Your Winnipeg Invisalign® Provider
Are you seriously looking into straightening your smile with clear aligners? You might be wondering if you'll get the value you deserve, and whether the cost is worth it. Here, our Winnipeg dentists list factors you might want to think about when considering whether aligners are for you.
What are clear aligners?
Start looking into clear aligners and you'll find a few brands out there. They all consist of a series of custom-made clear aligners to be worn on your teeth and changed about every 2 weeks. Each set of removable clear aligners will gradually adjust the alignment of your teeth in tiny increments until they are in their proper, prescribed positions.
What are the features of clear aligners?
You'll be able to remove your clear aligners to eat and drink, and to brush your teeth.
Invisalign clear aligners can resolve many orthodontic issues. They can resolve a number of bite issues including misalignment and crowding of teeth. Both adults and teenagers have been choosing this treatment option in recent years due to its discreet appearance. Also, for busy teens and adults, the fact that they don't need to consider dietary restrictions is a bonus.
Your clear aligners also won't require tightening or adjustments as braces do, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. You'll just need to see your dentist regularly and check in on your progress.
How much do clear aligners cost?
A few factors will determine the cost of your clear aligners:
- Your oral health requirements and how much work you will need
- Your location and average prices for clear aligners
- 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 improving your smile with clear aligners is a commitment to following your treatment process so you can enjoy a straighter smile in the future. Only your dentist can determine your specific needs and therefore the duration of your treatment. Factors that could impact your treatment time include:
- 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.