Your Yonge-Eglinton Invisalign® Provider
If you're thinking about using clear aligners to straighten your teeth, you might be wondering if you'll get the results you want and if the price is reasonable. Today, our Toronto dentists explain what factors you should consider when deciding on aligners.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners come in a variety of brands, but they all consist of a series of clear, custom-made aligners that you wear on your teeth and change every two weeks. Each set of clear aligners is removable and custom-made to move your teeth in tiny increments.
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
One advantage of clear aligners is that you can remove them to brush your teeth, eat and drink.
Clear aligners can correct a variety of issues, including bite issues, crowding, and misalignment of teeth, depending on the brand you choose and your orthodontic issues. Because of its unobtrusive appearance, this treatment option is popular among both adults and teenagers. The fact that there are no dietary restrictions is also a plus for busy teenagers and adults.
Your clear aligners also won’t need adjustments or tightening as braces do, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. You’ll just need to check in with your dentist regularly on your progress.
How much do clear aligners cost?
A few factors will determine the cost of your clear aligners:
- Your location and average prices for clear aligners
- Your oral health requirements and how much work you will need
- 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 long will my treatment last?
Investing in clear aligners to improve your smile is a commitment to sticking with your treatment plan so you can enjoy a straighter smile in the future. Only your dentist can assess your unique needs and, as a result, the length of your treatment. The following factors may have an impact on the length of your treatment:
- The number of aligners in your series
- The severity of your misalignment
- Your compliance with your custom treatment plan
Clear aligners can help you improve your smile and straighten your teeth if you follow the treatment plan exactly as directed. If you know how many aligners are in your series, you can use simple math to estimate how long your treatment will take.
You'd use two sets of aligners per month if you have 16 sets of aligners and switch them every two weeks. Because 16 divided by 2 equals 8, your treatment will take 8 months.
Around the 4- to 6-week mark, most patients start to see results. You might want to take a picture of your smile every week so you can see how much your teeth are moving and how much value your clear aligners are adding to your smile - and your oral health.