When you first learn that you or your child may need orthodontic treatment, you may be worried about what to expect in the weeks and months to come. If you don’t know what your options are, you’re likely imagining a mouthful of metal braces and not looking forward to it. Or maybe you’ve heard about other orthodontic treatment options, such as Invisalign clear aligner therapy, and the misconceptions have led you to wonder, “Is Invisalign worth it?”
Thankfully, there are many alternatives to traditional metal braces, including clear braces and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. Here at Brady Orthodontics, we’re committed to working with you to create a unique treatment plan for your one-of-a-kind smile! The right treatment for one person may not be best for another, so we’ll consider several things when determining what treatment plan is right for you, including:
- Your diagnosis
- How much work needs to be done
- Your lifestyle
- Your goals
- Your preference
- Your budget
Currently, Invisalign is the most popular alternative to braces, and there’s a good reason for that. In most cases, aligners cost about the same as traditional metal braces. However, occasionally, they cost a little more, so some people have some reservations about pursuing clear aligner treatment. To learn more about why we believe Invisalign is an excellent investment for your smile, keep reading below!
Invisalign offers you a more subtle way to straighten your smile
One of Invisalign’s most attractive features is that they make the aligners from a clear plastic that most people won’t even notice. If you’re concerned about how orthodontic treatment will make them stand out, this can be incredibly reassuring! Since you can take them out for short periods, clear aligners are also an excellent option for those who have upcoming special events, such as a wedding, prom, or family photos.
Invisalign comes with extra flexibility
Invisalign patients here at Brady Orthodontics can experience more freedom and flexibility during their treatment than other methods. Take food restrictions, for example. While wearing braces, patients must avoid sticky and crunchy foods, which can mean avoiding some of your favorite foods. However, with Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about that! Since you simply remove the aligners before eating and replace them when you’re finished, you can continue eating and drinking whatever you like!
Invisalign makes good oral hygiene easy
A good oral hygiene routine is an essential habit for everyone, but it’s vital for patients in orthodontic treatment! Patients wearing braces may initially experience a bit of a learning curve, adjusting to brackets and wires. With Invisalign, you remove your aligners and carry out your routine as you normally would! Caring for your aligners is easy. There are specialized kits made just for them, or you can brush them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste.
Invisalign can straighten your teeth in less time than braces
Since every case is different and each patient responds to treatment in their way, there’s no universal answer as to how long a patient will require orthodontic treatment.
With any type of treatment, how well a patient follows instructions is essential, but it’s critical for Invisalign’s success. You’ll need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every single day to get your best smile. You’ll also need to switch out your aligners every 1-2 weeks for the next one in the series to keep up with the shifting of your teeth. This is how Invisalign gives you your dream smile!
If you follow all the instructions in your treatment plan, the average time using Invisalign can be from 6 to 18 months. This is slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign treats a range of orthodontic problems
In its early stages, Invisalign was primarily used to correct simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. However, as orthodontists realized this unique system’s potential, the design improved and grew in popularity. Today, Invisalign can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowding
- Deep overbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Excessive overjet
When used by an experienced orthodontist like the doctors at Brady Orthodontics, the Invisalign system can be just as effective as traditional braces!
Invisalign offers unique features for teen patients
When it comes to the key treatment benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same. However, Invisalign Teen was designed with features that meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
Invisalign aligners must be worn as directed by your doctor for them to work correctly. The compliance indicators incorporated into Invisalign Teen aligners fade 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!
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.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a broader range of conditions with Invisalign.
Trust your smile to the Invisalign experts at Brady Orthodontics
The Invisalign system has several obvious benefits, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Invisalign clear aligner therapy tends to work best for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are more complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than aligners can provide.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with the doctors at Brady Orthodontics, we’ll be able to determine what orthodontic treatment would be best for you accurately! You can trust us only to recommend the treatment we believe will best meet your needs.
We’ll also go over the financial investment required for your healthy new smile during your initial visit. You’ll learn about our convenient payment plans and insurance coverage, and how we can help you file your claims. Knowing there’s a subtle, comfortable, and flexible option that’s just as effective as braces means any extra money you may have to put into it will be worth every penny!
Are you ready to learn more about the Invisalign aligner system and the amazing things it can do for your smile? Get in touch with the Brady Orthodontics team today to schedule your FREE consultation and take the first step towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!
