[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]At Kanning Orthodontics, we are proud to be a top provider of Clear Aligners in Kansas City, MO, and clear aligners like Invisalign Liberty, MO.
If you’re looking for Invisalign or Clarity Aligner treatment, you probably have a lot of questions. Our philosophy is that there really are no bad questions. In fact, we believe that the more informed patients are about their treatment up front, the better their experience will be. We think that orthodontic treatment and oral health doesn’t have to be confusing. We’re here to equip you with the knowledge that you need to make the best choice for your orthodontic needs. That is why we devoted this blog to answering the top questions we get from patients about Invisalign. So, let’s get started. You’re already on your way to the smile you’ve always wanted![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
If you’re reading this, you probably already have an idea what Invisalign treatment is, but some details may surprise you! Invisalign is a fairly recent orthodontic technology that has revolutionized the options available for straightening teeth. Invisalign treatment is essentially a set of clear aligners, custom designed to fit your specific mouth. These durable, light-weight aligners are worn 22 hours per day and are only removed to eat, drink, brush, and floss your teeth. The aligners put subtle pressure on all of your teeth at the same time. This pressure gradually moves teeth into the desired position to achieve your new smile. Invisalign aligners are clear, making them the most discrete orthodontic treatment option available. Because the aligners put pressure on all the teeth simultaneously, results are usually achieved faster than traditional braces. Don’t worry, we’ll talk more about your treatment timeline later on.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What role does an orthodontist play in my Invisalign treatment?
Great question! Invisalign treatment is known to be a fairly independent process. Because you have new aligners sent to you every 2 weeks, office visits are less than traditional braces. Even still, Dr. Kanning and Dr. Leeper will still play a significant role in the success of your treatment. During your initial examination at Kanning Orthodontics, we will thoroughly evaluate your orthodontic history and specific case. We will also talk through your desired outcomes and treatment preferences. Once it is determined that Invisalign is the right choice for you, we will take a digital scan of your teeth and jaw. This scan will be used to create your customized clear aligners. Once the aligners arrive, Dr. Kanning or Dr. Leeper will check to ensure that your aligners are a proper fit. If everything is fitting as it should, you can begin wearing your clear aligners 22 hours a day. Throughout your treatment, you will have regular appointments to monitor your treatment progress. At your appointments, we will clean your teeth, answer any questions you have, and ensure that your treatment is progressing as it should.
In recent years, competitors have created knock-off versions of the clear aligner Invisalign technology that customers order via mail. Outside of the lower-quality materials and technology, one of the greatest issues with these knock-offs is the lack of direct oversight from an orthodontic professional. While many things are moving to virtual-only formats, teeth are not virtual. The experience and expertise of a trusted orthodontic professional makes all the difference in the success and lasting results of your treatment.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
How much does Invisalign cost?
So now you know what Invisalign technology is, and you know more about what to expect. Let’s get down to the brass tax — what does Invisalign cost? Financing is always a top question for our patients, and for good reason. Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your future and you deserve transparent, honest financing. At Kanning Orthodontics, we are dedicated to making financing as clear and open as possible. There are no smoke and mirror shows here. Only honest, fair financing, and an array of options to make paying for Invisalign easier for you. While we wish that we could give you an exact answer to how much your Invisalign treatment will cost here, we simply cannot. Without first evaluating your orthodontic needs, giving you an estimate on cost isn’t realistic. What we can tell you is that we go out of our way to find ways to make orthodontic treatment affordable. From extremely low down-payments, to 36 month extended financing, we are determined to find an option that works for you. You may wonder if insurance will help pay for your Invisalign. Some insurance providers include orthodontic care in their coverage and others do not. Check with your specific insurance provider to find out what is included in your policy. If you need some assistance navigating insurance, a Kanning Orthodontic finance specialist will be happy to work with you. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Much like “How much does it cost?”, it is impossible to give an exact answer to how long treatment will take. Every orthodontic case is different because every person is different! The unique needs of your orthodontic case will determine, in part, how long your treatment takes. If you have a relatively mild case of misalignment, treatment will be faster. More complex tooth movement will require additional time. One of the largest factors influencing treatment time is entirely up to you — wearing your aligners. Clarity Aligners or Invisalign clear aligners must be worn at all times, at least 22 hours per day. Failure to consistently wear your aligners will significantly increase your treatment time. Not wearing your aligners regularly may also result in a total treatment failure. That is why it is very important to be honest about your (or your child’s) likelihood of wearing the aligners consistently. If you think you will struggle to remember to wear your aligners, Invisalign may not be right for you. Traditional braces straighten teeth through a series of brackets and archwire that is bonded to the teeth. For those who need more accountability, a more fixed orthodontic technology may be better for their treatment. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1584738482889{border-top-width: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 20px !important;padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;background-color: #ef4822 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
Not a patient? Curious about Invisalign? Have our office see your case without having to leave your house– for free!
