My sister in law Edith and I decided to put together a little Q and A on Braces vs. Invisalign. We hope you guys find this helpful. Feel free to leave comments if you guys have any questions for us :) Happy reading!
When did you start
your treatment?
Ana: I began Invisalign treatment on April 11th 2013
Edith: I had my braces attached on May 6th 2013
Ana: I began Invisalign treatment on April 11th 2013
Edith: I had my braces attached on May 6th 2013
How much will the
treatment cost?
Ana: Cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3500 to $8000. I was quoted $4500 for my treatment.
Edith: Depends on bracket preference, white or silver. White brackets are $500 more. Total treatment cost for myself since I chose white brackets was $3800.
How long is the treatment estimated to last?
Ana: Approximately 12 to 18 months. It really depends on how compliant you are with your treatment plan. You are recommended to wear the trays for 22hrs a day.
Edith: 18 months
Ana: Cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3500 to $8000. I was quoted $4500 for my treatment.
Edith: Depends on bracket preference, white or silver. White brackets are $500 more. Total treatment cost for myself since I chose white brackets was $3800.
How long is the treatment estimated to last?
Ana: Approximately 12 to 18 months. It really depends on how compliant you are with your treatment plan. You are recommended to wear the trays for 22hrs a day.
Edith: 18 months
After initial
consultation how long was it before you started treatment?
Ana: It was about 6 to 8 weeks. I had to go back in to get my molds re-done. This took up more time.
Edith: About 2 months. Before treatment can start the dentist will perform a routine dental exam and make sure that all dental issues are tended to this may include deep cleanings, cavity repair, extraction etc.
Ana: It was about 6 to 8 weeks. I had to go back in to get my molds re-done. This took up more time.
Edith: About 2 months. Before treatment can start the dentist will perform a routine dental exam and make sure that all dental issues are tended to this may include deep cleanings, cavity repair, extraction etc.
How often are
appointments scheduled for progress check and adjustment?
Ana: I visit my dentist every six weeks. In each appointment my dentist gives me a set of 3 trays to switch out every 2 weeks until my next appointment. I am starting off with a series of 10 trays and then adjustments will be made and more trays will be created.
Edith: Monthly. In each appointment my dentist uses some kind of dental tool to make adjustment, I also get to change the color bands that go around my brackets.
Ana: I visit my dentist every six weeks. In each appointment my dentist gives me a set of 3 trays to switch out every 2 weeks until my next appointment. I am starting off with a series of 10 trays and then adjustments will be made and more trays will be created.
Edith: Monthly. In each appointment my dentist uses some kind of dental tool to make adjustment, I also get to change the color bands that go around my brackets.
Dental routine
changes?
Ana: I am required to brush and floss after every meal in order to prevent cavity formation. Since my treatment requires me to insert trays I need to make sure my teeth are as clean as possible because plaque buildup can become a problem. I’m brushing and flossing at least 3-4 times a day. I purchased a water flosser to make flossing quick and easy. Works very well.
Edith: I try to brush my teeth after every meal. I use a water flosser and electric toothbrush. Along with brushing and flossing more regularly I use dental wax to prevent the wire from scraping my inner cheek. I also use rubber bands to help with teeth movement.
Ana: I am required to brush and floss after every meal in order to prevent cavity formation. Since my treatment requires me to insert trays I need to make sure my teeth are as clean as possible because plaque buildup can become a problem. I’m brushing and flossing at least 3-4 times a day. I purchased a water flosser to make flossing quick and easy. Works very well.
Edith: I try to brush my teeth after every meal. I use a water flosser and electric toothbrush. Along with brushing and flossing more regularly I use dental wax to prevent the wire from scraping my inner cheek. I also use rubber bands to help with teeth movement.
What is the biggest
adjustments you had to make during treatment?
Ana: Definitely Diet! It’s recommended that I wear my braces for 22hrs in a day, so I pretty much have 2hrs to be without my trays. Keep in mind I also have to brush and floss before popping in the trays and it takes me about 7-10 minutes. With this said I really only have an hour and a half that I need to break down to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. It can be very difficult at times. Parties and events are the worst because all you do is mingle, drink and snack. While I have my trays in I’m recommended to only drink water. Other drinks can stain your trays, not to mention most drinks contain sugar or sweeteners that aren’t the best for your teeth. You don’t want that junk sitting in your trays rotting your teeth. It’s definitely a big adjustment.
Edith: Diet Changes. The beginning month of treatment I was recommended to consume soups. Nothing too hard or chewy because of fear of wire coming off or breaking a bracket. No hard candy (blow pops, tootsie rolls). I am unable to bite into fruits (apples or pears). I was provided with a list of foods to avoid.
