Learning that you or your child requires orthodontic treatment to correct oral issues can be scary and overwhelming and may even leave you with a lot more questions than answers. Are braces the best choice? Is Invisalign worth it? Taking the first step towards a stunning new smile can be exciting, but any uncertainty can make the experience intimidating. Fortunately, today’s orthodontic technology means that you have more choices than ever before when it comes to treatment options!
At Dillehay Orthodontics, your options include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to braces available, and for good reasons! The cost of Invisalign is often comparable to traditional braces. There are times, however, when they may be slightly more expensive. This leads some patients to wonder if the Invisalign system is worth the difference in cost.
Our team is confident that Invisalign aligners are a rewarding investment for almost any smile. Keep reading to learn why!
Invisalign treatment is nearly invisible
As you might guess, one of the biggest reasons for Invisalign’s popularity is the flexibility the clear aligners provide. They’re barely noticeable to most people, so there’s no need to worry about standing out. They can even be removed for short periods of time, making them perfect for special occasions that require a natural smile to shine through, such as proms, weddings, or senior pictures.
Invisalign makes it easier to keep your smile healthy during treatment
Oral hygiene is important for everyone, but orthodontic patients in particular need to maintain good dental hygiene during their treatment to get the best results. This is often a major adjustment for many patients with traditional braces, especially at the beginning.
Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands can be time-consuming, and they also make it harder to remove any stuck food particles or plaque. With Invisalign aligners, you just take them out before brushing and flossing as you normally would and carry on with your typical routine. Caring for the aligners themselves is incredibly easy, too. There are cleaning kits designed specifically for Invisalign aligners, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
The flexibility you need with Invisalign
Since they can be removed for short periods of time, Invisalign aligners give you much more freedom than you have with traditional treatment methods. Food restrictions are a great example of this. Your brackets, bands, and wires can be destroyed by sticky and crunchy foods, so braces patients must avoid them at all costs. This keeps most people from eating their favorite snacks and foods. With Invisalign, you can still eat anything you want, any time you want! Simply remove the aligner before eating, then replace it when you’re done.
Invisalign may work more quickly than braces in some cases
Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. This means there is never a definitive answer as to how long treatment will take.
Patient compliance is an important part of any orthodontic treatment, but it’s essential with Invisalign. You have to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day during the whole of your treatment for the system to work correctly. You’ll also need to switch your aligners out for the next in the series every few weeks so they can keep up with the movements of your teeth. If you don’t do this, your treatment may take longer and not provide the lasting results you’re looking for.
For patients who are fully compliant and stay on track, the average treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from about 6 to 18 months. This is slightly faster than the average time spent in traditional braces!
When they first came onto the market, Invisalign aligners were really only used to correct simple spacing issues or mild crowding. As orthodontists began to realize the potential of the system, the design of the aligners has evolved into something new and truly exciting. Invisalign can now be used to treat the following conditions just as effectively as traditional braces:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowding
- Deep overbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Excessive overjet
Special features for teens
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen feature the same benefits and technology. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with features that meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
Patient compliance is so important for successful Invisalign treatment. You must wear your aligners as directed by Dr. Ken or Dr. JK for them to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fade from blue to clear, providing a visual approximation of wear to help teenage patients stay consistent in wearing their aligners. This also helps parents and orthodontists know their teen is doing their part for their smile.
Eruption tabs
This feature allows for young adults to grow their second molars. This helps keep space open for unerupted teeth and makes it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign. This is an important feature for younger patients who are still growing.
Replacement aligners
Young patients are likely to lose or break an aligner. Things happen, so there’s no need to stress! While teens should try their best to take care of their aligners, at Dillehay Orthodontics we understand that accidents happen. Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Get the smile you deserve with Invisalign and Dillehay Orthodontics
Invisalign is an excellent treatment option for many patients, but the truth is that isn’t the best fit for everyone. Generally speaking, the aligners tend to be most successful for teen and adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Complex and severe cases might need more precise tooth movements that only traditional braces can provide.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dillehay Orthodontics in our Wichita or Derby offices, our doctors will examine your smile and determine if treatment with Invisalign would be a good fit for your smile. You can trust Dillehay Orthodontics to only recommend the treatment we think will help you achieve your smile goals.
During your first visit with us, we’ll also explain the investment you’re about to make in your smile. You’ll learn more about our payment options and insurance coverage, and when you have all the information you need, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more effectively. When you know there’s a subtle alternative to braces available that’s comfortable, flexible, and incredibly efficient, any slight cost increase will feel like a worthwhile investment.
If you’re ready to take the first step and learn more about how Invisalign aligners can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dillehay Orthodontics!