Try a free, no-obligation Virtual Consult to help see if Invisalign is right for you! Your Virtual Consult takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and you’ll get personal feedback from Dr. Kanning about what your options are.
To get started with your Virtual Consult, click here →[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
How do I care for my clear aligners?
The fact that you’re asking this question says a lot! It means that you’re already proactively thinking through how to best care for your aligners and teeth during treatment. That is half the battle! Fortunately, Invisalign clear aligners are simple to care for. The most important thing to consider when choosing how to clean your aligners, is convenience. Since cleaning your aligners will become a part of your daily oral health routine, choose an option that you will stick with. For most people, that means cleaning their clear aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Just like you brush your normal teeth! Simply scrub the inside and outside of your clear aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, then rinse. This method works well because it fits in with your normal tooth-brushing routine and requires no extra thought. Some patients may prefer taking an extra step and cleaning their aligners with Invisalign brand cleaning solution or using a denture soak. That is fine too! So long as you are keeping your aligners clean and residue free, you’re on the right track! The only major thing to avoid when cleaning your aligners is hot water. Never rinse or soak your clear aligners in hot water as it could warp the plastic. Rinse or soak your aligners in lukewarm or cool water for best results. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Are there any dietary restrictions with Invisalign treatment?
One of the top advantages to Invisalign treatment for many patients, especially parents, is the lack of food restrictions. Because aligners are removed for eating and drinking, patients can eat and drink completely normally during their treatment. This is a stark contrast from traditional braces. With metal or ceramic braces, incredibly hard or sticky foods have the potential to damage the brackets and wires. For this reason, patients are asked to avoid foods such as nuts, ice-chips, sticky or hard candy, and popcorn during braces treatment. While most people have no major problem adapting to those changes, others would prefer to avoid the hassle all together. As parents of teens, you never know what your teen is really eating throughout the day. Asking them to give up that delicious, buttery movie popcorn when they are seeing their favorite film, might seem unrealistic. With Invisalign clear aligners, you don’t need to worry. You teen can chomp and munch as much as they’d like![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Is Invisalign for adults and teens?
Invisalign is a great orthodontic treatment option for adults and teens alike. Patients seeking adult Invisalign may choose clear aligners for their discrete look, and non-invasive nature. Or perhaps, the shortened treatment time and fewer office checkups are what draw them in. For teens and parents of teens, Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for teen’s active lives. Because consistent wearing of the aligner is crucial, Invisalign Teen has a built in accountability system. A faint blue line built in to the aligners fades over time with proper and regular use. This helps teens to stay on track with their treatment, and parents to stay off their backs! For adults or teens, Invisalign offers benefits that will greatly enhance the overall orthodontic treatment experience. Everyone deserves a confident smile, no matter your age![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
How to find the best Invisalign orthodontist near me?
While nearly 70% of orthodontists offer Invisalign treatment in the US and Canada, finding the right doctor for you may take a little bit of research. There are several things to consider when choosing your orthodontist. First and maybe most important, is what their patients have to say about them. Word of mouth goes a long way, and you should feel confident about what others say about your orthodontist. Google is a great source for finding reviews from real patients regarding their experiences. Google reviews give you first hand stories from real people like you. Another factor to consider when choosing your orthodontist is technology. Orthodontics, like all science and medicine, is always evolving. Knowing that your doctor is keeping up to date with the latest technology and advancements is important for your treatment success. Finally, choose an orthodontist with proven Invisalign experience. Orthodontics is as much an artform as a science, and you will want to make sure that you’re in the hands of an expert.
At Kanning Orthodontics, we have provided thousands of patients in Kansas City, MO and Liberty, MO with superior Invisalign treatment. We have seen lives transformed and confidences bloom through revealing beautiful, healthy smiles. We love orthodontics, but what we are most passionate about is people! Being able to improve our patient’s quality of life and wellbeing is why we come to work each day. We would love to be your orthodontist! To find out more about Invisalign at Kanning Orthodontics, visit our treatment page here. If you still have questions, or want to know more before jumping in, schedule your free, no obligation consultation on our website here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
