Around the millennium, when people were hearing about Invisalign for the first time, the word was that they were mostly for adults and would not be appropriate for children with growing teeth.
While it still isn't appropriate for children who still have their baby teeth, they can be used interchangeably with metal braces for most teenagers.
Of course, one of the strongest markets for these "invisible" braces will probably always be adults, who find it understandably distasteful to walk around with a mouthful of metal.
If you're thinking that it's time to straighten out your teeth or your teenager is ready for a straighter set, here are the answers to some of the big questions about this still-new form of orthodontics.
How does it work? While traditional braces work through a system of wires, rubber bands, and metal brackets, Invisalign is done in a much simpler manner.
Achieving many of the same results, this system uses clear, custom aligners to reposition the teeth.
Unlike braces, which are professionally affixed to the teeth and do not come out until the end of the treatment, these aligners can be removed at the user's discretion, though obviously the orthodontist will recommend keeping them in as much as possible.
Aligners are worn for periods of approximately two weeks, at the ends of which they are traded in for a new set until the goals have been reached.
What are the benefits? True to the name of the product, the biggest benefit of using Invisalign is that they are virtually invisible.
While anyone who looks closely will be able to see them, they certainly aren't as facially dominating as traditional braces.
The second benefit has been discussed: they are removable.
This means you don't have to avoid certain foods or worry about flossing and brushing the way you do with metal braces.
Finally, most people find the system much more comfortable than the old style of braces, which can cause some discomfort with all the wires and brackets.
How much does it cost? Since the prices for Invisalign are set largely by the individual dentist or orthodontist, it's impossible to give a strict price for how much you can expect to pay.
In most cases, they are priced at around the same level as traditional braces.
If you have an insurance plan that will cover braces, it will usually cover this system as well.
Many offices offer financing for patients who need a payment plan.
While it still isn't appropriate for children who still have their baby teeth, they can be used interchangeably with metal braces for most teenagers.
Of course, one of the strongest markets for these "invisible" braces will probably always be adults, who find it understandably distasteful to walk around with a mouthful of metal.
If you're thinking that it's time to straighten out your teeth or your teenager is ready for a straighter set, here are the answers to some of the big questions about this still-new form of orthodontics.
How does it work? While traditional braces work through a system of wires, rubber bands, and metal brackets, Invisalign is done in a much simpler manner.
Achieving many of the same results, this system uses clear, custom aligners to reposition the teeth.
Unlike braces, which are professionally affixed to the teeth and do not come out until the end of the treatment, these aligners can be removed at the user's discretion, though obviously the orthodontist will recommend keeping them in as much as possible.
Aligners are worn for periods of approximately two weeks, at the ends of which they are traded in for a new set until the goals have been reached.
What are the benefits? True to the name of the product, the biggest benefit of using Invisalign is that they are virtually invisible.
While anyone who looks closely will be able to see them, they certainly aren't as facially dominating as traditional braces.
The second benefit has been discussed: they are removable.
This means you don't have to avoid certain foods or worry about flossing and brushing the way you do with metal braces.
Finally, most people find the system much more comfortable than the old style of braces, which can cause some discomfort with all the wires and brackets.
How much does it cost? Since the prices for Invisalign are set largely by the individual dentist or orthodontist, it's impossible to give a strict price for how much you can expect to pay.
In most cases, they are priced at around the same level as traditional braces.
If you have an insurance plan that will cover braces, it will usually cover this system as well.
Many offices offer financing for patients who need a payment plan.
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