You may be thinking about straightening your teeth, but feel hesitant about the look and feel of traditional metal braces. At Springbank Dental Centre, our team understands this concern, especially when you have a busy family life or professional commitments. You want a solution that fits into your daily routine without drawing a lot of attention.
For many people, the blend of a discreet appearance and practical convenience makes clear aligner treatment a valuable choice for achieving their smile goals. Invisalign adapts to your lifestyle while you work toward the results you want.
How Clear Aligners Work & What to Expect
The Aligner Process Step-by-Step
The Invisalign journey begins with a custom treatment plan. Your dentist uses detailed scans of your teeth to map out each step of the process. You then receive a series of clear, plastic aligner trays that are made to fit your smile.
You wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series. Every new tray gently shifts your teeth a little closer to their final, desired position. Many people find the gradual nature of Invisalign to be a comfortable process.
Your Role & Your Dentist’s Role
Your main job is to wear your aligners as directed, typically for 20-22 hours a day. You’ll also have regular check-up appointments at your dental office. These visits are typically quick and allow your team to monitor your progress, so that they can provide you with your next sets of trays.
Your dentist’s role is to guide your treatment and make sure everything is moving as planned. They track the progress of your smile and make adjustments to your plan as needed to help you get the smile you envision.
The Main Benefits of Invisalign Treatment
A Discreet Way to Straighten Teeth
One of the most noticeable features of clear aligners is that they’re nearly invisible. This provides a discreet way to straighten teeth without the appearance of metal brackets and wires.
Comfort & Daily Convenience
The smooth plastic of the aligners is designed for comfort. You can also remove your aligners for meals and snacks, which means you can continue to enjoy all your favourite foods. This removability also makes your daily oral hygiene routine simple—you just have to take your aligners before you brush and floss as you normally would.
What to Consider Before You Start
The Need for Self-Discipline
Invisalign treatment relies on your commitment. For the aligners to work effectively, you need to wear them for 20-22 hours every day.
Your Daily Aligner Care Routine
Keeping your aligners and your teeth clean is a key part of the process. You’ll need to clean your aligners daily in order to keep them fresh and clear. It’s also important to brush your teeth after every meal or snack.
The Cost & Overall Investment
What Determines the Final Price
The total investment time for clear aligner treatment can vary. The cost often depends on factors like the complexity of your orthodontic needs and the total length of your treatment plan.
Flexible Options for Your Budget
Many dental insurance plans, including the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), may offer some coverage for orthodontic treatments. It’s a good idea to check your benefits, as the government plan offers cost assistance for eligible residents. You can also ask your dental office about available payment plans or financing options that can help make the cost more manageable for your family’s budget.
Get a Professional Smile Assessment
Why a Consultation Is Important
A consultation is the first step to find out if clear aligners will fit your needs. This is your opportunity to ask questions and connect with a dentist in SW Calgary who can assess your smile and discuss your personal goals.
How to Get the Results You Want
Achieving the smile you desire is the product of teamwork between you and your dentist. Follow your treatment plan closely and communicate with your dental team. After your treatment is complete, wearing your retainer as directed will help maintain your new smile for years to come.
If you have questions about clear aligners, our team at Springbank Dental Centre is ready to help. Schedule a consultation to explore your options for a straighter, healthier-looking smile.
