Invisalign® in Dover

What Are Invisalign® Aligner Trays?

Invisalign aligner trays are clear, custom-made plastic trays that are both inconspicuous and removable. Invisalign dentists provide a series of these trays at the start of treatment, so patients can change out the one they’re wearing for the next one in the series and thereby progressively move the teeth into their desired position. To complete Invisalign in Dover treatment, it could take anywhere from about nine months to one or two years. What determines the length of treatment is primarily the extent of the misalignment and complexity of treatment required to shift the teeth into the right position.

Invisalign vs Braces

Invisalign treatment and traditional metal braces are both designed to shift crooked or misaligned teeth into a straighter and more advantageous position. The goals of both treatments include a straighter smile, more aligned bite, and easier dental care. The two differ considerably, however, in how they achieve these goals.

Braces are composed of metal brackets adhered to the teeth and connected by wires. Periodically, the dentist will tighten the wires to shift the teeth ever-closer to their ideal position.

Invisalign in Dover involves the use of a series of custom-built aligner trays that you can wear and remove as needed. Every so often, Invisalign dentists have their patients switch out the tray they’re currently using for one that further shifts the teeth into their preferred position.

Here are some of the key differences of Invisalign vs braces:

• Invisalign trays are clear, making them practically invisible, whereas metal braces are glaring and unsightly.
• You can remove Invisalign trays to eat whatever you want, whereas metal braces restrict what you can eat.
• Because Invisalign aligners are removable, your teeth are easier to clean
  than with metal braces.
• Treatment with Invisalign doesn't require as many visits to Invisalign dentists as treatment with metal braces does, and no repairs are needed.
  Invisalign trays are much more comfortable to wear than metal braces.

Does Anyone Qualify for Treatment With Invisalign?

Not everyone qualifies for Invisalign in Dover. Children, for example, do not qualify because their teeth are still developing. Even teens and adults may not qualify if their teeth are too misaligned, have severe spacing or crowding issues, or have an extreme overbite, underbite, or crossbite. People with extensive tooth decay or gum disease shouldn’t get clear aligners either until those other dental problems are first remedied.

What Does Invisalign Cost?

The Invisalign cost will be different for each individual patient due to differences in the extent of the misalignment and complexity of the treatment needed to correct it. If you have Invisalign insurance in your dental plan, it may cover most or even all of the Invisalign cost.

Proper Care and Maintenance of Invisalign Aligner Trays

Keeping your Invisalign aligners well-cleaned and maintained is essential for treatment to work effectively. Here are some tips for the proper care of invisible aligners:

• Clean your trays regularly. Remove them in the morning and at night and brush them with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to remove bacteria.
• Avoid using denture cleaner, mouthwash, or soap to clean your aligners as these can be too abrasive and wear the aligners down or make them less clear.
• Rinse and clean your trays each time you remove them.
• Remove your trays before eating.
• With your aligners out, brush and floss your teeth as normal.
• When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in the case your dentist provided.

After you finish Invisalign treatment, your dentist may also have you wear Invisalign retainers to keep the results of your treatment intact.

To find out whether Invisalign in Dover might be right for you and, if so, how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for the treatment, call our Dover dental office right away. A member of our knowledgeable and friendly team will schedule a consultation for you with one of our highly trained and experienced Dover dentists. Remember, creating or restoring a more perfect smile isn't the only reason to consider invisible aligners; it's also about protecting the health of your teeth for the long term.