Ana: Definitely Diet! It’s recommended that I wear my braces for 22hrs in a day, so I pretty much have 2hrs to be without my trays. Keep in mind I also have to brush and floss before popping in the trays and it takes me about 7-10 minutes. With this said I really only have an hour and a half that I need to break down to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. It can be very difficult at times. Parties and events are the worst because all you do is mingle, drink and snack. While I have my trays in I’m recommended to only drink water. Other drinks can stain your trays, not to mention most drinks contain sugar or sweeteners that aren’t the best for your teeth. You don’t want that junk sitting in your trays rotting your teeth. It’s definitely a big adjustment.
Edith: Diet Changes. The beginning month of treatment I was recommended to consume soups. Nothing too hard or chewy because of fear of wire coming off or breaking a bracket. No hard candy (blow pops, tootsie rolls). I am unable to bite into fruits (apples or pears). I was provided with a list of foods to avoid.
How long after
adjustments do you feel pain?
Ana: I need to switch out my trays every two weeks and the first two days are always the most difficult. My teeth become very sensitive when biting down, they feel sore.
Edith: About a week
Ana: I need to switch out my trays every two weeks and the first two days are always the most difficult. My teeth become very sensitive when biting down, they feel sore.
Edith: About a week
How long into the
treatment did you stop noticing the braces?
Ana: I still notice my braces now, but there are times in the day that I do forget I have the trays in. Others are more likely to forget you are wearing them. Since I started my treatment I’ve had numerous family members forget completely. I’ve turned down more food and drinks now than ever in my life!! SAD! lol
Edith: To this day I still notice them.
Ana: I still notice my braces now, but there are times in the day that I do forget I have the trays in. Others are more likely to forget you are wearing them. Since I started my treatment I’ve had numerous family members forget completely. I’ve turned down more food and drinks now than ever in my life!! SAD! lol
Edith: To this day I still notice them.
What are the biggest
draw backs of the treatment?
Ana: While going through invisalign treatment you have attachments/buttons added to your teeth. They make your teeth look a bit weird when trays aren’t inserted, you get use to them but it definitely makes the treatment less “invisible”. The no snacking during the day kinda sucks to. I miss it at times.
Edith: Food gets stuck in between brackets and wire. I’ve become self-conscience about this and find myself constantly checking my teeth. Also irritation on inner cheeks because of the metal wire.
Ana: While going through invisalign treatment you have attachments/buttons added to your teeth. They make your teeth look a bit weird when trays aren’t inserted, you get use to them but it definitely makes the treatment less “invisible”. The no snacking during the day kinda sucks to. I miss it at times.
Edith: Food gets stuck in between brackets and wire. I’ve become self-conscience about this and find myself constantly checking my teeth. Also irritation on inner cheeks because of the metal wire.
Did you get a lisp?
Ana: Yes, it lasted a few days. I talk a lot at work and I got use to the trays pretty quickly.
Edith: Yes, but only lasted about a month.
Does your mouth feel heavier?
Ana: No, not really.
Edith: Yes
Did you notice a difference in your breath?
Ana: Your mouth tends to get dry, and I do feel like my breath isn’t as fresh as it would be if I could just pop a mint. I do miss my mints. My husband says he doesn’t notice a difference so that’s good news, although he is the one that came up with this question, so maybe he is just being nice.
Edith: No
Any helpful advice or tips for Hollywood smile pursuers?
Ana: If you choose to go with invisalign you should get a “Cleaning Travel Kit” ready, this way you will always be prepared if you need to brush and floss while you are out and about. Try and carry a lip balm, you tend to get dry lips while wearing the trays. Pick a lip balm with no tint/color, otherwise it may stick to your clear trays just like lipstick sticks to your teeth. Try and change trays at night, this way you can sleep while your teeth adjust to the new tray. Be as compliant as you can with your recommended treatment, this will help the progress go smoothly and help you achieve that dazzling Hollywood smile you’ve been dreaming about a lot quicker.
Edith: If you have traditional braces do not run your tongue along the braces, it may get stuck and trust me it hurts. Use dental wax if back wire is irritating your inner cheek, but don’t forget to remove dental wax before eating otherwise you may end up swallowing it. It is very painful the first month and later it feels uncomfortable when eating, you can try and take a pain reliever to minimize discomfort. Have fun with them, changing colors on brackets every visit can be fun and creative. I use the holiday to inspire me. Currently I have red, white and blue because of the fourth of July. It takes awhile to get use to them, but don’t be discouraged it gets better J
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading and feel free to post
any other question we may have missed.
