Here at Ollins Orthodontics, we don’t believe in an assembly line approach to orthodontics. Each smile is unique, and we know that what works for one patient may not be successful for another. We also understand how your lifestyle can affect your orthodontic treatment needs. That’s why we’re proud to offer various affordable treatment options to patients of all ages in Nutley and the surrounding communities! These include metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen.
For patients who are looking for an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligner therapy offers the same beautiful results with a little extra freedom and flexibility. But because braces have been around for many more years than Invisalign, the aligners are a relatively new player in the orthodontic game. Because it’s more recent that there are a few misconceptions about how the aligners work, how effective Invisalign treatment is, and how much the system costs compared to braces. Keep reading below to learn the truth about Invisalign!
What exactly is Invisalign?
The Invisalign clear aligners we use today got their start in the late 90s, but similar trays had been popular for years as post-treatment retainers. The innovative software and technology gave orthodontists like Dr. Ollins the opportunity to move misaligned teeth in stages using customized aligners instead of braces.
In the beginning, Invisalign was used to treat mainly simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. As orthodontists realized its potential and the system became more popular, the design improved over time, and Invisalign aligners can now be just as effective as braces at correcting many mild-to-moderate cases.
Invisalign treatment takes about the same time as braces (and sometimes less!)
Orthodontic treatment of any kind requires compliance from the patient, but this is especially true with Invisalign aligners. Braces are attached to the surface of your teeth, so they do a lot of the hard work without too much effort on the part of the patient. Aligners are a different story—because they are a removable appliance, patients wear them the recommended 20-22 hours a day throughout the treatment process. Aligners also need to be switched out every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movements the teeth are making. If a patient doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain, it can cause longer treatment times or subpar results.
Every case is distinct, and each patient responds to treatment in their unique way, so there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long a patient will need to be in braces or aligners. However, the total treatment time for most Invisalign patients will be anywhere from 6 to 18 months. The best part? That’s slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign cost about the same as braces
Like many new things entering the market, Invisalign was pretty expensive at first. As the aligners became more popular and more accessible over the years, they’ve gotten more affordable. There are several factors to consider for orthodontic treatment’s overall cost, but today’s aligners cost just about the same as traditional braces for most patients.
Ollins Orthodontics is committed to providing our patients with high-quality orthodontic care that will work with every budget! We have a variety of payment options available and accept many major dental insurance plans as well. Our team will even check with your insurance company for orthodontic benefits and file the claims on your behalf!
Invisalign offers a more flexible orthodontic experience
Thanks to their removability, Invisalign aligners come with a bit more freedom than traditional braces. Food restrictions are an excellent example. Food restrictions can be one of the most significant learning curves with braces since patients need to avoid any crunchy or chewy foods to protect their appliance. It can frustrate you to miss out on your favorite snacks and foods! Fortunately, you never need to worry about watching what you eat with Invisalign. You simply take the aligners out whenever you want to eat, then put them back in again when you’re done.
Removable aligners also make it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean during treatment. Effectively brushing and flossing with braces can take some practice, especially in the beginning. With Invisalign, you remove aligners before brushing and flossing! The process will be the same as always. Caring for the aligners themselves is a simple task, too. There are special kits designed to clean them, or you can gently brush them using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Since you can remove Invisalign aligners for short periods, they’re an excellent option for special events like games, concerts, proms, or weddings.
Invisalign is an option for many patients (but not all patients)
We’re clearly fans of all the benefits Invisalign offers, but it won’t always be a good fit for every patient. Aligners work best for teens and adults who have mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues. That’s because complex or severe cases may require more precise tooth control than what you get with a removable aligner.
When you schedule your free consultation with Dr. Bruce Ollins or Dr. Gabriel Ollins, he’ll be able to determine if Invisalign is a good fit for you or if a different treatment option would work better for you. You can always trust us to recommend only the treatment method that will be best for your unique smile!
Invisalign and Ollins Orthodontics can give you a confident smile you deserve
It’s easy to see why Invisalign is the clear choice for patients who want an alternative to braces. This exciting system continues to change the way people view orthodontic treatment, and we’re proud to offer it to our patients! If you’d like to learn more about how Invisalign aligners can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation.
