Invisalign: The Invisible Braces

If your teeth are crooked or misaligned you've probably considered braces. You know, those unpleasant metal tracks winding their way across your teeth? Those are great for kids or teens, but for a working adult they can be a source of derision and embarrassment. Wouldn't it be great if there were braces no one could see? Or better yet, ones you could take out if you needed? Well, there is such a thing and you may have heard of it or even known someone who wears them.

It's called Invisalign. They're plastic dental trays that you wear that straighten your teeth out Here's how they work:

The first appointment you have with your dentist is a consultation. During this consultation, your teeth will be photographed and molds will be made of your teeth. Except for the haggling over the price, that's about it for your part. The dentist will set up a follow-on appointment and send you home for about two weeks. While you're at home, imagining your shiny new choppers, your dentist will be plugging your information into a computer program that will map out what you and your orthodontist want your teeth to look like. This program will let your orthodontist know how many weeks it'll take to reach that point. Perfectly straight teeth are class A, nearly perfect are a B, and so forth. The differences between the classes are negligible, however. Once this data has been plugged in, it's sent off to the Invisalign company.

At the Invisalign company, clear plastic dental trays are created for you. Each set of upper and lower trays is designed to be worn for two weeks. After each two-week period is complete, it's on to the next set of trays. By now, you'll be noticing that your teeth are not exactly where you left them...they've moved! Starting from your back teeth, they trays are designed to move one tooth at a time, very slowly, to it's new spot. This process is repeated over and over as you move from tray to tray, aligning your pearly whites as they go.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: That depends on how many weeks you'll need to wear them. My wife and I both wear them. My program is for about 18 months, while hers is around 22 months. We negotiated for $8100 cash.

Q: Can people see them?
A: No...mostly. The trays are clear and they fit perfectly over your teeth so unless someone is a few inches from your face and actively looking, the trays are very difficult to detect. You'll need to clean them once in a while to keep them clear.

Q: Can I eat with them?
A: No. Chewing food can damage them. The trays are easily popped in and out in about 3 seconds or less. Simply take them out and put them in the handy, yet discrete carrying container that will be provided and dinner is served!

Q: They're plastic. What if they break?
A: They're very tough. I had one or two of mine crack and my orthodontist had them replaced with no cost to me!

Q: How do I keep them from staining or smelling foul?
A: My wife and I use denture cleaners like Polident. We simply place our trays in a small container and let them soak in it for a while. We also take them out and brush them using our regular brush and toothpaste.

Overall, I'd have to say my experience with Invisalign has been outstanding. I was 35 and way too old for conventional braces. They'd have killed my image at work. These trays are great. I'm to the point where I only wear them while I sleep and my teeth look better than they ever did...and nobody even knew what I did!
Oh! If you think $8100 is way too much to plunk down for some plastic retainers, both Invisalign and your dentist have payment plans. Your insurance should cover some, too. My new smile was worth every penny of it!