If you want to correct your teeth's alignment or your bite, braces are going to be the best option in most cases. Different types of braces may work for you, ranging from traditional metal braces to Invisalign. Invisalign makes use of clear, plastic aligners that are customized to your teeth to straighten them out over time. You'll go through multiple sets of aligners until your teeth are in the desired position. Invisalign treatment is popular since it is unnoticeable and allows for easy cleaning of the teeth. Here's what you should know before starting this treatment.
Consistency Is Essential
With other types of orthodontic treatment, you cannot remove the appliance as you can with Invisalign. While being able to remove your aligners does make teeth cleaning and eating much more comfortable, you have to be consistent when it comes to wearing your aligners when you are not doing these tasks. You will need to wear your aligners between 20 and 22 hours a day, and you will receive a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. Being consistent with your treatment will provide the quickest results.
Treatment Time Will Vary
Another thing that you will need to know is that the length of your treatment will depend on a few different factors. The consistency with which you wear your aligners and the extent of your orthodontic treatment will impact how long your treatment will take. Some orthodontic challenges will take longer to correct. Attachments may be added to speed up your treatment. For most, treatment takes somewhere between 10 months and two years to complete. Your orthodontist will be able to give you an estimated timeline for your treatment.
Invisalign Costs More
If you are seeking orthodontic treatment, the cost will depend on the treatment you need and the amount of time it will take. The type of braces you choose also impacts the price of treatment. Overall, Invisalign does typically cost more than metal braces. However, for many, the additional cost is worth the convenience. Invisalign ranges in price from $3,500 to $8,000, on average. Metal braces are typically less expensive, ranging between $2,500 and $6,000.
Before you begin Invisalign treatment, there are a few things that you should know. First, consistency with your treatment is essential. You need to wear your aligners for the majority of the day for your treatment to work. Next, treatment will take time. You will likely wear your aligners for a year or more. Invisalign is also more expensive than traditional braces. However, for many, the convenience is worth the additional cost.
To learn more, contact a resource like Moricz Orthodontics.
Our oral surgery and general dental website offers important information on how to prevent dry socket following a tooth extraction. After getting your tooth pulled, a protective blood clot develops over the extraction site. Many of our blog posts explain how this protective clot helps promote healing after an extraction.
You'll learn that if the clot is accidentally dislodged, dry socket may occur, which can raise your risk for infection and heavy bleeding. We'll provide you with important tips on how to prevent this by avoiding smoking and drinking through a straw. You'll also learn that swishing water around your mouth should be avoided for a couple of days following your extraction because doing so creates a suction that may dislodge your clot, leading to dry socket.