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Question: “Dr. Arnold, is Invisalign as effective as braces for straightening teeth, and how much does it cost?”
Answer: Orthodontic
treatment is a wonderful service provided by many dental professionals.
Straightening the teeth is a fantastic way to conservatively
improve one’s smile and make chewing more efficient. Traditional
braces have been very effective for a long time, but Invisalign
usage has also become a very attractive option for many people.
Many patients – especially adults – don’t
want to have metal brackets and wires in their mouths to move
their teeth. They are often concerned about esthetics during
the treatment process. Another common concern is the potential
for abrasions or ulcerations on the inside of the mouth from
the braces.
Invisalign minimizes these concerns with the use of clear “aligners” that
are custom-fit to the teeth, are very esthetic, and aren’t
as likely to rub the inside of the mouth. These aligners are
similar to rigid bleaching trays, and they gradually move the
teeth to more desirable positions. Each aligner is worn for
two weeks and moves the teeth slightly until the final positions
are attained.
Because patients remove the aligners before eating or drinking,
there are no food restrictions or problems with brushing or
flossing. Patients are usually seen only once every six weeks
to check on the progress and to receive their next sets of aligners
so they generally spend less time at the dental office.
Invisalign treatment generally costs between $5000 and $7000,
but not everyone is a good candidate. Some people are still
better served by traditional orthodontic techniques. You should
consult with a certified Invisalign dentist or orthodontist
to find out whether or not it will work for you.
The entire treatment plan is designed with 3-D computer imaging
from the initial teeth positioning all the way until the
desired final positions. This same 3-D imaging allows patients
to preview the final positioning of teeth before even beginning
treatment.
Dr. Arnold is a practicing dentist in Valparaiso and Chesterton. He also serves as a clinical instructor with the Hornbrook Group, which teaches contemporary dental concepts to dentists from around the world. For information on this or any other dental topic, you may visit: www.SmilesByArnold.com. Dr. Arnold may be reached via e-mail at: drarnold@smilesbyarnold.com or by mail at 1830 S. 11 th St., Chesterton, IN, 46304.
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