When you learn that you or your child need orthodontic treatment, you may not be sure what to expect in the weeks and months ahead. If you don’t know much about the options available to you, you could be envisioning a mouthful of metal braces and not necessarily looking forward to it. Although traditional braces have gone through a pretty impressive transformation in recent years, plenty of our teen and adult patients are still on the fence about using them. Fortunately, there are now a number of alternatives to metal braces. This includes clear braces and clear Invisalign aligners. However, many patients wonder, “Is Invisalign worth it?”
Here at Champlain Orthodontics, we’ll work with your unique smile to create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best results. We know that what works for one patient may not work for another, so we’ll take several different factors into account when choosing the best treatment for you. This includes:
- your diagnosis
- how much work needs to be done
- your lifestyle
- your goals
- your personal preference
- your budget
Invisalign is our most popular alternative to traditional metal braces and with good reason! In most cases, aligners are comparative in price to traditional metal braces. They can sometimes be slightly more expensive, however, which leads some patients to wonder “Is Invisalign worth it?” To learn more about why we believe Invisalign aligners are an excellent investment in your smile, keep reading below!
Invisalign offers you a more subtle way to straighten your smile
One of Invisalign’s biggest selling points is that the aligners are made of a clear plastic that is barely noticeable to most people. For patients who are anxious about treatment making them stand out, Invisalign is an excellent alternative! Since they can be removed for short periods of time, 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 flexibility
Our Invisalign patients are able to enjoy more freedom than traditional treatment methods can offer! Food restrictions are a perfect example. Sticky and crunchy foods can wreck brackets and wires, so patients in braces must avoid them throughout the treatment process. This often eliminates several favorite foods and snacks, but with Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want to! Simply remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in when you’re done.
Invisalign helps you maintain good oral hygiene
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine with traditional braces comes with a bit of a learning curve, especially in the early days. Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands can take time. They can also make it harder to get rid of any lingering food particles or plaque. Invisalign aligners are simply removed before brushing and flossing as normal! 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 straighten your teeth in less time than braces
Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way, so unfortunately there’s never a “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment.
Patient compliance is an important part of the treatment process with the Invisalign system. For the aligners to be successful, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, throughout the treatment process. You’ll also be responsible for switching your aligners out for the next in the series every one to two weeks. This allows them to accommodate the movements your teeth are making.
If you are fully compliant, the average treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from about 6 to 18 months, which is actually slightly faster than the average time spent wearing braces!
Invisalign works well for a wide range of orthodontic issues
When Invisalign was in its early days, the aligners were mostly used to correct simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. As orthodontists realized the potential of the system and the system began to grow in popularity, the design improved dramatically. Invisalign can now be used to treat the following conditions successfully:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet
When used by experienced orthodontists like Dr. Ryan and Dr. Eaton, the Invisalign system can be just as effective as traditional braces!
Invisalign 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, including:
Compliance indicators
As noted above, patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn as directed by Dr. Ryan or Dr. Eaton in order for them to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into the 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!
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 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.
Trust your smile to the Invisalign experts at Champlain Orthodontics
There is a multitude of benefits with the Invisalign system, however, it may not be the best for every smile. In general, the aligners tend to work best for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are particularly complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Ryan or Dr. Eaton, they’ll be able to determine if treatment with Invisalign aligners is a good fit for your smile. If your doctor feels a different treatment option would be a better option, we’ll talk you through what’s available. You can trust us to only recommend the treatment we believe to be best for your unique smile!
During this first visit with Champlain Orthodontics, we’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn more about our payment options and insurance coverage. When you have all the right information, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more clearly. Knowing there’s a subtle, comfortable, and flexible option that’s just as effective as braces mean 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 us today to schedule your FREE consultation with one of our doctors and take the first step toward the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!