Once you learn that you or your child need orthodontic treatment, you might instantly imagine a mouth full of metal braces in your future. Although traditional braces have come a long way in recent years, many patients are still hesitant about pursuing braces treatment. Thankfully, there are now a multitude of treatment options available, including clear braces, lingual braces that are fixed to the back of your teeth, and Invisalign clear aligners! However, you might still be wondering, “is Invisalign worth it?”
At Sawgrass Orthodontics, we create custom treatment plans based upon each patient’s unique smile. What is effective for one person may not work for another, so we consider several variables when determining what treatment will be the best fit for your smile. These include:
- your diagnosis
- how much work needs to be done
- your lifestyle
- your goals
- your personal preference
- your budget
Invisalign clear aligner therapy is currently our most popular alternative to traditional braces. In most cases, cost is comparable to that of traditional braces, but it can sometimes be slightly more expensive. This can lead many to wonder if the extra investment is really worth it. Keep reading below to find out why we believe Invisalign can be a reward treatment option to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues!
Invisalign offers a more subtle treatment option
One of the things that makes Invisalign so popular is that they are made of clear plastic, making them barely noticeable to most people. That makes them an excellent choice for our adult patients and those who don’t want any extra attention on their smile. Since they can be taken out for short periods of time, clear aligners are ideal for special occasions when a patient wants to let their natural smile shine, such as weddings, prom, or family photos.
Invisalign comes with extra freedom and flexibility
Invisalign gives patients a level of freedom and flexibility that traditional braces just can’t beat! Food restrictions are the best example. Because sticky and crunchy foods can cause damage to the brackets and wires of metal braces, patients have to avoid them for the entire duration of their treatment. This can eliminate many of your favorite snacks. With Invisalign, this isn’t a problem, since they can be easily removed. Just take out your aligner when eating or drinking and replace it when you’re finished. Not having those extra restrictions can make orthodontic treatment a lot more manageable (not to mention fun!)
Invisalign makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene
For many patients, the brackets and wires of metal braces cause a slight learning curve in their oral care routine. Brushing around the extra appliances can be difficult and time-consuming, plus food particles and plaque can get lodged between wires and bands, giving bacteria a place to thrive. Invisalign aligners are removed before brushing and flossing, allowing you to carry on as you normally would! Caring for the aligners is also exceptionally easy. There are cleaning kits designed specifically for Invisalign, or you can use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to brush them clean.
Invisalign can sometimes straighten your teeth in less time than braces
Because every orthodontic case is different, there is no “one size fits all” answer as to how long you will require treatment. With Invisalign, patient compliance is the critical factor in the treatment process. You’ll wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, switching them for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements your teeth are making, allowing for a smooth transition. When you practice full compliance, total treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from 6 to 18 months – slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign can work for a wide range of orthodontic issues
When it was first on the market, Invisalign was primarily used to correct simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. As orthodontists began to realize the potential of the system, the design began to improve. Now, Invisalign can be used to fix a wide range of orthodontic conditions, including:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet
Invisalign can be just as effective as traditional metal braces when used as directed by Dr. Kristen or Dr. Penny. Just ask one of the many patients they’ve seen through treatment!
Invisalign Teen offers special features for teen patients
When it comes to treatment benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are largely the same. However, Invisalign Teen was created with specific features to benefit our teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
As we mentioned earlier, patient compliance is a very important part of success with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn as directed by Dr. Kristen or Dr. Penny in order for them to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into the 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 our younger patients, 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.
Invest in a beautiful smile with Invisalign and Sawgrass Orthodontics
While Invisalign offers patients many exciting benefits, it may not be the best fit for everyone! In general, aligners are most effective for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If your case is particularly complex or severe, you may require more tooth control than a removable appliance can offer.
When you schedule your free consultation with Dr. Kristen or Dr. Penny, they’ll assess your smile and determine if Invisalign will be the best choice for you. If another treatment option would better serve your needs, she’ll discuss all of your options. We’ll only recommend the treatment we believe will be the best for your smile!
During your consultation, we’ll also go over the financial investment needed for your new smile. We’re proud to offer a variety of payment options and insurance coverage to make a healthy smile accessible for every budget! Once you have all the right information, you can weigh your options more clearly. If you know there’s an option to have a more subtle, comfortable, and flexible treatment option that’s just as effective as braces, it’ll be worth any extra money you may have to put in!
If you’re ready to take the first step to a healthier, straighter smile using Invisalign clear aligner therapy, get in though with us today to schedule your free consultation! Dr. Kristen, Dr. Penny, and the expert team at Sawgrass Orthodontics will help you get the smile you’ve always wanted!
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