Is Invisalign just for cosmetics or does it have any health benefits?
There are multiple health benefits to correcting misaligned teeth. Only those with an atypical bite would relate to difficulties in eating; for example, simply biting into an apple can not only be difficult but often create embarrassing situations which in turn can lead to modified eating habits.
Misaligned teeth can create abnormal bite patterns; when untreated, the lack of harmony can cause wear, chips and fractures of teeth or any existing fillings and dental work in turn leading to sensitivity and pain. The incorrect bites may also damage the supporting bone and tissues around specific teeth.
Non-specific toothache, jaw and headaches may also be due to an incorrect bite and often we see a patient liberated of pain after a short course treatment with aligners. There is a much higher chance of developing decay and gum disease with crowded, misaligned teeth as brushing and interdental cleaning is made much more difficult. Patients with rotated and crowded teeth often develop inflamed and bleeding gums and require more frequent visits to our hygienist.
There is also a psychological aspect to consider. The lack of self-esteem can really hold an individual back in society or in employment.
FAQ
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
If your insurance policy has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to a similar extent as conventional braces as Invisalign is normally prescribed for a full course of orthodontic treatment. However, as medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, each patient should check with their health fund.
Do you offer payment plans for Invisalign treatment?
At the Eledent clinic we offer payment method that are tailored to your needs.
- Option 1. A deposit of 30% of the full balance up front with the remainder of the fee spread equally over 10 months set up as a direct debit.
- Option 2. Interest free finance from Tabeo, customised to your needs. Please note, this option requires a hard credit check.
- Option 3. A payment of £500 for your health-check and clincheck (digital treatment plan), then at the approval of the treatment a further £1500 deposit is taken. The remainder can be spread throughout the first 12 months of your treatment. The balance would need to be cleared before reaching the stage where retainers are made.
Please note that in order to make a booking, we take a deposit for securing the initial appointment for a check-up, x-rays and scans.
Does Invisalign have a guarantee?
Invisalign is as effective at straightening teeth as traditional methods of orthodontics but largely depends upon a patient’s biology and compliance with treatment. As such, Invisalign cannot guarantee that a patient’s teeth will move exactly as predicted. The treating dentist is responsible to use their experience and skill to treatment plan and monitor the appropriate treatment as it progresses. If necessary, additional treatment with Invisalign or other forms may be needed.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for Invisalign?
Align Technology defers to the professional judgment of the treating doctor in determining how Invisalign can be incorporated into the treatment plan. Align Technology almost never rejects the cases submitted by our doctors, as we currently accept over 98% of all cases we receive but only an dentist who has been Invisalign trained can determine if Invisalign is an effective option for you.
What conditions would make me unsuitable for Invisalign?
Only the treating dentist is able to determine whether your particular case is suitable to be treated with Invisalign. Three types of tooth movements have found to be less predictably achieved with Invisalign alone: severe derotations of cylindrical teeth; complex extrusions; closure of large spaces usually associated with extractions of teeth other than lower incisors. With more Invisalign experience, doctors may improve the ways they manage the treatment and increase the predictability of these movements.
What is the minimum age that Invisalign can treat?
Almost all teenagers over the age of 14 are eligible for treatment with Invisalign as long as their second (twelve year old) molars are fully erupted.
Can Invisalign close gaps (space closure)?
Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign. However, the size and location of the spaces will need to be evaluated.
How long will it take to begin treatment after the initial consultation?
After or during the initial consultation, your dentist will need to take x-rays, photos and moulds of your teeth. These records will be sent to the USA to be used to manufacture your custom made aligners. Conventional impressions takes approximately 6 weeks but with the digital impressions we use at the Eledent Clinic, this could be reduced to 2-3weeks
How often must I see the Invisalign dentist?
Your dentist will schedule regular appointments — usually about once every six to eight weeks. This is the only way your dentist can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.
Will the treatment be painful?
Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the Invisalign aligners are working sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series.
Will wearing the Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatments, 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 or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear.
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Unlike traditional orthodontics, you can usually eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your dentist. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.
Can I drink with aligners still on?
You should remove your aligners to drink anything else except water. Leaving aligners on while drinking may stain them and the patient risks decay drinking fluids with sugar in them.
Will smoking stain the aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discoloured.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
What’s the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by rinsing them in lukewarm water. Your treating doctor can also supply you with aligner cleaning crystals.
How often must I wear my aligners?
Aligners should be worn all day and night, except when eating, brushing and flossing.
What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
Most patients will be provided a clear plastic retainer similar to Invisalign aligners, which is incorporated in the package. When more advanced movements have taken place your dentist may advise an additional lingual wire.
What happens if the aligners no longer fit?
In this case you should contact your dentist immediately who will diagnose what remedial action is needed to bring the treatment back on course. This may involve moving back one or two stages in treatment to a previous aligner or possibly some additional orthodontic treatment.
