Dr. H. G. Stringert is an Orthodontic Dentist and who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitor have about Invisalign Treatment.
Q. What is an invisalign?
A. Invisalign is a "braces free" treatment, designed and coordinated by Aligntech, which is the company that holds the patent to the Invisalign Technology. In a nutshell, Invisalign treatment involves the use of a series of removable aligners.
Q. How does invisalign work?
A. Again, Invisalign involves the use of a series of invisible (clear plastic) aligners. Aligners, which are clear "overlay" plastic devices, are worn for approximately 22 hours per 24-hour period, then, after 2 weeks, are exchanged for the NEW set of aligners. The new set incorporates a series of changes, in the neighborhood of a 0.25 mm change, according to the treatment plan and Invisalign computer modeling.
Q. What are the primary benefits of invisalign?
A. Obviously, not having braces is a benefit for some patients. In addition, with the aligners being removable, it’s easier for the patient to brush and floss, and keep their teeth clean. The drawbacks to Invisalign include the need for good patient compliance (some patients are simply not going to be that diligent, and thus are setting themselves up for a failed treatment), and a limitation in the severity of the malocclusion that can be corrected with Invisalign. The great majority of Invisalign patients in our practice are happy that they chose Invisalign. I hear very few complaints, as a rule.
Q. How long does invisalign treatment take?
A. Depending on the severity of the case, Invisalign treatment can take as little as 2-3 months, but as much as 36-38 months. Most Invisalign treatments, involving "full treatment", are in the 18-22 month range (similar to "brace" treatment duration).
Q. How much does invisalign cost?
A. The cost varies according to the severity of the treatment. We do all evaluations on an individual basis, and we give individual, written estimates. The fees range from $1500 for an easy case, to as much as $6500 for a very difficult case.
Q. Who uses invisalign?
A. According to Aligntech, the parent company of Invisalign, they prefer to have all of the permanent teeth in place in order to properly do Invisalign. This would mean, in some instances, that early teenagers are precluded because of the second molars not being fully erupted. Realistically, however, we have just had Invisalign exclude the second molars, so we have had patients as young as 13 use the Invisalign system.
Q. Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being an eligible patient?
A. If you have a difficult malocclusion, with underbite, or overbite, or crossbite (where this a definite skeletal discrepancy, between the upper and lower jaws), AND YOU DESIRE FULL CORRECTION, then Invisalign is probably not your best choice. Most other conditions are amenable to Invisalign. Further, if you DO have an underbite, an overbite, or a crossbite, and you desire only "to have your teeth straightened", i.e., limited treatment objectives, then you CAN have Invisalign treatment.
As with standard "braces" treatment, if you are someone with a rare condition, such as generalized root shortening, or ankylosed ("fused") teeth, then, just as with braces, Invisalign is not going to be an appropriate course of action for you. These are, as I stated, rare conditions.
Q. How to contact Dr. Stringert if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
3955 Sandalwood Lane
Pueblo, CO 81005
Telephone: 719-564-3333,800-548-6675
Fax: 719-565-0369
Email: info@stringertorthodontics.com
Website:http://www.stringertorthodontics.com/
