Have you heard that it’s time for you or your teen to begin orthodontic treatment? Are you worried about the metal braces that seem to be creeping up on the horizon? Traditional braces have, in fact, come a long way in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only way to straighten your smile. If you’re not convinced that traditional metal braces are the best option for you, we offer alternatives like clear braces, Inbraces lingual braces, and clear and removable Invisalign aligners. So the big question remains: is Invisalign worth it?
At Mack Orthodontics, we’ll take the time to evaluate your unique smile needs and determine the best treatment for you. What works for one patient may not work for another, so we take several different factors into account when choosing the best treatment for you, including:
- Your diagnosis
- How much work needs to be done
- Your lifestyle
- Your goals
- Your personal preference
- Your budget
Of all of the alternatives to metal braces that we offer, Invisalign tends to be the most popular every year, especially as the system continues to improve. Most of the time, the price of Invisalign is similar to the price of braces. In some cases, Invisalign treatment is more expensive, which can make patients wonder if the benefits are worth the extra cost. We believe that the investment is well worth it. Keep reading to find out why.
Invisalign offers a more subtle treatment option
In most cases, the first thing that draws people to Invisalign is that they’re made of a clear plastic material that most people will never notice. If you’re anxious about your treatment bringing unwanted attention, this is a pretty big benefit! Since they can be removed for short periods, clear aligners are also perfect for any special event when a patient wants their natural smile to shine through, such as prom, weddings, or senior pictures.
Invisalign comes with extra freedom and flexibility
With Invisalign, you get to enjoy freedom and flexibility that you could never get from braces. For instance, you’ll never have to worry about food restrictions! With braces on, you can’t eat anything sticky or crunchy, probably some of your favorite foods. With Invisalign, you can eat whatever you normally would since the aligners are designed to be taken out whenever you eat or drink anything other than water. Not having any food restrictions makes orthodontic treatment a lot more manageable, meaning you have no reason to doubt the final results.
Invisalign makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene
Keeping your mouth healthy with traditional braces can be a little tricky and takes a little getting used to. Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands can be time-consuming, plus food particles and plaque can get stuck in the wires and between the teeth, allowing bacteria to flourish. It’s easy to keep your teeth clean with Invisalign because all you have to do is take the aligners out a brush as you normally would. Caring for the aligners themselves couldn’t be easier, either. There are special kits designed to clean them, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Invisalign can sometimes straighten your teeth in less time than braces
There’s no simple answer to long your orthodontic treatment will take. Every situation is unique, and each patient will respond to treatment differently. And with Invisalign, patient compliance is one of the most critical parts of the answer. You’ll be responsible for wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, and you’ll also have to keep up with switching your aligners out for the next in the series. This happens every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movements your teeth are making. If you are fully compliant, the total treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from about 6 to 18 months, which is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign can work for a wide range of orthodontic issues
When it was first being used, Invisalign was used primarily to fix simple spacing issues or mild crowding. As orthodontists realized how effective Invisalign could be, it grew in popularity for more complex cases. Invisalign can be used to treat the following conditions successfully:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowding
- Deep overbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Excessive overjet
The system can be just as effective as traditional braces when used as directed by an experienced orthodontist. Just ask the 7 million or so patients all over the world who have achieved a healthier smile thanks to Invisalign aligners!
Invisalign Teen offers special features for teen patients
When it comes to the treatment benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with features that meet the unique needs of teenage patients. These include compliance indicators, which allow Dr. Mack or Dr. Jackson to monitor whether or not your teen is wearing the aligners as directed. Eruption tabs accommodate the growth of second molars, and a generous allowance allows for the teens to be teens. Lost or broken aligners won’t derail treatment.
Invest in a beautiful smile with Invisalign and Mack Orthodontics
There are so many benefits of Invisalign, but there still might not be for everyone. Aligners typically work best for adults and teens with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If you have a case that is particularly complex or severe, it may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner can achieve.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Mack or Dr. Jackson, he’ll determine if treatment with Invisalign aligners is a good fit for your smile. He’ll walk through your options with you if you’d be better served by a different orthodontic treatment. We’ll only recommend the treatment we believe is best for your unique smile!
During your consultation, we’ll discuss the investment you’re about to make in your new smile. We’ll explain our payment options and insurance coverage. Once you have this information, you can make the most educated decision. We think you’ll find that the freedom and flexibility of Invisalign are worth every penny!
If you’d like to learn more about the Invisalign aligner system and the incredible things it can do for your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Mack or Dr. Jackson! Between Invisalign and our expert team, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts!