Invisalign® and Orthodontics Information

Invisalign® Orthodontic Tray

Orthodontics is a specialty field in dentistry that is dedicated to the correction of facial and dental irregularities through the use of braces and other appliances. The most common indications for needing orthodontic treatment are crooked teeth, crowded teeth, over-bite, under-bite, misalignment of front teeth, and widely spaced teeth. Chronic dental conditions, such as gum disease and tooth decay, are more likely to occur in patients with misaligned teeth and orthodontic treatment can be a preventive measure that will decrease the occurrence of future dental problems.

According to FDA Consumer Magazine, 4.5 million people in the United States are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. Of those 4.5 million people, approximately 1 million are adults. This is a 30% increase over the last 10 years, and the numbers of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment are increasing each year.¹

Baby boomers and teenagers are most likely to have orthodontic work done. The reasons for the increasing baby boomer appeal are that they tend to have more disposable income and are influenced by popular media. The most common reason for teenagers is simply that they need (or want) to have their teeth straightened.

TYPES OF ORTHODONTIC PROCEDURES

• Standard braces are a series of metal, ceramic, or gold brackets that are cemented to each tooth. The brackets are connected by a wire held in place with either metal or latex ties. Treatment time may take an average of 1 to 3 years to complete during which the patient will periodically visit the orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks. The teeth are straightened by changing the ties and orthodontic wires over the course of the treatment. After treatment has commenced, a removable retainer will need to be worn so that the teeth will not move back to their misaligned position.

Ceramic ("clear") braces are less noticeable than metal or gold braces. These brackets are made from a tooth-colored ceramic material. Although they may be less noticeable than metal or gold braces, they are more prone to stain and are not as strong. Because of this, they have a higher chance of popping off of the tooth. When the ceramic bracket pops off, a new ceramic bracket will need to be re-set. Therefore, using ceramic braces can prolong treatment time and can be slightly more expensive.

• Invisalign^® Non-Invasive Straightening is an alternative to standard braces. Patients' undergoing orthodontic treatment using Invisalign has grown by 75% since 2003. Invisalign is comprised of custom-fit, non-metal, invisible, and removable trays which can effectively move teeth as long as they are worn for the recommended amount of time. Although results may vary, treatment time for an Invisalign procedure may take between 6 months to 1.5 years. Periodic visits to the dentist for checkups will be needed.

Prior to beginning treatment, the dentist will take photographs and molds of the teeth. From these photographs and molds, the Invisalign custom-fit trays will be made, and a detailed treatment schedule will be determined. The dentist may need to reduce the width of some teeth, in order to create the space needed to allow the teeth to move into the properly aligned position. To straighten the teeth into the desired alignment, a series of Invisalign trays are used over the course of the treatment. Each set of trays are worn for approximately 2 to 3 weeks. The patient will receive new sets of trays throughout the treatment. The teeth will progressively become more aligned with each new set of trays, until the final set of trays which are shaped for the teeth to be in the fully aligned and desired position.

Orthodontic Retainer

A removable retainer will need to be worn after treatment has commenced so that the teeth will not move back to the original misaligned position.

Patients that require major orthodontic work may not qualify for the Invisalign procedure.

• Orthognathic Surgery/Surgical Alignment (Jaw Surgery): This procedure is reserved for misalignment of the jaw and other types of maxillofacial and mandible dysfunctions, such as people with Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome or TMJ.

COST

The cost for adult standard braces ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the needs of the individual.

Invisalign can cost upwards from $5,000 to $7000 depending on the individual needs.²

Consult with your dental insurance company to see what orthodontic procedures are covered by insurance.