Are you wondering what happens at an Invisalign consultation in Richmond, VA?
The best and first way to know whether Invisalign is right for you is to sign up for a free Invisalign consultation with a trained orthodontist. Your orthodontist will help you understand your current oral situation and provide insight into treatment options.
But before you go to a consultation, it can be valuable to know what to expect and some common Invisalign questions.
If you’re searching for “best Invisalign near me,” then this article is for you. We’re shedding light on the Invisalign initial consultation process and answering some of the most pressing Invisalign consultation questions, like:
- What happens at an Invisalign consultation?
- How does Invisalign work?
- How long does Invisalign take?
- How much does Invisalign cost?
Keep reading to get information on how to get Invisalign from one of the top Invisalign orthodontists in Richmond, VA.
What Happens at an Invisalign Consultation?
Before you start an Invisalign treatment, you’ll want to get an initial consultation. Invisalign consultations are often free and are an excellent way to get expert information about the Invisalign process.
Your orthodontist will start the consultation by looking at your teeth and mouth to better understand your current oral situation.
After viewing your teeth, your orthodontist will share their findings with you. They’ll walk you through what they found and share with you what they believe is the best form of treatment for your unique situation.
Your orthodontist shouldn’t pressure you into an Invisalign treatment during your consultation if it’s not right for you. Instead, they should take the time to:
- Shed light on the next steps
- Answer your questions about Invisalign
- Help you make an informed decision
Knowing the general overview of an Invisalign initial consultation is helpful. However, it’s often more beneficial to know which questions to ask at an Invisalign consultation.
The Top 6 Questions to Ask an Orthodontist About Invisalign
Top Invisalign orthodontists should answer your most pressing questions about Invisalign before you ask them. But if yours doesn’t, we’ve compiled a list of the six most common Invisalign questions.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a teeth straightening process that involves wearing clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth (similar to a mouthguard).
After your consultation, your orthodontist creates a personalized Invisalign treatment plan. This treatment plan involves creating trays that slowly push your teeth into correct alignment. Every 5-10 days, you’ll return to your orthodontist to receive new trays. The more regularly that you wear your trays, the quicker your Invisalign treatment will take.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Invisalign treatment plans vary from person to person. Each treatment plan is patient-specific, and some situations will take longer than others.
A simple alignment case could take a few months, while a more complex issue could take a year or more. After your Invisalign consultation, your orthodontist should be able to provide you with an estimated time of completion.
Your treatment time will also depend on how regularly you wear your trays.
How Long Do You Wear Invisalign Trays?
Orthodontic experts recommend that an Invisalign patient should wear their trays for 20-22 hours each day.
However, Invisalign trays are removable, and you need to take them out when you eat or drink anything other than water. Because you can remove your trays, it’s best to make a habit of putting your trays back in immediately after finishing a meal.
People who wear their trays for the recommended time each day see the best results. Those who forget to wear their trays or forget to put them in after a meal often extend their treatment process and end up spending more money.
It’s best to wear your trays for as long as your orthodontist directs to keep your treatment on track and avoid extra costs.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The average cost for an Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,000 – $6,500.
But as we mentioned earlier, every orthodontic case is unique and specific to the individual. Price will vary depending on your needs and the length of your treatment. Shorter, less complex issues will cost less than longer, more complex cases.
Some insurance companies may offer orthodontic benefits, and many orthodontists will provide financing options to help make payments more manageable.
You can also use a Cost Estimation Calculator to see what different options look like.
Is There an Age Limit for Invisalign?
There’s no age limit for Invisalign.
Invisalign is a treatment option that works for kids aged seven or eight who need early orthodontic treatment. It’s also an excellent option for adults looking for a straighter smile later in life.
However, any successful orthodontic treatment requires healthy teeth and gums. Adults are often at higher risk for tooth decay or gum disease. If adults don’t have good oral health, they may have some hurdles to overcome before they can begin Invisalign.
The bottom line is that Invisalign is a viable treatment option for anyone aged eight to eighty-eight!
What Foods Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t come with any significant dietary restrictions.
The most important rule to follow with Invisalign is always to take your trays out before you eat. Chewing with Invisalign trays can cause them to break. If your tray breaks, you’ll need to get a replacement which will cost you extra. Even soft foods aren’t safe to eat with your Invisalign trays still in.
Additionally, it’s necessary to remove your trays when you drink anything other than water. Colored or sugary drinks can stain your trays and teeth, so it’s best to avoid consuming these with your trays in.
Other than these two restrictions, you can continue your regular eating habits with Invisalign.
Schedule Your Free Invisalign Consultation in Richmond, VA
Invisalign is a powerful tool that orthodontists use to straighten teeth in kids, teens, and adults. But before you start an Invisalign treatment, it’s best to schedule an Invisalign consultation with a professional orthodontist.
At your initial consultation, your orthodontist will assess your current oral situation. Then, they’ll share with you what treatment options are best.
The consultation provides an excellent time to address any questions or concerns you may have like:
- How does Invisalign work exactly?
- How long does Invisalign take?
- How much does Invisalign cost?
At Bates Orthodontics, our in-house orthodontist is one of the top Invisalign orthodontists in Richmond, VA. He’s a Diamond Invisalign provider, putting him in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers. During your Invisalign consultation, he’ll take the time to understand your needs and help you make an informed decision about the best treatment option for you.
Schedule your free consultation today and satisfy your search for “the best orthodontist for Invisalign near me!”
