Invisalign Clear Aligners are ideal for simpler orthodontic cases and people who want to avoid the braces "look." In my experience, they do work well, but in some cases it's faster to just put the braces on. While the trays are clear, they really aren't "invisible" and you can tell when someone is wearing them. They can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds, but you can usually adjust your speech pretty quickly. The trays are very tight and can be difficult to put in and take out. You can't eat or chew gum with them in, so there's also the awkwardness of having to take them out and put them back in if you're out to eat with someone. Some people need little pieces of composite attached to their front teeth to give the appliances something to grip to, and even though they match your teeth, you can still see them, even without the invisalign trays in. The advantage of invisalign is that you can have your teeth moved until you think they look good, then stop getting new trays (normally trays are changed every couple weeks or so).

elledent

San Antonio, TX

The Invisalign website states:Having a confident smile can change everything. And Invisalign makes the decision easy, because you can get a stunning smile without most people even noticing you're going through treatment. Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits. ***My take:***I started my Invisalign process in November 2008 and it just ended in March 2010. It was suppose to be done in June 2009...but it turned out to be double the amount of time that the dentist thought from the beginning. Sometimes your dentist will suggest an aligner to stay on more than the normal two weeks (most trays are used for two weeks and then you move on to a new one)...and for some you may need to revert back to an aligner if you are not progressing at the rate you should.  Each aligner moves teeth in very small increments (which you really dont even notice).  When a new one is placed on it is very tight and sometimes causes a little uncomfortableness for about a day.  I normally pop in 2 advil when I put in a new aligner and i'm good to go.  Each Invisalign plan is different...so it will depend on the results you achieve and how much is needed to change that will make your process longer/shorter. Each area of the country and dentist has different prices...but its not astronomical.  They are less noticeable than normal braces...but its no lie---you can tell a person has them in. The aligners are clear--but not completely invisible (and they do stain a little with dark drinks). For many people,  little cement pieces (notches) are added to the front of some of the teeth to assist in the straightening process.  (Be sure to ask if you are consulting for Invisalign as I was not told until the day I came in to get my first Invlisalign tray).  You can see the added cement notches (even thought they are the color of your teeth)...and they do look weird.  You get use to them over time and notice them less...but they are there and people can see something is a little "off" if they dont know you have invisalign. It is recommended that you keep the trays in for at least 20-22 hours out of the day.  You can take them out to eat and to brush your teeth.  You can brush the trays to keep them clean or buy a solution to soak them in. The results may not be the same results that you would achieve with traditional braces...so be warned.  After the process is over you will receive a retainer which must be worn every night after treatment is over.  Your teeth do move throughout the day, but the retainer does a good job fixing the movements.  Being done with Invisalign now I do have to say that I'm not as happy with the results that I thought I would be...but the Invisalign was a lot easier to go through than traditional braces. ***Final thoughts:***  An easier way to do braces...but be cautioned that the same results may not be achieved.

nicki2442

Toledo, OH