Your Lethbridge Invisalign® Provider
Thinking about choosing clear aligners for your orthodontic treatment? You are probably wondering if the outcomes are worth the cost. In this post, our Lethbridge dentists discuss some factors your should consider when deciding if clear aligners are right for you.
Clear Aligners Treatment
There are several brands of clear aligners out there, and they all contain a series of clear, custom-made aligners that you wear on your teeth and change about every 2 weeks. Each set of removable aligners shifts your teeth gradually in tiny increments.
Some Benefits of Clear Aligners
One advantage of clear aligners is that you can remove them to brush your teeth, eat and drink.
Depending on the brand you choose and your orthodontic issues, clear aligners can resolve a number of problems such as bite issues, crowding, and misalignment of teeth. This treatment option is popular with both adults and teenagers due to its discreet appearance. Plus, for busy teens and adults, the fact that there are no dietary restrictions is a bonus.
In addition to this, your clear aligners don't have to be adjusted or tightened as braces do, which could sometimes be uncomfortable. You just need to see your dentist regularly so they can check in on your progress.
The Cost of Clear Aligners
Here are several factors that will contribute to the cost of your clear aligners:
- Your oral health needs and how much work is required
- Your location and average prices for clear aligners
- Any coverage you can get through an insurance plan
Depending on your circumstances and the brand of clear aligners you choose, you will likely end up paying around the same amount as you would for braces - perhaps slightly more.
How Does Clear Aligners Treatment Take?
Investing in improving your smile with clear aligners is a commitment to following your treatment process so you can enjoy a straighter smile in the future. Only your dentist can determine your specific needs and therefore the duration of your treatment. Factors that could impact your treatment time include:
- The severity of your misalignment
- The number of aligners in your series
- How compliant you are with your custom treatment plan
Provided you follow the treatment plan exactly as prescribed, clear aligners can help improve your smile and straighten your teeth. If you know how many aligners are in your series, you can find out how long your treatment will take by doing some simple math.
Assuming you have 16 sets of aligners and switch them every 2 weeks, you’d use 2 sets of aligners per month. 16 divided by 2 is 8, meaning your treatment will take 8 months.
Most patients begin to see results around the 4- to 6-week mark. You may want to take a photo of your smile each week so you can get a good idea of how much your teeth are moving, and the value your clear aligners are bringing to your smile - and your oral health.