At Brady Orthodontics, Invisalign clear aligners have become a household name. They’ve done for orthodontic appliances what Xerox did for copy machines. Invisalign has brightened many smiles that might not have otherwise been helped. According to manufacturer Align Technology, Invisalign has helped over 13 million smiles worldwide. It’s possible to fix an overbite with Invisalign. Furthermore, Invisalign can also rectify underbites, crossbites, and other types of bad bites. Keep reading to find out how.
Who Can Wear Invisalign? Kids, Teens, or Adults?
Invisalign works for all kinds of teeth – old, young, and everyone in between. If you’re a parent with a young child, Invisalign can work dental wonders for them. Kids love Invisalign. And teens do too! But what about grown-ups? What can Invisalign do for them? Dr. Brady has straightened many adult smiles with Invisalign. Our team in Winnetka loves to see new smiles – regardless of their age.
How Is Invisalign Different Than Conventional Braces?
Invisalign is indeed an orthodontic appliance. Its purpose is to straighten teeth over a period of time. Like traditional braces, a patient may have to wear Invisalign for an extended period. In those ways, Invisalign is similar to conventional braces. But to call them the same would be inaccurate. Braces, whether metal or clear, have brackets and wires.
Additionally, Dr. Brady will likely recommend braces to fix a bad bite. You may hear him use the term “malocclusion.” Braces can work better (and, in many cases, more quickly) on bad bites. That said, patients may eventually transition from braces to Invisalign to help them further hone their smile. Nevertheless, Invisalign and braces are distinctly different for that reason.
Ok, So Invisalign Isn’t Exactly Braces. So Then What Is it?
We’ve established that Invisalign is not the same as braces. So then, what is it? Invisalign works more like a retainer than braces. When you wear braces, you can’t take them off to eat or brush your teeth. But since Invisalign is a removable retainer, you have the bonus of taking it out when you have a meal or get ready to brush and floss.
Dr. Brady designs sets of Invisalign customized acrylic aligners for each specific set of teeth. Each Invisalign aligner is composed of smooth, sleek, and virtually unseeable plastic. At Brady Orthodontics, we use a digital scanner to analyze your bite, leading to a tailored aligner. We do all this without requiring yucky trays and impressions. Dr. Brady then generates a unique plan for your teeth. Next, you’ll receive your complete set of aligners about two weeks later. The entire Invisalign treatment process takes roughly 6 to 15 months for most patients.
Is Invisalign Permanent Like Braces?
This misunderstanding is similar to myth #1. Braces are affixed to the teeth with glue. The wires and brackets help pull the teeth into position over a while. If Dr. Brady did fit you with Braces, he might give you a list of food and beverages to abstain from. You might have to temporarily say goodbye to some of your favorite snacks and beverages. But with Invisalign, that’s not the case. Invisalign is definitely not permanent, and Dr. Brady does not attach it to you.
Can You Take It Out Whenever You Want?
Yes, absolutely. Using only your fingers, you can apply and take out your Invisalign aligners whenever you please. This means that you get first dibs on straightening your smile. You might sometimes see results as early as three months after initiating treatment! Another advantage of unfastening Invisalign is the ability to eat (and drink) whatever you want!
Craving chicken wings, a big meaty burger, or some crunchy popcorn? Have at it! If you have an oral report or presentation for work or school, you can do away with your aligner for that too. Dr. Brady recommends that you wear your Invisalign for 22 hours each day.
You can remove the aligners temporarily for that, too. However, for Invisalign to be most effective, they do need to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day. You won’t get that kind of freedom with conventional braces.
Does Invisalign Cost A Lot?
Brady Orthodontics understands budget constraints. In any circumstance, patients come first. Dr. Brady will only offer treatment plans a patient will actually benefit from. We don’t believe in surprise charges or hidden fees.
With that in mind, sometimes people are intimidated by anything described as “state-of-the-art.” To many folks, that’s just another word for “expensive.” In reality, the price for Invisalign isn’t that different from traditional braces.
Will Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Suppose your insurance provider covers dental and orthodontic interventions. In that case, you can use it to help with either Invisalign or regular braces. The teams at Brady Orthodontics office in Winnetka work with all Illinois insurance companies. We’ll check and double-check any benefits you’re entitled to. Furthermore, we’re happy to talk with you about a payment plan that fits your budget.
Choose Brady Orthodontics For Your Invisalign
Brady Orthodontics in Winnetka has you covered – just like Invisalign clear retainers cover teeth. No matter your orthodontic needs, we treat you the way we would treat our own family members. If you still have questions about Invisalign, go here to schedule a free consultation. Uncertain about visiting in person? Not to worry. Visit us here for a virtual consult.
