Many teenagers and adults who require orthodontic treatment in the form of braces are generally looking for a more discreet option than traditional braces, like Invisalign* or Invisible Aligners. Since 1997, this orthodontic technology has been used to treat people with mild teeth alignment issues. Although Invisalign can help many people straighten their smile, they aren’t for everyone. This article will help to paint a clearer picture of invisible trays in terms of what Invisalign can and cannot treat to see if it’s the right option for you.
If you need to straighten your smile or correct the alignment of your bite, chances are you’ve already been looking for various Idaho Falls braces options near you. The best way to determine which type of braces will give you the most optimal results in the quickest amount of time is by scheduling a free consultation with Randall Orthodontics.
At your appointment, we will thoroughly review any issues you have with your smile and bite and create a treatment plan specifically designed to help you smile with confidence. Contact our Idaho Falls orthodontic office today, to set up an appointment at your earliest convenience.
*Invisalign is a type of invisible aligner or tray that is commonly used interchangeably with the phrase invisible aligners, however, Invisalign itself is a brand of invisible aligners. For brevity’s sake, Invisalign will also be used in place of “invisible aligners” throughout this article.
What Are Invisible Aligners?
Invisible aligners or trays are virtually “invisible” braces. Using a set of custom trays (retainers), Invisalign is made from clear plastic, making it much more discreet than traditional and even ceramic braces in Idaho Falls. Instead of being permanently bonded to your teeth like other types of braces, Invisalign is meant to be worn for about 22 hours per day and should be removed when eating or brushing your teeth.
Additionally, just like you would go to your orthodontist to have your wires adjusted, every few weeks or so, you will transition to your next set of “retainers” throughout the duration of your treatment This is how Invisalign in Idaho Falls gradually straightens your smile and corrects your bite.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost & WIll My Insurance Cover It?
The price of Invisalign varies greatly and depends on how long your treatment plan needs to be and how many teeth are involved (some people will only use Invisalign for the top or bottom teeth in minor cases). Invisalign treatment can start anywhere from $2,800 and go up to $5,000. Many people expect that invisible aligners are wildly more expensive than traditional braces; however, this isn’t true. Even with traditional braces, a person should expect to pay an average of $3,000. Though the costs may be similar, some insurance plans won’t cover the cost of Invisalign. If you’re unsure contact your insurance provider as well as Randall Orthodontics for more information about Idaho Falls Invisalign and what is and what is not covered by insurance.
What Type of Orthodontic Issue Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisible aligners may work for the following orthodontic issues; the limitations of Invisalign will be discussed in the next section.
- Crooked Teeth – Invisible trays can help to straighten mildly crooked teeth.
- Gapped Teeth – If you have smaller gaps between one or more teeth, Invisalign may be an option for you. Many people want to “close the gap” between teeth for a more aesthetically appealing smile.
- Crowded Teeth – Crowded teeth or overlapping teeth can lead to gum disease and tooth decay and should be correct as soon as possible.
- Under Bite – Invisalign can treat an underbite by gently moving the bottom teeth back so that they sit in the correct position, slightly behind the front teeth. If not treated, an underbite can cause TMJ pain and lead to worn down teeth.
- Over Bite – Is when the upper teeth are too far in front of the lower teeth. This can be due to bone structure, genetics, or bad oral habits, according to this article from Speaks Orthodontics. Invisible aligners can be used in place of Idaho Falls braces to correct this issue if it only requires minimal treatment.
- Crossbite – A crossbite is when some of the upper teeth sit inside of the lower teeth (they should be on the outside). A crossbite causes teeth to wear down and even chip. Additionally, in some cases, it can cause gums to recede.
- Open Bite – When the upper and lower teeth don’t meet, this is called an open bite. Many times invisible trays can be used to treat this orthodontic issue.
When Invisalign Won’t Work
One of the drawbacks of invisible trays is that they don’t work on severe orthodontic cases. Since they lack the wires and brackets of traditional braces in Idaho Falls, they aren’t able to apply enough tension to the teeth to move them into the right place. The following limitations as described by The Orthodontists can make it so a person needs to choose another orthodontic treatment plan such as ceramic braces or even clear Damon braces.
- Tooth Shape – If a person has short, round or pegged teeth, the aligner may not be able to grip the teeth effectively enough in order to move them.
- Tooth Position – If the rotation of a tooth exceeds 20 degrees for molars or tilts forward or backward by more than 45 degrees, Invisalign cannot be used to correct this problem.
- Large Gaps – Invisible trays can, in reality, only close up gaps between teeth that are no larger than 6mm.
- Intrusion & Extrusion – Invisible aligners only have a limited amount of space they can move the front teeth and are almost completely unable to move back teeth.
- Midline Movement – If a patients front teeth don’t match midline of the face, Invisalign can correct this issue by only 2 mm to the left or right per arch. Anything larger than this should be corrected by Idaho Falls braces.
- Dental Work– Some dental work such as dental bridge or veneers can make a person ineligible for Invisalign. Additionally, If a person has undergone a tooth extraction or needs one they, in most cases, are not eligible for Invisalign.
If you’re interested in getting fitted for Invisalign and want to find out if you would be a good candidate for this treatment, contact Randall Orthodontics today. Whether you end up needing Invisalign or regular braces in Idaho Falls, we will help you achieve the smile fo your dreams.