People choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment to correct teeth crowding, bite issues, or for simply a better smile now have a superior and advanced treatment, Invisalign. Unlike traditional orthodontic treatments that involve brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear aligner trays to shift teeth to the desired position. These are removable, meaning you get to eat foods with less discomfort and practice better oral hygiene than you would when wearing regular braces. One of the biggest reasons Invisalign is so popular is that they are almost invisible, so you never need to feel conscious or ashamed about what’s inside your mouth. However, the treatment has its pros and cons, and if you are considering Invisalign Springfield VA to get better and more aligned teeth, here is what you need to know.

Your dentist needs to be qualified

An orthodontist is a person who is best qualified to correct your teeth and bite alignment. These doctors undergo necessary training and practice for this specialty. Though Invisalign is a kind of orthodontic treatment, it varies from regular treatment with braces in many ways. For this reason, it is important that an orthodontist who performs Invisalign treatment in Springfield be qualified and trained in the same. Getting the right measurements, working on scans, and placing orders for custom aligner trays all need specialized know-how and hands-on experience.

Not all Invisalign practitioners are equal

Invisalign providers often have tags like premier, elite, platinum, etc. to their practice. This merely refers to the number of cases that the orthodontist performs in a certain period of time. Typically, the higher the number of cases a dentist treats, the more experienced he will be. However, this is not true always, and the tag should not be the topmost consideration when selecting an Invisalign provider. In fact, it would help to check with a few patients who have undergone treatment with the dentist to see if they are happy with the results so that you can be sure of the quality you’ll receive.

Invisalign can be expensive

Treatment using clear aligners tends to more expensive than orthodontic treatments using brackets and wires. In some cases, they may be similar, but the end results may be not. Because Invisalign can be costly, it is important that you discuss options for insurance or other rebates that can be availed to get your teeth aligned using the clear trays. Some doctors may demand upfront payment while others may agree to a monthly payment plan. Whatever the case be, you need to be fully aware of what you are signing up for.

You may not be an ideal candidate for Invisalign

Invisalign can be used to treat most cases of alignment problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, the gap between teeth, overcrowding, open bite, and for generally straighter teeth. However, the treatment is not ideal for complex cases that require a longer period of time. In such cases, traditional brackets may be able to give you better results and in a faster and less expensive manner. So, before you narrow down on Invisalign for your teeth, get a consultation with a trained practitioner to see if your teeth can be corrected using the clear aligners.

The treatment may need lifestyle changes

While Invisalign has its benefits, the treatment isn’t completely pain-free and requires you to wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours every day for best results. You will also need to get new trays every week or two, meaning more frequent visits to the dentist. During the treatment, your teeth may feel loose and sensitive, and you will need to later drink and eating habits to keep your teeth comfortable and to prevent the aligners from staining. In some cases, the aligners may need to be attached to buttons or elastics for better teeth movement. When this happens, the clear aligners may not be all that invisible. In order to know about what an Invisalign treatment entails, speak to your Springfield Invisalign practitioner. This can help you get a better picture about what you are up for during the span of time you will undergo the orthodontic procedure.