Your Coquitlam Invisalign® Provider
If you’re seriously considering straightening your smile with clear aligners, you may be wondering if you’ll get the value you deserve and if the cost is worth it. Today, our Coquitlam dentists explain what you may want to take into account when thinking about choosing aligners.
What are clear aligners?
There are several brands of clear aligners available, and they all consist of a series of clear, custom-made aligners that are worn on the teeth and replaced approximately every two weeks. Each set of clear, removable, and custom-made aligners gradually realigns the teeth in minute 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 orthodontic issues, including bite problems, crowding, and misalignment, depending on the brand you select and the nature of your orthodontic issues. Due to its discrete appearance, this treatment option is well-liked by both adults and adolescents. In addition, for busy adolescents and adults, the absence of dietary restrictions is a plus.
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 following your treatment plan so that you can enjoy a straighter smile in the future. Only your dentist can determine the duration of your treatment based on your unique needs. Among the variables that could affect your treatment duration are:
- The number of aligners in your series
- The severity of your misalignment
- Your compliance 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 that you can get a good idea of how much your teeth are moving, and thus the value your clear aligners are bringing to your smile - and your oral health.