When you first learn that you or your child may need orthodontic treatment, you may be worried about what to expect in the weeks and months to come. If you don’t know much about the options available to you, it’s likely that you’re imagining a mouthful of metal braces, and not necessarily looking forward to it. Or maybe you’ve heard about other orthodontic treatment options, such as Invisalign clear aligner therapy, and the misconceptions have led you to wonder “is Invisalign worth it?”
Thankfully, the alternatives to traditional metal braces are numerous, including clear braces and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. Here at Ollins Orthodontics, we’re committed to working with you to create a unique treatment plan for your one-of-a-kind smile! We understand that what works for one person may not be the best for another, so we’ll take several things into consideration when determining what treatment plan is the best for you, including:
- your diagnosis
- how much work needs to be done
- your lifestyle
- your goals
- your personal preference
- your budget
Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to braces, and with good reason! In a majority of cases, aligners are comparative in price to traditional metal braces. However, they can sometimes cost a little more than metal braces, so some people have some reservations about pursuing clear aligner treatment. To learn more about why we believe Invisalign is a great investment for your smile, keep reading below!
Invisalign offers you a more subtle way to straighten your smile
One of the most attractive features of Invisalign is that the aligners are made from a clear plastic that is barely noticeable to most people. For patients with concerns about how orthodontic treatment will make them stand out, this can be incredibly reassuring! Since they can be removed for short periods of time, clear aligners are also a great option for those who have upcoming special events, such as a wedding, prom, or family photos.
Invisalign comes with extra flexibility
Invisalign patients here at Ollins Orthodontics are able to experience more freedom and flexibility during their orthodontic treatment than other treatment methods can offer. Food restrictions are a great example! While wearing braces, patients must avoid sticky and crunchy foods, which can mean avoiding some of your favorite foods. However, with Invisalign you don’t have to worry about that! Since the aligners can simply be removed before eating and replaced when you’re finished, you can continue eating and drinking whatever you like!
Invisalign helps you maintain good oral hygiene
A good oral hygiene routine is an important habit for everyone, but for patients in orthodontic treatment, it’s essential! Patients wearing braces may experience a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, having to adjust to the additional brackets and wires used by metal braces. With Invisalign, you remove your aligners, and carry out your routine as you normally would! Caring for your aligners is easy, as well. There are specialized kits made just for them, or you can brush them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste.
Invisalign can straighten your teeth in less time than braces
Since every case is different and each patient responds to treatment in their own way, there’s no universal answer as to how long a patient will require orthodontic treatment.
With any type of treatment, patient compliance plays a part, but with Invisalign, it’s critical for success. You’ll need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every single day in order to achieve the success you desire. You’ll also need to switch out your aligner every 1-2 weeks for the next one in the series, to keep up with the shifting of your teeth. This is what makes Invisalign effective at giving you your dream smile!
If patients are fully compliant with your treatment plan, the average time using Invisalign can be from 6 to 18 months. This is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign works well for a wide range of orthodontic issues
In its early stages, Invisalign was primarily used to correct simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. However, as orthodontists began to realize the potential of this unique system, the design begane to improve and grow in popularity. Today, Invisalign can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet
When used by an experienced orthodontist like the doctors at Ollins Orthodontics, the Invisalign system can be just as effective as traditional braces!
Invisalign offers special features for teen patients
When it comes to the key treatment benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same. However, Invisalign Teen was designed with features that meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
As noted above, patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn as directed by your doctor in order for them to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into Invisalign Teen aligners fades from blue to clear, providing parents and orthodontists with a visual approximation of wear. This lets them know if the patient is holding up their end of the treatment bargain!
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
It is not uncommon for our teen patients to lose or break an aligner. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, there’s no need to worry if this occurs! Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Trust your smile to the Invisalign experts at Ollins Orthodontics
The Invisalign system has a number of obvious benefits, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Invisalign clear aligner therapy tends to work best for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are more complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than aligners are able to provide.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with the doctors at Ollins Orthodontics, we’ll be able to accurately determine what orthodontic treatment would be best for you! You can trust us to only recommend the treatment we believe will best meet your needs.
During your initial visit, we’ll also go over the financial investment required for your healthy new smile. You’ll learn about our convenient payment plans and insurance coverage, as well as how we can help you file your claims. Knowing there’s a subtle, comfortable, and flexible option that’s just as effective as braces means any extra money you may have to put into it will be worth every penny!
Are you ready to learn more about the Invisalign aligner system and the amazing things it can do for your smile? Get in touch with the Ollins Orthodontics team today to schedule your FREE consultation and take the first step towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!
