Frequently asked questions about Invisalign®, from Snow Orthodontics

Our doctors and staff at Snow Orthodontics know people are curious about Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces. Today, we thought we'd share with you a few popular questions people have about Invisalign treatment, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Q: How much does Invisalign cost?

A: As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign depends on the complexity of a patient’s case. The team at Snow Orthodontics can determine your treatment cost at your complimentary consultation appointment.

Q: Does Invisalign really work?

A: In short, yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic and dental practices nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth.

Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign?

A: Each patient should review their coverage since medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy. If a patient has orthodontic coverage however, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as traditional braces.

Q: What are aligners made of?

A: Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Q: What do aligners look like?

A: Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

Q: How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?

A: Invisalign aligners, much like brackets and archwires, move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The difference? Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

Want to know more about Invisalign? Visit Snow Orthodontics at one of our convenient locations or give us a call at (661) 273-1750.

Invisalign Teen™ at Snow Orthodontics!

Image is everything, and Dr. Snow knows that. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... there is a clear alternative to traditional braces! Last week, we reminded you about our Invisalign service. Today, we thought we'd discuss Invisalign Teen™, which offers teens a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Invisalign Teen works in the same way as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please give us a call and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

Ask Dr. Snow: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Snow. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, the team use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Snow is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at Snow Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.