York PA Braces
If you or your child need braces, there is a new game in town. When we were kids, the only option was traditional wire and bracket braces. Now the fastest growing method of orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, also called "invisible braces".
Commonly Asked Questions about Invisalign Invisible Braces
- Does the Invisalign system really work?
The picture to the right depicts a smile transformed by Invisalign. The concept of using aligners rather than wire and brackets braces to shift the teeth has been discussed for around 70 years, and the proof is in the thousands of people who have had positive results with this type of braces.
- Do insurance plans usually cover Invisalign?
If your insurance covers orthodontic treatments, it should cover Invisalign.
- Is there any pain in the Invisalign treatment?
Each time you change aligners, you will experience some sensitivity while biting and tenderness for a few days. Otherwise, there is less irritation than what is experienced with regular braces.
- Does a dentist or orthodontist have to have special training to prescribe Invisalign treatment?
Yes. An orthodontist or dentist must be trained and certified by Invisalign. The Invisalign labs will only accept cases from dentists or orthodontists who are certified.
- Is there anything I am not allowed to eat while I am in treatment, like hard candy or caramels?
No. This is one major advantage of invisible braces. You remove them to eat, and therefore are not restricted in any way in what you can eat. You also remove them to brush and floss, which is another huge advantage over conventional braces.
- How often do I wear the aligners?
You wear them all the time, except for the few minutes that you are eating, brushing and flossing.
- I've heard the term "reproximation". What does that mean?
A common problem people seek to correct with braces is over-crowding–the teeth are too big for the space available to them.For conventional braces, teeth are usually extracted to create more space, but with invisible braces, practitioners prefer to shave a little bit off each tooth to create the extra room necessary. This is called reproximation, and it not only makes the treatment go faster, it usually yields a more stable result in the long run.
- Will my speech be affected by wearing the aligners?
For a few days, you may notice some small impact on some of your speech sounds, but it is typically minimal. Once you are accustomed to wearing the aligners, there should be no difference in your speech.