All About Invisalign at MA Dental
My name is Dr. Martina Assad. I am the owner and dentist of MA Dental. Today, we have a really nice and hot topic for patients, which is Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
A great question we get asked all the time. What is Invisalign? Invisalign has been on the rise, and it is pretty much a digital form of traditional braces. Many people seek Invisalign for the look, meaning to straighten your teeth for a perfect smile, but we should not bypass the importance of function.
Function is super important. If you have crowding, technically speaking, you cannot chew well, bite well, floss well, or brush well. This can develop many issues we want to avoid, like gum disease, broken restorations, and losing teeth. People often see Invisalign as a luxury or elective treatment. In fact, we want to have it as a tool for providing a healthy mouth and wonderful function so the patient does not develop any gut or systemic issues.
What is the difference or how does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
This is a great question I always get asked. What is the difference, or how does Invisalign compare to traditional braces? Let's talk about traditional braces first. Many people are aware of what that is. It's usually the metal wires and brackets that the patient gets put on, whether by a dentist or an orthodontist. It's usually a bit harsh in movements. The dentist or orthodontist sees the patient at a certain appointment and starts to pull the teeth back via hand movements. That's how teeth start to move. In contrast, Invisalign is a digital system. It's comfortable because you get plastic trays, and each tray does a certain movement at a slow pace. It provides gentle movements over long periods, offering comfort and convenience. You can do it at home, whereas you have to go to the office to get your wires pulled every time. Also, if you have implants or crowns, the metal brackets cannot bond to those, but the buttons or attachments on Invisalign can be used. We can tell the computer not to move a tooth, especially if it's an implant. The movement is accurate because your tray has to snap in and fit in a certain way. If it's not fitting, that means something didn't move properly, and it's time to see your dentist. With Invisalign, it's not like we're going to give you the tray and leave you alone, unlike other companies we see on social media. There are many that are not governed by a dentist. It's crucial for your dentist to come up with your treatment plan, using the Invisalign logo. After that, the dentist will submit your treatment plan, tailored to your needs as a patient, depending on whether you want to move teeth or straighten things out. You still have to come in once every 10 to 12 weeks, depending on how the dentist likes to do it. Toward the end, we'll start to see results, sometimes even in the beginning or middle of the treatment. Invisalign also offers a convenience factor called an Invisalign lens. If you're a patient out of state, in the military, or traveling far away and your dentist can't see you, we offer that service. In this lens, you can track yourself at home, and your dentist can message you through the Invisalign app about moving to the next tray. This is convenient, especially if you're far from our practice.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
Another concern or question that patients usually ask is if Invisalign is faster than braces. I say absolutely yes; that's the general consensus. The reason is that with braces, the dentist or orthodontist tries to estimate the movements by hand, which are not as accurate as with Invisalign. Because it's a digital system and with patient compliance, the teeth should move and track properly, usually cutting the time down almost in half.
Why is Invisalign more comfortable than braces?
Another question or concern that patients have is why Invisalign is more comfortable than braces. The reason is that the movements are gentle and introduced over slow periods. Also, when patients switch the tray, they usually do it at night, which is what we recommend. Most of the movement gets introduced at night, so when you wake up, the soreness is pretty much introduced. It's just a matter of functioning normally. Pulling wires is very uncomfortable at the moment. I remember when I had braces as a little girl, I hated going to the orthodontist. I had braces and had to go back because my teeth relapsed, and I had to get Invisalign. I've had both, and I would choose Invisalign over braces any day.
What are the Invisalign trays and how many do we need?
Another great question is what the Invisalign trays are and how many we need. It all starts with a simple consult. Usually, our consults are free for the patient. We want to make sure we take a look at the teeth, ensure they're healthy, and that you're up to date on your cleaning. After that, we determine the treatment length depending on the position of your back and front teeth and what we're trying to achieve. Eventually, you'll know how many trays you'll need. Generally, patients wear each tray once every two weeks unless you're a younger patient or the treatment is not as extensive. Sometimes you switch once every seven days. Invisalign trays are clear plastic trays, similar to clear retainers, and are see-through. You get to see how it sits perfectly and beautifully. It's very elastic, so it hugs the teeth and is comfortable to wear.
Is there anything that can disqualify you as a patient from Invisalign?
Another great question I get asked often is if there's anything that can disqualify you as a patient from Invisalign. In fact, there is. If you need jaw surgery, it usually requires a specialty like an orthodontist plus possibly an oral surgeon to tag team on your treatment. If your lower jaw comes forward and doesn't line up with your upper jaw, that's something we'll have to look at during consultation. Some patients do get disqualified.
Can Invisalign fix crossbites?
Another great point or question is if Invisalign can fix crossbites. Absolutely, it does. I am a patient who had a double crossbite on both sides, meaning on the right and the left, and I was able to get that fixed. That could be you as well, providing function and comfort, and protecting you from breaking teeth.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Another great concern for patients is if dental insurance would cover Invisalign. It depends. Sometimes we see it covered, sometimes it doesn't. All you have to do is call us for an appointment, and we can verify your benefits to ensure great communication. You should be well-informed in your appointment.
How much does Invisalign cost without dental insurance?
An important question people ask is how much Invisalign costs without dental insurance. It usually ranges between $4,500 to $5,500 for a general dentist, depending on the demographics of your area. If you go to an orthodontist, it can cost up to $9,000 to $10,000, depending on where you go.
How to schedule an appointment?
The next important step for scheduling an appointment is to call our practice or email us. We can schedule you for a comprehensive examination and a free Invisalign consultation to see if you're a candidate.
If you live in or near Riverside, CA, and are looking for dental care, contact us at (951) 467-4399 to set an appointment. You can also email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!