Have you been thinking about improving your smile with orthodontics but aren’t sure if braces are for you? We’ve got good news—Invisalign clear aligners could be just what you’re looking for! This innovative system is an exciting alternative to traditional braces that gives you the same great results without brackets and wires. Invisalign has been increasing in popularity for about twenty years now, but there still tend to be some misconceptions out there about how clear aligners work and what they’re capable of. Keep reading below to learn what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to straightening your smile with Invisalign!
Fiction: Invisalign takes more time to work
In orthodontics, we use both fixed and removable appliances to shift the teeth where we want them to go. Traditional braces are an example of a fixed appliance, as we securely attach each bracket to the surface of the teeth. These can only be removed by a professional once they’re in place. Invisalign aligners are a removable appliance. They’re custom-designed to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth, but no part is actually affixed to the tooth surface.
The ease of removability that comes with Invisalign aligners is one of the system’s most desirable features! The aligners are taken out any time you eat and before your oral hygiene routine, so there’s an extra measure of freedom that’s not possible with metal or clear braces. There’s a trade-off, though (isn’t there always?) Patient compliance is essential for success with the Invisalign system.
Because the aligners can be removed, it will be up to you to wear them as directed by Dr. Glass. That means keeping the aligners in for 20-22 hours each day throughout the treatment process. You’ll also be in charge of switching the aligners out every 1-2 weeks for the next in the series, allowing them to keep up with the movements the teeth are making. If these guidelines aren’t followed, it can result in longer treatment times and may affect the overall results as well.
Every patient is anxious to learn how long their treatment will take, but there’s no “one size fits all” estimate. Every smile is unique, and many factors go into determining how long someone is likely to need braces or clear aligners. We can look at averages, however. We find that most Invisalign patients who are fully compliant will wear clear aligners for anywhere from 6-18 months. That means the treatment time for Invisalign can be slightly faster than it is with traditional braces!
Fiction: The Invisalign system is more complicated than braces
As noted above, patient compliance is a very important part of any Invisalign journey. Oral hygiene also plays a big role in how successful your treatment will be. A good brushing and flossing routine is essential for all patients, but it can be a little trickier with braces. The brackets and wires create pockets that are difficult to reach and the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. You won’t have to worry about that with Invisalign!
Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before you brush and floss, then replaced once you’re done. This makes it incredibly easy to keep your teeth and gums in good shape while we straighten your smile! For the best results, we recommend that all of our patients brush thoroughly after every meal and floss every night before bed. You’ll also need to take good care of your aligners to keep the treatment plan moving smoothly. You can gently brush them with water and a soft toothbrush, or use one of the special kits that are available for this purpose.
There’s something else you can say goodbye to when you use Invisalign clear aligners—food restrictions! Crunchy and chewy foods can damage the brackets and wires of a patient’s braces, so they need to avoid them throughout the orthodontic process. But Invisalign aligners are removed before eating, so you’re still free to chow down on all your favorite foods!
Fiction: Invisalign costs more than braces treatment
You may not realize it, but braces have been around in one form or another for hundreds of years. Invisalign aligners are relatively new, comparatively speaking! Like many new items, they were fairly expensive when they first hit the market. But as the treatment has become more popular and accessible, the cost has gone down accordingly. The cost of treatment varies from case to case, but these days, Invisalign aligners cost roughly the same as traditional braces. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options such as credit card payments, cash, financing options, and bank drafts.
Fact: your best smile is waiting for you at Glass Orthodontics
While Invisalign can be an amazing tool for straightening teeth, we’re committed to providing every patient with a customized treatment plan. You can trust us to only recommend the appliance that will work best for your smile!
When you schedule a FREE consultation with one of our four conveniently located offices, Dr. Glass will examine your mouth and determine which treatment would be the best fit for your unique smile. Would you like to learn more about how the Invisalign clear aligner system can give you the smile you’ve always wanted? Get in touch today and we’ll be happy to help you take the first step!