Invisalign: Ten Questions to Ask Your Dentist

What is Invisalign?

Sometimes, dental treatments can be confusing, since there are a lot of choices out there and even more jargon that we aren’t intimately familiar with. One treatment that you have probably heard of is Invisalign. Before you can develop questions to ask about whether receiving Invisalign from a dentist near you is a viable option, it’s helpful to understand just what Invisalign as a dental solution is first.

Simply put, Invisalign is a method of orthodontics. It has become more and more popular in recent years since it allows you to straighten your teeth but without dealing with the metal wires and brackets that characterize traditional braces. Invisalign uses clear, removable trays so when you slip them in, no one will be able to tell that you’re wearing them. It’s almost as though Invisalign is – wait for it – invisible!

If you’re interested in receiving Invisalign near you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental clinic. In fact, it’s always better to ask as many questions as possible about the nature of health procedures prior to scheduling an appointment to receive this kind of treatment so you know exactly what’s going to happen. Receiving Invisalign in NW Calgary is no exception.

Here are some queries you may wish to consider asking your dentist:

1. Is Invisalign Safe?

Yes, it is a completely safe course of treatment, and your dentist will tell you that. Invisalign isn’t interchangeable with a custom mouthguard, however. The former is designed to straighten your teeth and make more room in your mouth, while the purpose of the latter is to protect your teeth.

2. How Does My Treatment Begin?

As is routine, before receiving any dental procedure, you’ll meet with your dentist for an evaluation of the current state of your teeth and then have a subsequent discussion about how they can be treated.

3. How Does Invisalign Work?

Similar to metal braces, these aligners are custom-made to fit the shape of your mouth and your teeth. The clear trays exert pressure on your teeth, gradually shifting their position. You’ll return to your dentist in NW Calgary periodically to receive new aligners, as each new tray will continually adjust your smile. This process continues until your teeth are perfectly straight!

4. What Issues Does Invisalign Treat?

Dentists utilize Invisalign to correct your bite as well as if you have some crooked teeth or unnatural spaces in between your teeth. Typically, Invisalign is more effective in making less dramatic changes; if you require more significant care, traditional braces may be the better option.

5. How Long Does the Treatment Last?

Everyone is different, so the length of their treatment will also be different. On average, Invisalign treatment takes approximately a year, but again, it depends on the state of your teeth and what kind of adjustments you’re wanting to obtain.

Also, if you don’t wear your aligners on a regular basis, your treatment will take much longer.

6. Does Invisalign Influence My Diet?

Nope! Unlike traditional braces, you don’t have to worry about avoiding certain foods. Invisalign is meant to be removed when it’s mealtime.

7. What Happens After My Treatment?

Again, as is commonplace with traditional braces, you’ll most likely have to wear a retainer to ensure that the changes made by your aligners are permanent. Your retainers are also customer-made and are most often worn at nighttime.

8. What Do I Do if an Aligner Breaks?

If this should happen, visit your dentist. It’s important to always wear your aligners so that your treatment is effective. While this does come with an extra cost, it’s a necessary one.

9. Is Invisalign as Effective as Traditional Braces?

If your dentist deems you to be an appropriate candidate for Invisalign, then yes, they will work well.

10. How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Once more, it depends on your treatment. Longer and more extensive treatments will cost more than shorter ones. Be sure to inquire with your dentist about payment options.

Are you interested in Invisalign as a dental treatment? If so, come in or call our dental clinic and set up an appointment with one of our dentists in NW Calgary today!