Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that involves the use of a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. It is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces because it is less noticeable and more comfortable to wear. If you are considering Invisalign, it is important to know more information about this treatment before you make a decision.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to expect from an Invisalign consultation, how long it typically lasts, and more. Let’s begin!
What Happens During an Invisalign Consultation?
A typical Invisalign consultation will involve discussing your orthodontic needs and any other concerns you may have. Here’s a quick overview of how your first Invisalign consultation may turn out.
Initial Assessment
Your orthodontist or Invisalign provider will evaluate your mouth, teeth, and gums. They will assess the severity of your misalignment and if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.Discussion of Treatment Goals
During this stage, you and the orthodontist will discuss what you want to achieve with the treatment. You can also ask questions about how Invisalign works, how long it takes to get results, and any other aspect related to the treatment.Invisalign Scan
The dentist may use an intraoral scanner to take digital impressions of your mouth so they can show you a computerized 3D model of how your teeth would look after Invisalign treatment.Presentation of Treatment Plan and Cost
After the evaluation, your orthodontist will present you with a customized treatment plan that outlines how long your treatment will take. They will also give you an estimate for the total cost of Invisalign treatment, including follow-up visits and any additional services.Review of treatment instructions
The orthodontist will explain how to wear and care for your aligners, as well as any other instructions you need to follow during treatment.Follow-up appointments
After the initial consultation, you may need to return for follow-up appointments to check the progress of your treatment and receive new aligners. These appointments will typically be scheduled every four to six weeks.
It is important to note that the specifics of an Invisalign consultation may vary depending on the individual case and the orthodontist or dental professional performing the consultation. It is always a good idea to ask questions and clarify any points of confusion during the consultation to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the treatment process.
How Long Does an Invisalign Consultation Last?
The length of an Invisalign consultation can vary, but typically it takes between 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, you and your orthodontist or dentist will discuss the specifics of your treatment plan, including estimated treatment times and costs.
Your orthodontist or dentist will also explain any additional steps that need to be taken in order to achieve the best possible results. You may also receive advice on how to care for your aligners and keep your teeth clean and healthy during treatment.
What Happens During an Invisalign Smile Consult?
During an Invisalign Smile Consult, orthodontists consider the number of factors to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for a patient. These factors may include the following:
The severity of misalignment: Orthodontists will assess the severity of a patient’s misalignment to determine if Invisalign is the appropriate treatment option. In some cases, more severe misalignment may require more traditional orthodontic treatments, such as metal braces.
Age: Invisalign is typically recommended for patients who have completed their jaw growth, which is usually around age 18. However, some orthodontists may treat younger patients with Invisalign if their misalignment is mild and their teeth have fully erupted.
Oral health: Orthodontists will assess a patient’s overall oral health to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo Invisalign treatment. Patients with gum disease or cavities may need to address these issues before starting treatment.
Compliance: Invisalign requires patients to wear their aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day to be effective. Orthodontists will consider a patient’s ability to comply with this requirement before recommending Invisalign.
Treatment goals: Orthodontists will discuss a patient’s treatment goals and expectations with them to ensure that Invisalign is the right treatment option to meet their needs.
Other medical conditions: Orthodontists will consider any other medical conditions a patient may have that could affect their ability to undergo Invisalign treatment.
By considering these factors, orthodontists can determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for a patient and create a customized treatment plan that meets their specific needs.
What Should I Expect After an Invisalign Consultation?
After an Invisalign consultation, you can expect to receive a detailed treatment plan outlining the expected duration of your treatment and instructions on how to wear and care for your aligners. Your orthodontist or dentist may request additional documents, such as x-rays or photographs, before beginning treatment, depending on the complexity of your case. Once these materials are obtained, you can expect to receive your aligners within a few weeks.
If you are considering Invisalign, it is important to discuss all of your options and questions with an orthodontist or dentist during an Invisalign consultation. This will ensure that you have the information needed to make an informed decision about your treatment plan and achieve the best possible results.
Are Invisalign Consultations Free?
Invisalign consultations are generally not free, but the cost of an Invisalign consultation can vary depending on the orthodontist or dental professional you see and your specific location. Some orthodontists and dental professionals may offer free consultations as a way to introduce potential patients to their practice and the Invisalign treatment process.
It is a good idea to call different orthodontists or dental professionals in your area to get an idea of the cost of an Invisalign consultation. Some providers may offer discounts or financing options to help make the consultation more affordable. Keep in mind that the cost of an Invisalign consultation may be applied towards the cost of treatment if you decide to move forward with Invisalign after your consultation.
If you’re looking for a free Invisalign consultation, Parkwood Dental offers complimentary consultations for patients interested in Invisalign treatment. Our experienced dental professionals will assess your individual needs and discuss the cost and duration of treatment to ensure it’s a good fit for your goals and budget.
How Long Does It Take to Make Invisalign?
The process of creating Invisalign aligners typically takes about two weeks from start to finish. After the initial consultation, the orthodontist or dental professional will take impressions of the patient’s teeth and use special software to create a treatment plan and preview the potential results.
The impressions are then sent to an Invisalign laboratory, where the aligners are digitally designed and fabricated using a proprietary process. The aligners are made of a clear, medical-grade plastic called SmartTrack that is designed to gently and gradually move the teeth into the desired position.
Once the aligners are complete, they are shipped back to the orthodontist or dental professional’s office, where the patient will receive their first set of aligners and schedule follow-up appointments to track their progress and receive new aligners as needed.
How Long Does It Take for Invisalign Aligners to Come In?
Once your orthodontist or dental professional has taken impressions of your teeth and created a treatment plan, it typically takes about two weeks for the aligners to arrive. Your orthodontist or dental professional will then fit you with your first set of aligners and schedule follow-up appointments to track your progress and receive new aligners as needed.
How Long Do Invisalign Treatments Last?
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the specific case and the severity of the misalignment. On average, treatment takes between 9 and 18 months, but it can be longer or shorter, depending on the patient. The orthodontist or dental professional will be able to provide the patient with an estimated length of treatment during the initial consultation.
Is Invisalign Covered by Dental Insurance?
Invisalign treatment may be covered by dental insurance, but it is important to check with your specific insurance provider to confirm your coverage. Some dental insurance policies may cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign treatment, while others may not cover it at all.
In general, dental insurance plans consider Invisalign to be a form of orthodontic treatment, just like traditional metal braces. If your insurance plan covers orthodontic treatment, you can use your benefits towards the cost of Invisalign. However, it is important to note that coverage can vary widely between insurance plans, so it is always a good idea to ask your provider to confirm your benefits.
If you do have dental insurance coverage for Invisalign, your orthodontist or dental professional should be able to help you understand your benefits and file the necessary claims on your behalf. They can also work with you to set up a payment plan or explore other financing options if your insurance does not cover the full cost of treatment.
Final Thoughts
This innovative teeth alignment procedure is a great choice for patients looking for an efficient, discreet way to straighten their teeth. If you’re looking for a trusted provider of Invisalign in Bradenton, FL, Parkwood Dental has the necessary skills and experience to help.
Our experienced team of orthodontists and dental professionals can provide you with comprehensive Invisalign treatment so you can get the straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule your free consultation today!