Many people have challenges with the alignment of teeth. Invisalign is the process of using plastic aligner trays to move the teeth into proper alignment. This improves an individual’s smile and helps patients who suffer underbite, overbite, or crossbite.
Invisalign is an increasingly popular procedure in the state. If you want to use this procedure for your teeth, you might need help with the cost and how to do it. We will discuss the cost of this procedure, the process, and everything you should know.
Two major factors determine the cost of doing Invisalign in the UK. These factors are the type of hospital you choose and the level of Invisalign you intend to do. The cost of this procedure in some hospitals is higher than in others. You should also know that the level of Invisalign you want to do typically determines the cost. Invisalign in the UK average ranges between 1500 pounds to 5000 pounds depending on the factors mentioned in this paragraph.
Before you do Invisalign for your teeth, you might be more interested in knowing how the entire process works. Here is a guide on steps to an Invisalign procedure and how it works.
1. Book a Consultation Appointment at the Hospital
To get an Invisalign, you must first book an appointment in the hospital where you want to conduct the tests and procedures. Booking for consultation is important as it allows you to conduct a proper assessment at the hospital.
In this assessment, you will be required to smile. Smiling will allow the doctor or specialist to determine if you need the Invisalign system. Equipment such as xrays and digital scanning will be used to scan your teeth during the consultation.
2. Wait for the Result Interpretation from the Lab and your Plastic Aligners
Once the team of experts does all the necessary tests, the results of the x-ray will be sent to the lab. The doctors or dental experts then read these results and determine the type of aligners your teeth needs to have a better smile.
Your dentist will create aligners for your teeth. Depending on the hospital, you can get your aligners within 2 to 3 hours. Once the tools are ready, you can collect your aligners from the lab or a dental expert and consult your doctor.
3. Wear the Plastic Aligner according to the Doctor’s Instructions.
Once you have obtained the plastic aligners, the most important thing that you must do is wear them according to the doctor’s instructions. This not only allows you to test it properly, but it also allows you to know if it is a suitable fit.
You can wear them for the first two weeks if they fit properly. When the two weeks are up, you must get new aligners to ensure proper alignment. You must wear these aligners for at least 20 out of 24 hours daily.
How long Does Invisalign Take?
Many people often ask how long it will take to see desirable results from this Invisalign procedure. More often than not, the time it takes to see results largely depends on the individual.
You should see remarkable results within 2 to 3 weeks for most light cases of teeth misalignment. However, more advanced cases will take a lot more time. You might have to wait for as long as 10 to 15 months before you see success using this procedure.
Is Invisalign more Expensive than Braces?
The Invisalign procedure is similar to getting a metal brace for your teeth. For some hospitals, they are the same price. Braces usually cost between $1,800 and $4500, while Invisalign costs around the same.
In some places, the Invisalign procedure is more expensive than getting metal braces for your teeth. Its high price is because of its lab fee and the cost of making an aligner.
Is Invisalign Covered by the NHS?
While the NHS covers many medical expenses and procedures, it does not cover Invisalign. You must contact the hospital privately and pay from your pocket if you want the procedure.
While the NHS can pay for metal braces, it does not pay for aligners. On the other hand, most Invisalign procedures are done on teenagers and young adults, which the NHS does not cover.
Is Invisalign Painful?
Invisalign is a painless process. All you need to do is firmly fix aligners to your teeth, and you are good to go. You might also experience sourness in your teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Invisalign?
There are many advantages you will enjoy when you use Invisalign as a teeth correction or alignment procedure. Here are some of the advantages below.
1. Aligners are Transparent
This is one of the main benefits of Invisalign. Unlike the metal brace method that involves the installation of metals on the teeth, you won’t have to worry about using a tool everyone can see. This is because plastic aligners are pretty transparent.
2. Aligners are Removable
Another added advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are easily removable. By being removable, it becomes easy for you to practice dental hygiene, such as brushing your teeth, flossing, and many other things.
3. It Is less Painful
Invisalign allows you to adjust your teeth structure in a practically painless way. When compared to other methods, his method is practically the least painful. Other methods, such as installing metal braces to correct the teeth, are much more painful.
4. Comparable Cost
Depending on the level of correction you need, Invisalign is cost-effective. Compared to other methods and the value it brings, Invisalign has a cost-benefit analysis. This is because it gives you all the comfort you need during the correction process without pain.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
Although this procedure has several advantages, you should also know the disadvantages. Here are some of the disadvantages below.
1. Can be Ineffective if not Worn Properly
This is one of the major disadvantages of Invisalign. If aligners are not used properly, they will not work. Aside from needing to be worn properly, aligners must be used for a considerable time. If you wear them for less than 20 hours a day, the correction process will not work.
2. Not Suitable for complex Dental Issues
Many dental issues can cause misalignment of the teeth. When these issues happen, contacting a dentist is the right thing to do. Using Invisalign to correct the misalignment is futile, as this procedure only works for patients with complex dental issues.
Conclusion
The cost of the Invisalign procedure largely depends on the hospital you use in the UK and the complexity of the misalignment. You should know several things, such as how long the process takes, how it works, and a lot more.
We have discussed all of these things and more in this article. Take the time to read through to get all you need before booking that appointment with the dentist.
