Everything You Wanted to Know About Invisalign But Were too Afraid to Ask

Crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth can not only be very embarrassing, but they can also cause a bad first impression. They can even lead to problems like TMJ and gum disease! So how do you go about fixing them?


Well, the first option you may consider is traditional braces. Braces are very common among children and teenagers, but in the adult world, they come with a bit of a stigma. In fact, only 26% of orthodontic patients are adults. 


Luckily, Dr. Jeffrey Alvarado and the team at The Lakes Family Dental are proud to offer a newer, very popular alternative to traditional braces - Invisalign Clear Aligners. If you’ve never been an Invisalign patient, you probably have some questions but may have been too afraid to ask your dentist. Read on below as we answer your questions about Invisalign:


What is Invisalign and how does it work?


Invisalign is an alternative to braces that uses clear, orthodontic aligners to shift your teeth, giving you a better alignment. 


Your provider will digitally scan or create a mold of your teeth, which they then use to create a series of customized aligners. With each visit, your provider will switch out your aligners as needed to get your teeth to their optimal position!


Which is better - Invisalign or braces?


Not only does Invisalign align your teeth MUCH faster than traditional braces, but they are also far more comfortable thanks to the lack of sharp metal components sitting in your mouth. No metal components also mean no emergency visits to the dentist for broken wires or brackets.


Plus, Invisalign aligners are barely noticeable and removable while eating!


How much does it cost?


Invisalign costs tend to vary depending on how long they’ll be used for treatment and the severity of orthodontic issues they’re treating. However, you can expect most Invisalign treatment costs to be between $3,500 and $8,000.


Can children use Invisalign?


Invisalign is perfectly suitable for treating both children and adults. However, due to the removable and slightly delicate nature of Invisalign aligners, younger children may be better suited for traditional braces.


How long does Invisalign take to align teeth?


For a mild case of orthodontic problems, treatment may only last six months. For moderate to severe cases, treatment may take anywhere from 12-18 months.


Can I switch to Invisalign from braces?


Invisalign treatment is at its most effective when started from the beginning, so it’s not recommended to switch from braces. Plus, it will cost more to switch in the middle of treatment.


How can I clean and sanitize my Invisalign aligners?


Whenever you brush your teeth, you should brush your aligners and rinse them with water. You should also rinse them with water after eating or drinking something acidic or staining. You can also use a retainer cleaner to clean your aligners.


To sanitize your aligners, check with your provider. Often they will recommend a special cleansing solution for a deep clean. 


NEVER use hot water to clean your Invisalign aligners. Heat can damage and warp the aligners. 


So, is Invisalign Worth it?


You’re never too old for orthodontic treatment and with Invisalign, it’s never been easier and less noticeable. Dr. Jeffrey Alvarado and the team at The Lakes Family Dental are more than happy to create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve the straight, beautiful smile you deserve.


Don’t wait, give us a call today at 956-688-6000 to schedule your FREE Invisalign Consultation!



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