Invisalign works by fixing malocclusions. Malocclusion is an incongruous bite. You might hear Dr. Bruce or Dr. Gabriel call it a “bad bite.” When you close your mouth, your upper teeth should sit symmetrically atop your lower teeth. A little bit of an overbite is common. But sometimes the overbite is too extreme and needs fixing. This is where Invisalign can be helpful. Yes, you can fix your overbite with Invisalign. Ollins Orthodontics in Nutley can help you with all your Invisalign questions and concerns.
Is Invisalign Suited To All Ages?
Invisalign works for all kinds of teeth – old, young, and everyone in between. If you’re a parent with a young child, Invisalign can work dental wonders for them. Kids love Invisalign. And teens do too! But what about grown-ups? What can Invisalign do for them? Dr. Bruce and Dr. Gabriel have straightened many adult smiles with Invisalign. Our team in Nutley loves to see new smiles – regardless of their age.
Invisalign v. Conventional Braces
Invisalign is indeed an orthodontic appliance. Its purpose is to straighten teeth over a period of time. Like traditional braces, a patient may have to wear Invisalign for an extended period. In those ways, Invisalign is similar to conventional braces. But to call them the same would be inaccurate. Braces, whether metal or clear, have brackets and wires.
Additionally, Dr. Bruce or Dr. Gabriel will likely recommend braces to fix a bad bite. You may hear him use the term “malocclusion,” referenced above. Braces can work better (and, in many cases, more quickly) on bad bites. That said, patients may eventually transition from braces to Invisalign to help them further hone their smile. Nevertheless, Invisalign and braces are distinctly different for that reason.
If Invisalign Isn’t The Same As Braces, What Is It?
We’ve established that Invisalign is not the same as braces. So then, what is it? Invisalign works more like a retainer than braces. When you wear braces, you can’t take them off to eat or brush your teeth. But since Invisalign is a removable retainer, you have the bonus of taking it out when you have a meal or get ready to brush and floss.
Dr. Bruce and Dr. Gabriel design sets of Invisalign customized acrylic aligners for each specific set of teeth. Each Invisalign aligner is composed of smooth, sleek, and virtually unseeable plastic. At Ollins Orthodontics, we use a digital scanner to analyze your bite, leading to a tailored aligner. We do all this without requiring yucky trays and impressions. Dr. Bruce or Dr. Gabriel then generates a unique plan for your teeth. Next, you’ll receive your complete set of aligners about two weeks later. The entire Invisalign treatment process takes roughly 6 to 15 months for most patients.
Is Invisalign Permanent Or Temporary?
This is a misunderstanding. Braces are affixed to the teeth with glue. The wires and brackets help pull the teeth into position over a while. If Dr. Bruce or Dr. Gabriel did fit you with Braces, he might give you a list of food and beverages to abstain from. You might have to temporarily say goodbye to some of your favorite snacks and beverages. But with Invisalign, that’s not the case. Invisalign is definitely not permanent, and Dr. Bruce and Dr. Gabriel do not attach it to you.
It Can Be Removed As You Like
Yes, absolutely. Using only your fingers, you can apply and take out your Invisalign aligners whenever you please. This means that you get first dibs on straightening your smile. You might sometimes see results as early as three months after initiating treatment! Another advantage of unfastening Invisalign is the ability to eat (and drink) whatever you want!
Craving chicken wings, a big meaty burger, or some crunchy popcorn? Have at it! If you have an oral report or presentation for work or school, you can do away with your aligner for that too. Dr. Bruce and Dr. Gabriel recommend that you wear your Invisalign for 22 hours each day.
You can remove the aligners temporarily for that, too. However, for Invisalign to be most effective, they do need to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day. You won’t get that kind of freedom with conventional braces.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Ollins Orthodontics understands budget constraints. In any circumstance, patients come first. Dr. Bruce or Dr. Gabriel will only offer treatment plans a patient will actually benefit from. We don’t believe in surprise charges or hidden fees.
With that in mind, sometimes people are intimidated by anything described as “state-of-the-art.” To many folks, that’s just another word for “expensive.” In reality, the price for Invisalign isn’t that different from traditional braces.
Can Insurance Help?
Suppose your insurance provider covers dental and orthodontic interventions. In that case, you can use it to help with either Invisalign or regular braces. The teams at Ollins Orthodontics office in Nutley work with all New Jersey insurance companies. We’ll check and double-check any benefits you’re entitled to. Furthermore, we’re happy to talk with you about a payment plan that fits your budget.
Need Invisalign? Pick Ollins Orthodontics!
Each year, Invisalign helps hundreds of thousands of patients find their true, authentic smiles. Ollins Orthodontics feels proud to be part of that solution. Because orthodontics is about much more than straightening teeth. It’s about making people’s lives more comfortable and fulfilling. We’ve seen Invisalign do that time and time again. And we’d love an opportunity to see that happen for you too. Interested? Click here to schedule a free exam. Unsure about visiting face-to-face? No problem! Go here for a virtual exam.
