Are you seriously considering straightening your smile with clear aligners? You might be wondering if you'll receive the value you deserve, and if the cost is worth it. Here, our Port Moody dentists describe which factors you might want to take into account when thinking about choosing aligners.
What are clear aligners?
When you start researching clear aligners, you'll likely notice that there are a few brands out there, and they all consist of a series of clear, custom-made aligners that you wear on your teeth and change about every two weeks. Each set of custom-made clear aligners is removable. They will gradually adjust your teeth in tiny increments.
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
You'll be able to remove your clear aligners to brush your teeth, eat and drink.
Invisalign clear aligners can resolve a range of issues such as bite problems, misalignment of teeth and crowding. Many adults and teenagers choose this treatment option for its discreet appearance.
Plus, the fact that you won't have to deal with dietary restrictions is a bonus.
Your clear aligners also won't require adjustments or tightening as braces do, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. You'll just need to review your progress regularly with your dentist.
How much will my clear aligners cost?
A few factors will determine the cost of your clear aligners:
- Your location and average prices for clear aligners
- Your oral health requirements and how much work you will need
- Any coverage you can get through an insurance plan
Depending on your circumstances and the brand of clear aligners you choose, you will likely end up paying around the same amount as you would for braces - perhaps slightly more.
How long will my treatment last?
Investing in improving your smile with clear aligners is a commitment to following your treatment process so you can enjoy a straighter smile in the future. Only your dentist can determine your specific needs and therefore the duration of your treatment. Factors that could impact your treatment time include:
- The number of aligners in your series
- The severity of your misalignment
- Your compliance with your custom treatment plan
Provided you follow the treatment plan exactly as prescribed, clear aligners can help improve your smile and straighten your teeth. If you know how many aligners are in your series, you can find out how long your treatment will take by doing some simple math.
Assuming you have 16 sets of aligners and switch them every 2 weeks, you’d use 2 sets of aligners per month. 16 divided by 2 is 8, meaning your treatment will take 8 months.
Most patients begin to see results around the 4- to 6-week mark. You may want to take a photo of your smile each week, so that you can get a good idea of how much your teeth are moving, and thus the value your clear aligners are bringing to your smile - and your oral health.