Is Invisalign expensive, does it work & more- Top Invisalign FAQs

At Barkoff Dental, we offer Invisalign treatment to help our patients achieve a beautiful smile without the hassle of traditional metal braces. While many of our patients want to know if Invisalign is right for them, we can’t answer that without seeing you in our office for an exam, but we can answer other common questions about Invisalign here on our blog.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that works for most adults and teenagers. Even some of the most complicated bite issues can be fixed with Invisalign now thanks to advances in its SmartTrack technology. We don’t recommend Invisalign for young children, though, because the aligners only work when they are worn at least 22 hours a day and children are more likely to remove or misplace them.

The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the length of treatment needed and the complexity of your orthodontic issues. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign, so you may be surprised that the out-of-pocket cost is the same as or not much more than the cost of traditional metal braces.

Yes, Invisalign works as well as traditional metal braces in nearly all circumstances. There are rare cases in which Invisalign is not an option, but we only recommend Invisalign to patients who we believe are best served by aligners.

Invisalign has many benefits over traditional braces, which is why so many of our patients are opting for this orthodontic solution. Some of the advantages of Invisalign include:

• Brushing and flossing is easier because aligners can be removed, resulting in better oral hygiene.
• Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, so friends, co-workers, and classmates won’t even know you’re wearing them.
• Because your aligners can be removed, there are no food restrictions. Unlike with metal braces, you can eat anything you want, including popcorn, chewy candies, and hard foods like nuts.
• There are no uncomfortable brackets or wires to worry about, which means you’ll never have to schedule an emergency appointment to fix a broken bracket or poking wire, and you won’t have to come in to have your wires tightened every few weeks.

Invisalign only works when the aligners are being worn, unlike braces, which work 24/7. Patients who wear their aligners for less than the recommended amount of time each day may experience lengthened treatment times. While many patients appreciate that they can remove their aligners to eat, there are others who find it inconvenient. Overall, though, patients have very few complaints about Invisalign.

Every patient’s treatment plan is unique to their individual needs, but most patients wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks and have a total of 15 - 25 sets. Treatment time is usually between six and 18 months.

Yes, you’ll still need to come in every four to six weeks so we can make sure your treatment is on the right track and your teeth are moving as they should.

We offer a specialized Invisalign Cleaning System to sanitize and remove bacteria and food debris from your aligners. You may also gently brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, then rinse them in lukewarm water. Never use hot water to clean your aligners, as it may warp the plastic.

Just like with braces, Invisalign results last as long as you maintain them. Once your treatment is complete, we will provide you with a set of Vivera retainers from Invisalign to help keep your teeth in their new positions.

If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign treatment, contact us at 516-921-1133 to schedule an appointment for a consultation at Barkoff Dental.