Considering Invisalign treatment in Tupelo, MS? You’ve come to the right place! Most patients have a lot of questions when they are considering their orthodontic options. Is Invisalign right for me? What are the benefits of Invisalign? How long will Invisalign treatment take? Can teenagers get Invisalign? How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?
At Hodges Orthodontic, we are top providers for Invisalign Tupelo, MS, and are happy to answer your questions. We believe that the more you know about what to expect with your Invisalign treatment, the more satisfied you will be during your treatment. With Invisalign, patient participation is crucial in the success of treatment. We want to empower and equip you to feel confident and fully engage in your Invisalign treatment.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a relatively new orthodontic technology that has revolutionized how we can straighten teeth. Invisalign aligners are clear, plastic aligners that are customized to fit your teeth. The aligners put slight pressure on all of your teeth at once and gradually move them into the new, desired position. As your teeth move, new sets of aligners will be mailed to you to continue the next step of your treatment. Over the course of your treatment, you will have regular appointments with Dr. Hodges to monitor your progress and ensure everything is on track.
How are custom Invisalign aligners made?
Invisalign clear aligners are custom designed for each unique patient. This is done through advancements in orthodontic technology and equipment. When you arrive for your first Invisalign appointment, Dr. Hodges will take a digital scan of your mouth. This scan will include your jaw, teeth, and bite. When completed, the scan will be sent to Invisalign for the molding of your unique set of aligners. When your first set of clear aligners arrive, Dr. Hodges will check them for a proper fit and then you are ready to begin! You are well underway to a beautiful, new smile!
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
One of the first questions many people seeking Invisalign Teen or Invisalign for Adults is, “How long will treatment take?” Invisalign treatment is known to have faster results than some of the more traditional orthodontic treatment methods. That being said, every case is different, and results depend greatly on patient participation. Invisalign treatment time will depend largely on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your clear aligners. More complex tooth movements may require longer treatment time and more regular checkups. Treatment will only be effective if patients wear their Invisalign clear aligners the recommended 22 hours per day. This means that aligners are only removed to eat, drink, brush and floss. Failing to consistently wear your aligners will result in significantly longer treatment or total treatment failure.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Many patients wonder about paying for Invisalign. Specifically, you might wonder if insurance will cover your invisalign treatment. Some insurance policies cover orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign or braces, and others do not. You can call your specific insurance provider to find out what is included in your coverage. If you would like assistance with this, once of the Hodges financial specialists can also help you walk through your insurance coverage. If orthodontic treatment is not included in your policy, that doesn’t mean that Invisalign is off the table for you. At Hodges Orthodontics, we work hard to make orthodontic treatment accessible to those who need it. We will work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget and timeline. We know that Invisalign is an investment in the future, and we want to make the process as seamless as possible.
Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?
Understandably, many patients are concerned about how they will adjust to wearing their Invisalign clear aligners. One of the primary concerns around this adjustment, is how it could affect speech. Fortunately, Invisalign clear aligners are custom designed to securely fit the mold of your mouth and will quickly become second nature. There may be a short period of adjustment within the first week of wearing your clear aligners, but you will adapt in no time. Most patients report quickly adjusting to their aligners and barely noticing that they are wearing them. You can talk, whistle, and even sing as you normally would.
Are there any foods I have to avoid during my Invisalign treatment?
Many people know that during traditional orthodontic treatment with braces, there is a list of foods to avoid. With metal brackets, hard and sticky foods can sometimes cause damage to the orthodontic hardware. For that reason, nuts, ice-chips, popcorn, sticky candy and hard candies are all on the forbidden list. Perhaps, that is why Invisalign clear aligners are often preferred by foodies and parents of teens alike! Because clear aligners are removed to eat and drink, there are no extra food restrictions. This means that you can eat and drink normally during your Invisalign treatment. Rejoice parents of teenagers! With Invisalign you do not need to worry about your child’s popcorn or taffy at the ballgame. Although, the aligners are so comfortable to wear, you may have to remind your teen to take them out before diving in!
