Do you wish you had a better smile? Straight teeth are associated with any number of positive traits and outcomes in society. People with good smiles are viewed as more attractive, more successful, and more likely to get a date. If your smile could use some work, Invisalign might be a good option for you.
Invisalign braces are an alternative to traditional metal braces. The treatment involves clear plastic trays that are worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and slowly help move your teeth into better alignment. For young adults who might be self-conscious about wearing metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is a much more subtle and attractive option.
If you think you might benefit from Invisalign, you need to make sure you find a good Invisalign orthodontist. Below, we outline the considerations for any young adult searching for an Invisalign orthodontist.
1. Are they certified for Invisalign?
Not all orthodontists actually provide Invisalign. You will want to do some research to make sure that the orthodontist you choose is actually qualified to offer this service. Additionally, you should ask any orthodontist you speak with about their specific certification level. Invisalign offers four designations for its providers: Preferred, Premier, Premier Elite, and Diamond.
Diamond certified orthodontists are the top-level for Invisalign treatment. Achieving this status means that the office sees a very high number of Invisalign patients each year. With an Invisalign Diamond or Diamond Plus provider, like Orthodontics Limited, you can be sure you are in capable hands.
2. How much does it cost?
When you are looking for an Invisalign orthodontist, ask them if they can give you any cost estimates. As a young adult just starting to plan for their financial future, you need to be careful with budgeting.
The cost will likely depend on the severity of your needs and the amount of time you may need to be in treatment. In general, you can expect the cost of Invisalign to be roughly equivalent to the cost of traditional metal braces
While it will not be possible to give concrete cost information, a good orthodontist should be able to talk with you about different possibilities and answer your questions professionally. You do not want to go into treatment without understanding the financial requirements and implications you are taking on.
3. What are their payment options?
If you are a young adult paying for orthodontics work on your own, you are probably very concerned with how to pay for Invisalign. Fortunately, there are many different options, from insurance to cash to payment plans.
Ask each Invisalign orthodontist that you meet with about their payment options. They should be able to talk you through the expected cost of your treatment and the different ways you might be able to finance it. If you can’t afford the full cost upfront, you may want to find a provider that offers in-house payment plans with low or no interest fees.
4. Do they offer Invisalign Teen?
As we grow, our jaw and teeth become more set in place. Consequently, adult orthodontics is often more challenging than youth orthodontics. If you are in a transitional age and aren’t sure which Invisalign program would be best for you, ask your orthodontist about Invisalign Teen. It is very similar to Invisalign for adults and provides all of the same benefits.
There are a few accommodations made especially for teens though. For example, the aligner trays for teens have blue indicators that tell you how long you have been wearing them. This is really helpful if you think you might have a hard time remembering when to put them back in. It might be a good idea to go to a practice that offers both options in case you turn out to need Invisalign Teen after your initial assessment.
5. How often will you need to be seen?
Young adults have a lot going on these days. You may be in school or you may be just starting out in the workforce. Your schedule might not fit the traditional structure of most medical practices.
Talk to different clinics about their hours and how often you will need to be seen for Invisalign braces. Typical schedules involve an office visit every 4 to 6 wees. Will there be flexibility? What if you have to cancel an appointment?
6. What is their policy for lost or damaged aligners?
Let’s face it, the prospect of keeping clear plastic aligners safe for an entire year can be daunting. Especially if you might be a bit forgetful. The process for replacing Invisalign aligners may be different in different offices, so ask your orthodontists what that looks like for them. Are any replacements built into the cost or will you have to pay for replacements out of pocket? What kind of damage can be fixed? What happens if they get stained? The risk of loss or damage could significantly change the financial outlook for your treatment, so it is good to have a clear picture before beginning.
While it may be true that most teeth straightening is done in childhood or adolescence, it is never too late for a healthy smile. More and more young adults are opting to get braces or corrective treatment for their teeth. It may be more challenging, but it is certainly not impossible.
As an adult, you may be in a better position to appreciate the time, energy, and money being put into your orthodontic treatment. If you have been living with crooked teeth for most of your life, you will be truly amazed by the difference in your smile after treatment with Invisalign. The younger you are, the less likely you are to understand the benefits of braces and may resent the inconvenience. But by this age, you know what you need, and you know why you need it.
If you are looking for an Invisalign orthodontist in Philadelphia, contact Orthodontics Limited for a consultation. We are the only Invisalign Diamond Plus certified office in the Philadelphia area, and we look forward to giving you a fantastic new smile!
