What does Dr. Beim mean if he says that someone has an “overbite?” And, how might our Lake Mary team fix an overbite? When you close your teeth, your upper teeth should overlap your lower teeth a little. But too much overlap creates an “overbite.” Also, you may have seen advertisements for Invisalign online or on TV. A treatment like Invisalign can indeed fix your overbite. In this blog, Beim Orthodontics will tell you everything you need to know about fixing your overbite with Invisalign.
The Invisalign clear aligner has become a household name. They’ve done for orthodontic appliances what Xerox did for copy machines. Just before the turn of the millennium, Invisalign became publicly available for purchase. Orthodontists were initially hesitant to use Invisalign. But over the last two decades, that hesitation has diminished. According to manufacturer Align Technology, Invisalign has helped over 13 million smiles worldwide.
Is Invisalign The Same As Traditional Braces?
Invisalign is indeed an orthodontic appliance. Its purpose is to straighten teeth over a period of time. Like traditional braces, a patient may have to wear Invisalign for an extended period. In those ways, Invisalign is similar to conventional braces. But to call them the same would be inaccurate. Braces, whether metal or clear, have brackets and wires.
Additionally, Dr. Beim will likely recommend braces to fix a bad bite. You may hear him use the term “malocclusion.” Braces can work better (and, in many cases, more quickly) on bad bites. That said, patients may eventually transition from braces to Invisalign to help them further hone their smile. Nevertheless, Invisalign and braces are distinctly different for that reason.
If Invisalign Isn’t Braces, Then What Is it?
We’ve established that Invisalign is not the same as braces. So then, what is it? Invisalign works more like a retainer than braces. When you wear braces, you can’t take them off to eat or brush your teeth. But since Invisalign is a removable retainer, you have the bonus of taking it out when you have a meal or get ready to brush and floss.
Dr. Beim designs sets of Invisalign customized acrylic aligners for each specific set of teeth. Each Invisalign aligner is composed of smooth, sleek, and virtually unseeable plastic. At Beim Orthodontics, we use a digital scanner to analyze your bite, leading to a tailored aligner. We do all this without requiring yucky trays and impressions. Dr. Beim then generates a unique plan for your teeth. Next, you’ll receive your complete set of aligners about two weeks later. The entire Invisalign treatment process takes roughly 6 to 15 months for most patients.
Is Invisalign Permanent?
This is a misunderstanding. Braces are affixed to the teeth with glue. The wires and brackets help pull the teeth into position over a while. If Dr. Beim did fit you with Braces, he might give you a list of food and beverages to abstain from. You might have to temporarily say goodbye to some of your favorite snacks and beverages. But with Invisalign, that’s not the case. Invisalign is definitely not permanent, and Dr. Beim does not attach it to you.
So, is Invisalign 100% Removable?
Yes, absolutely. Using only your fingers, you can apply and take out your Invisalign aligners whenever you please. This means that you get first dibs on straightening your smile. You might sometimes see results as early as three months after initiating treatment! Another advantage of unfastening Invisalign is the ability to eat (and drink) whatever you want!
Craving chicken wings, a big meaty burger, or some crunchy popcorn? Have at it! If you have an oral report or presentation for work or school, you can do away with your aligner for that too. Dr. Beim recommends that you wear your Invisalign for 22 hours each day.
You can remove the aligners temporarily for that, too. However, for Invisalign to be most effective, they do need to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day. You won’t get that kind of freedom with conventional braces.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Beim Orthodontics understands budget constraints. In any circumstance, patients come first. Dr. Beim will only offer treatment plans a patient will actually benefit from. We don’t believe in surprise charges or hidden fees.
With that in mind, sometimes people are intimidated by anything described as “state-of-the-art.” To many folks, that’s just another word for “expensive.” In reality, the price for Invisalign isn’t that different from traditional braces.
Will My Insurance Take Care of Invisalign?
Suppose your insurance provider covers dental and orthodontic interventions. In that case, you can use it to help with either Invisalign or regular braces. The teams at Beim Orthodontics office in Lake Mary work with all Kansas insurance companies. We’ll check and double-check any benefits you’re entitled to. Furthermore, we’re happy to talk with you about a payment plan that fits your budget.
Align with Us for Your Invisalignment Needs
Now that we’ve assessed a few issues about Invisalign, where do we go from here? You may still have questions. If so, you’re in good company. Dr. Beim’s team is here to answer all of them. Go here to schedule your free consultation. Feeling unsure about coming into the office? Not a problem. Visit us here for a virtual consultation.