Your smile is a huge part of your image, and many people—up to a third of adults in America—aren't happy with theirs. While these older teens and adults are interested in straightening their teeth, most aren't interested in wearing traditional metal braces.

Thankfully, Invisalign aligner trays are an effective alternative to braces. They're less painful, removable, and almost invisible to outside observers.

Are you interested in fixing up your own smile? Here are five of the questions you should ask about Invisalign before deciding whether to go through with the treatment.

1. How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign treatment consists of clear aligner trays that fit snugly around your teeth. During treatment, you'll wear a series of different trays that gradually move your teeth into their desired positions by applying gentle pressure. The effect is similar to braces, but Invisalign is completely removable and may take less time overall.

2. What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

Even though it may seem like a cosmetic procedure, straightening your teeth is a great way of improving your oral health.

Crooked teeth are more likely to hit each other when you bite down, resulting in chips and cracks. Crowding makes it harder to get your teeth completely clean when brushing and flossing. Misalignments can also affect your bite, leading to jaw pain.

Along with the health benefits of teeth straightening, many people prefer Invisalign because it's more comfortable and discreet than traditional metal braces.

3. What's the Typical Invisalign Treatment Length?

Invisalign treatments can take anywhere from six months to two years, but the average person wears their aligners for 12-18 months. Your treatment will take less time if you're compliant and wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day.

After you're done with Invisalign, your orthodontist will likely give you a retainer to keep your teeth from moving back to their old positions. The more you wear this retainer, the straighter your teeth will stay for years to come.

4. What's the Cost of Treatments?

The expense of Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient. The largest factor in determining price is how long your treatment takes—going through more aligner trays increases the cost.

If you're concerned about paying for treatment, talk with your provider about insurance coverage and repayment plans.

5. Can Invisalign Fix My Teeth?

Even though Invisalign is a fantastic alternative to braces, it isn't the right choice for everyone. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate tooth straightening. If you have severe crowding, large gaps, or significant jaw misalignment, your orthodontist may recommend traditional braces instead.

Is It Time for You to Ask About Invisalign?

The next time you visit your orthodontist or dentist, make sure to ask about Invisalign treatment to find out whether it could be right for you. They can evaluate your teeth and give you more detailed answers to the questions we covered above as well as anything else you're wondering about.

Looking for more information on your options for dental care? Keep reading through the rest of our site for more on this and other relevant health topics.