Are you making big plans for your appearance this year? Are you wondering if it’s time to invest in a straighter smile?
Believe it or not, getting Invisalign could be one of the smartest moves you can make. You’ll improve your oral health, boost your self-esteem, and even alleviate a speech impediment with your more aligned, beautiful smile.
Here are some signs you should be investing in Invisalign in 2021.
What Is Invisalign?
Like traditional braces, Invisalign is used to make your teeth more aligned over a period of time, usually about twelve to eighteen months. Yet, unlike other braces, Invisalign aligners are clear plastic trays that get replaced every two weeks. They are hardly noticeable to anyone who doesn’t know you’re wearing them.
Invisalign treatments are used to close gaps between teeth, correct overbites, and fix underbites. Your dentist might consider you a good candidate for Invisalign for a number of reasons.
1. You’re Mature
Invisalign treatments are popular with older, more mature teens as well as adults. This is because, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign requires cooperation from a patient in order to be successful.
Invisalign trays are removable, and they need to get worn for at least twenty-two hours each day. You can remove them when you eat, but you’re responsible for putting them back in.
Invisalign also requires basic hygiene that includes soaking and brushing the trays. This is in addition to your regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Those wearing Invisalign will also need to visit their orthodontists for check-ups and maintenance every six to eight weeks. If you’re responsible enough to keep up with the requirements for wearing Invisalign, you could be a great candidate.
2. You’re Unhappy With Your Smile
Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, and underbites are just a few of the problems that Invisalign can fix. It can also work on teeth that overlap and those that twist over each other.
If you have a common orthodontic problem, Invisalign could be for you. If, however, your teeth are rotated too severely for straightening, your dentist may recommend a different approach. A consultation with a qualified orthodontist is the right way to determine whether or not Invisalign is for you.
3. You Don’t Want to Change Your Diet
Traditional braces require a number of dietary restrictions in order to be effective. These include avoiding hard candy, pizza crust, and bagels.
With Invisalign, however, you can remove your aligners every time you eat. This means there are a few foods you can’t eat, but most of your favorite meals are okay. Invisalign wearers should, however, avoid alcohol, smoking, and chewing gum.
4. You’re in Generally Good Oral Health
Patients with advanced may not always be good candidates for Invisalign. This is true only in cases with problems like tooth loss and loose gums. Patients with mild gum disease, however, may still be good Invisalign candidates.
Your dentist will also want to make sure that you have all of your adult teeth before recommending Invisalign. This is treatment is often not recommended for children and younger adolescents.
5. You Have Dental Insurance
Most health insurance plans won’t cover cosmetic dentistry. Many dental insurances, however, will cover at least some of the cost. Before deciding to get Invisalign, check with your dental insurance and see how much of the treatment you’ll get reimbursed for.
Many cosmetic dentists will also offer payment plans where you can pay your treatment off a little each month, making the payments more manageable. They may also offer discounts for paying for the entire treatment upfront or for being in public service. Make sure to find out about your options before beginning treatment.
If your health insurance includes a Health Savings Account (HSA,) you may be able to put aside a certain amount of tax-protected money each month that can get used for health expenses such as Invisalign. This means you’ll be taking home more of what you actually make.
If your employer doesn’t have an HSA available, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) also allows you to put aside tax-sheltered money for health expenses. The difference is that an FSA is owned by your employer, while an HSA is owned by you. An HSA allows you to roll over money from year to year if you don’t use it.
6. You Don’t Want Everyone to Know You’re Wearing Braces
Invisalign is slightly more expensive than traditional braces, but many folks are willing to make the investment because they want straighter teeth without the world knowing they’ve got braces on. This is especially true for adults who don’t want to look less mature than they are.
When you’re ready to get serious about your smile without the obvious look of braces, it may be time to look into Invisalign.
7. You’ve Worn Braces Before
You may have worn braces as a teenager but find your teeth gradually shifting back into an undesirable position. This could be because you didn’t wear your retainer enough after the braces were removed.
Invisalign gives you a great way to restore your smile. And it can usually get done quickly, easily, and invisibly.
Get Smiling
The new year is a great time to resolve to straighten your teeth and improve your self-confidence. If you’ve got a crooked smile but a mature disposition, you could be a great candidate for Invisalign. With the right payment plan and the right orthodontist, you could have a smile you love in no time.
Don’t stop getting smart about your teeth and gums now. For quality Invisalign treatments, contact us today.