Invisalign FAQ
Q. What do you think about Invisalign®?
A. Our office was one of the first in the country to offer Invisalign®. We have been very happy with the results and have treated more patients with this system than almost any other practice in the country.
Q. What is an Elite Provider?
A. Only practices that have achieved "an extraordinary degree of Invisalign experience" are listed as Elite. Less than 1% of all orthodontic practices can make this claim!
Q. Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
A. Most patients who have a full set of permanent teeth are potential Invisalign® patients. Some problems however are too complex to handle with Invisalign®, although with a period of fixed appliances (braces) we can often finish up with Invisalign®. Come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Waxler or Dr. Cavanaugh to determine if you can benefit from this great new advancement in orthodontics.
Q. Can kids wear them?
A. Invisalign recently came out with a new product "Invisalign Teen" Patients who have lost all of their baby teeth may qualify for treatment depending on certain factors....come in and let's talk!Q. Is this a new technique?
A. Orthodontists have been using flexible removable appliances for a long time to move teeth. The new computer technology now allows us to handle much more complex problems.
Q. What if I was told by my dentist that Invisalign® was not for me?
A. Our office was one of the first in the country to use the Invisalign system. We have one of the largest groups of patients being treated with the system. Because of our experience, we are also able to treat more complex types of problems than most other orthodontic offices. This experience allows us to know how to react when the teeth are not responding as expected and to "push the envelope" to treat cases with Invisalign that many otherwise expert orthodontist would require regular "braces." As a matter of fact, some of our most satisfying cases were patients who had been previously told that they were not candidates for Invisalign treatment.
Q. How long does Invisalign treatment take?
A. It depends on the severity of the problem, but treatment takes approximately the same amount of time as regular braces to treat the same problem.
Q. What are the benefits of Invisalign?
A. The appliances are removable making it easier to eat and clean the teeth. They are also more comfortable since there are no wires poking. Plus, the appliances are clear and virtually undetectable.
Q. What are the disadvantages?
A. They require a great deal of cooperation in wearing the appliances. The appliances must be worn 22-23 hours per day. Also, Invisalign is not appropriate for every type of problem.
Q. What are the aligners made of?
A. They are a clear medical-grade plastic.
Q. Can my dentist use the Invisalign system?
A. A dentist can use Invisalign if Align Technology has certified them. But we are orthodontic specialists and have additionally training in straightening the teeth and aligning the jaws.
Q. How much does Invisalign cost?
A. The cost of treatment will vary depending on the complexity of treatment. For simplier problems the cost may be less than a "regular" set of braces. At your complimentary consultation, the doctor will be able to give you an approximate cost for this type of treatment.Q. Does insurance cover Invisalign?
A. If your insurance plan covers traditional orthodontics or adult orthodontics, then it should cover Invisalign.
Q. Are there any other appliances similar to Invisalign?
A. Until recently a company call OrthoClear made a very similar product. OrthoClear was forced to cease operation in October of 2006 due to patient infringement. Another product called Red, White, Blue is available for very minor problems. Only Invisalign uses computer technology to achieve the most accurate final product.