Are you seriously considering using clear aligners to straighten your smile? You might be wondering if you'll get the value you want, and if the cost is worth it. In this post, our dentists in West Toronto explain what you may want to think about when it comes to aligners.
What are clear aligners?
There are a few brands of clear aligners out there, and they are all made of a series of clear, custom-made aligners worn on the teeth. They are designed to be changed about every 2 weeks. Your teeth will gradually adjust to each set of custom-made clear aligners in tiny increments.
Why would I choose clear aligners?
You can remove Invisalign and other clear aligners to brush your teeth, eat and drink .
Depending on your orthodontic issues, Invisalign aligners can also resolve numerous problems such as misalignment of teeth, crowding and bite issues. Many adults and teenagers choose this treatment option due to its discreet appearance. Also, for busy teens and adults the fact that they don't have to deal with dietary restrictions is another plus.
You also won't have to see your orthodontist for tightening or adjustments as you would with braces, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. Just check in with your dentist about your progress on a regular basis.
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.
