Each patient is different, and a specific situation depends on many factors, such as the structure of your teeth, your responsiveness to the treatment, and how well you adhere to the orthodontist’s instructions. In many cases, treatment lasts between 12 to 24 months.

No — dental insurance is not required to finance braces or Invisalign. Financing is available to all patients, whether or not they have insurance. If you do have dental insurance, your plan may help lower your out-of-pocket costs. See more on dental financing here.

Medicaid covers braces for children and teens when medically necessary, but coverage for Invisalign is rare and often considered cosmetic. In most states, retainers are included as part of the approved treatment. For adults, Medicaid generally does not cover orthodontic services unless tied to a serious health condition. Coverage varies by state, so check local guidelines or ask your provider to confirm eligibility.

In general, most people will not notice you’re wearing them. However, if someone has a keen eye, that person might see a hint of them. After all, you are wearing a clear plastic aligner on your teeth! In some cases, rubber bands might be needed to perform alignments that the aligners on their own would have difficulty performing. Your doctor will let you know during the consultation if any rubber bands will be needed during the treatment.