If you're considering orthodontic treatment, Invisalign can be an excellent choice. Invisalign is a system of clear aligners worn over the teeth to gently fix alignment problems–even if you have crowded teeth or a misaligned bite.
Continue reading to learn more about Invisalign and how much you can expect treatment in St. Louis, Missouri, to cost.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces that straightens your teeth without brackets or wires. Invisalign moves your teeth gently and gradually into place using a series of transparent aligners. Since the aligners are nearly invisible, many people won't know you're wearing them.
Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks, except while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Your teeth will shift—little by little, week by week—as you replace each aligner with the next in the sequence until they have moved into their final position. Treatment typically required between 18 and 30 aligners, depending on the circumstance.
Invisalign treatment generally lasts between 12 and 18 months. While this is the average treatment time for most patients, there are always exceptions. Many people reach their goals in less than a year, while others take longer than 18 months.
What are the Advantages of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?
The main advantage of Invisalign is that it uses clear plastic aligner trays, which most people find less noticeable than traditional metal or ceramic braces. Many of the same issues that traditional braces fix can be corrected with Invisalign, including crooked and overlapping teeth, overbites, under-bites, and even cross-bites in certain situations.
Your dentist can advise whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. If so, x-rays and imprints of your teeth will be taken to establish your treatment plan.
Your aligner trays will be fabricated based on your x-rays and impressions. The trays are created based on a precise treatment schedule. All you have to do is replace your trays every two weeks, and your teeth will gradually shift into proper alignment.
The advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces include:
Appearance. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible.
Removability. Invisalign aligner trays are removable for eating and to brush and floss your teeth.
Fewer office visits. Because you simply change aligners every two weeks instead of having wires adjusted, fewer office visits are required.
Shorter duration of treatment. For certain patients, Invisalign treatment can take less time than traditional braces.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in St. Louis, MO?
Invisalign treatment in St. Louis, Missouri, typically costs between $5,000 and $7,000, depending on the extent of correction required. Severe cases may require a longer treatment time using additional aligners. If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, it may pay part of the cost of Invisalign.
Learn More About Invisalign
Treating issues such as crowded teeth and crooked bites can be challenging. In the past, only traditional braces could treat these problems, but Invisalign is now a viable alternative for many patients.
Is Invisalign right for you? To learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment with one of our orthodontists.