Invisalign - Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For people who seek alternatives to the traditional metal braces, many choose Invisalign®. This new modern marvel consists of a series of clear, almost invisible, removable mouth-piece aligners that are changed every few weeks as your teeth realign. Each custom aligner is independently manufactured for your specific teeth. As you swap each aligner, your teeth move--little bits by little bits, until they have straightened to the final position decided upon jointly by you and your cosmetic dentist.

Because of the upsurge in popularity of this unique, proprietary invisible teeth-straightening system, here we address some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign® and cosmetic dentistry.

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign®?

Mighty good question. Fact is that most people are good candidates for this unique, comfortable tooth realignment system. First, you should be in good overall health--not just good physical and mental health, but good oral health as well. Ideal candidates are free of any gum disease, have had all needed oral dentistry work completed beforehand, and are at the point in their lives where their teeth have reached adulthood. Smokers, people who have dental implants, and those who suffer oral birth anomalies are not considered good candidates. Your cosmetic dentist will assess your candidacy.

I’m a big chicken. I know traditional metal braces hurt. Does Invisalign®?

Don’t worry. I’m a big chicken too. Yes, it’s true that old-style, traditional metal braces can be highly uncomfortable and downright unsightly; Invisalign® isn’t like that at all. In addition to being just about invisible to the eye, because the Invisalign® retainer system moves only select teeth at any given time, you don’t end up with a sore jaw and those awful headaches you would get from traditional metal braces. The retainers simply slip on and slip off and you have complete control.

I want nice teeth so badly, but I’m just a working stiff. In this economy every penny counts. Will Invisalign® break my pocketbook?

The economic evolution had affected many people and because of that they tend to put off caring for their overall appearance. While many cosmetic dental options seem out of reach to the average working person, the Invisalign® invisible braces system is not in that category. Invisalign® placement and implementation varies greatly depending on what part of the country you happen to live in. Invisalign® starts at about $2,800 and goes from there. If you’re cash-strapped, many times your cosmetic dentist can offer little or no money down financing options, so there’s no real reason to put off seeing your cosmetic dentist about Invisalign® invisible retainers.