How to care for my Invisalign clear aligners?
Once you have invested in your Invisalign clear aligners, you will want to ensure that you are properly caring for them. Many parents of teens in Invisalign treatment want to set their child up for success in caring for their own aligners. Because good hygiene and aligner care is important for the success of your treatment, finding a routine that works for you or your child is important. For most, this means a simple routine of cleaning your aligners with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Gently brush your clear aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste as you would during normal teeth brushing. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Some patients may want to purchase a specific Invisalign brand cleaning solution, or use a denture soak. Whatever cleaning method you choose, the most important thing is that you stick to it. Clean aligners protect your teeth and ensure the aligners stay in top shape. The only hard rule in caring for your Invisalign aligners is to never rinse or soak them in hot water. Hot water may warp the clear aligners and should always be avoided.
How often will I need to have check up appointments for Invisalign?
While Invisalign treatment is a fairly independent treatment process, you will still need semi-regular checkups to monitor your progress. On average, most Invisalign patients will come in for an appointment every 8 weeks. At this time, Dr. Hodges will examine your teeth, ensure the aligners are working properly and that your treatment is on track. Depending on your treatment results, some cases may need more regular appointments. We will work with you to find a checkup schedule that is right for your treatment needs and fits into your busy schedule.
Is it possible to switch from braces to Invisalign?
Some patients may wonder if it is possible to switch from braces to Invisalign. In some cases, it is possible to switch from braces to Invisalign once treatment has begun, and in others, it is not. Dr. Hodges will help evaluate your case and determine if the switch could be right for you. Some patients are interested in getting Invisalign treatment if they once had braces and are not satisfied with the results. In this case, Dr. Hodges will evaluate orthodontic needs and give recommendations for your future treatment.
Can teens get Invisalign treatment?
Getting braces or Invisalign is a big moment in the life of a teen, and their parents! At Hodges Orthodontics, we are parents too. We know that the teenage years can be both delightful and tumultuous all at the same time. Teenagers and parents of teens have enough to worry about, their orthodontic treatment shouldn’t be one of them. That is why Invisalign Teen is such a brilliant option for today’s teens. Custom, clear aligners are almost invisible and therefore entirely discrete. Because they can be removed for eating and drinking, teens can continue to eat and drink as normal. Finally, with a faint blue line that faints over time with proper use, there is built in accountability for consistent wear. This means that with a little help from Invisalign technology, parents won’t need to nag their teens about keeping their aligners in. All of these components make Invisalign Teen a great option for busy teens and parents.
How do I choose the best Invisalign orthodontist near me?
One of the most important decisions that you make in your Invisalign treatment comes before you even start — choosing your orthodontist! With the potential of many different options in your area, how should you go about choosing? There are a few things to consider beforehand when choosing your orthodontist. First is patient recommendations. Most orthodontists will have Google reviews that you can read to hear first-hand patient experiences. This is a convenient way to hear what real people are saying about a particular orthodontist. The next thing to consider is technology. Invisalign requires advanced digital scanning technology to create your custom aligners. You will want to choose an orthodontist who invests in updated technology and equipment. Finally, choose an orthodontist who has proven experience with Invisalign treatment success. While Invisalign is a relatively independent treatment option, routine examinations and oversight by an experienced professional is still necessary for optimal results. If you are looking for Invisalign treatment in Tupelo, MS, Hodges Orthodontics is proud to be one of the region’s top providers. Dr. Hodges has time-proven experience with Invisalign clear aligners, and has helped hundreds of patients achieve the smile of their dreams.
At Hodges Orthodontics, we are proud to offer Tupelo, MS quality Invisalign treatment. Our team of friendly orthodontic professionals gives our patients the care and excellent results that they deserve. From your first appointment to your last, we are dedicated to exceeding your expectations. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign at Hodges Orthodontics, you can visit our website. Still not sure? Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with us today!
