Craig is an expert lecturer for Invisalign and Spodak Dental Group is one of the few Top 1 Percent providers of Invisalign in the world.


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