If you’ve recently found out that you or your child require orthodontic treatment, you may be imagining a mouthful of metal braces in your future. Although traditional metal braces have come along in leaps and bounds in recent years, many patients are still unsure about using them to straighten their smiles. While there are now a number of effective alternatives to braces, such as Invisalign clear aligner therapy, there are many misconceptions out there about the cost. This can lead many patients to wonder “is Invisalign worth it?”
Here at Hunter Family Orthodontics, we believe it is! When an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Ross Hunter creates your customized treatment plan, he’ll take several factors into account to determine if Invisalign is a good fit for your smile, including:
- your diagnosis
- how much work needs to be done
- your lifestyle
- your goals
- your personal preference
- your budget
Invisalign is currently our most popular alternative to braces and in most cases, it is comparative in price to traditional metal braces. To learn more about Invisalign, how it works, and if it can benefit your smile, keep reading below!
Invisalign offers a more subtle treatment option
One of Invisalign’s biggest selling points is that the aligners are made of a clear plastic that is almost completely unnoticeable to most people. For patients who are anxious about treatment making their smile stand out, Invisalign is a welcome 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 gives patients extra freedom and flexibility
Invisalign patients enjoy freedom and flexibility that more traditional treatment methods just can’t beat! Take food restrictions, for example. To keep their appliance safe, patients wearing braces must be careful to avoid sticky or crunchy foods. This often eliminates several of their favorite foods and snacks. With Invisalign, you can enjoy all the same foods you always have since the aligners are simply taken out before eating, then put back in when you’re finished. Not having any food restrictions makes orthodontic treatment a lot more manageable (and a lot more fun!)
Invisalign makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine with traditional braces can be a bit of an adjustment in the beginning. Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands can be time-consuming and food particles and plaque can get stuck in the wires and between the teeth, allowing bacteria to flourish. 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 treatment can sometimes take less time than braces
There is never a “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient’s orthodontic treatment will last. Every case is unique and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. With Invisalign, patient compliance is a critical part of the treatment process. You’ll be responsible for wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day as directed by Dr. Hunter and you’ll also be responsible for switching your aligners out for the next in the series. This happens about every 1-2 weeks to account for 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
In its earliest days, Invisalign was mostly used to correct simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. Once orthodontists realized the potential of the system and Invisalign began to grow in popularity, the aligners were improved to move teeth more efficiently in most mild to moderate cases. Today 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 like Dr. Hunter. 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 function 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. Hunter in order for them to be successful. 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.
Invest in a beautiful smile with Invisalign and Hunter Family Orthodontics
While there are many benefits to the Invisalign system, it may not be the best fit for everyone! Invisalign aligners tend to work best for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If you have a case that is particularly complex or severe, you may benefit from a treatment option that can provide more precise tooth control than aligners can achieve.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Hunter, he’ll be able to determine if treatment with Invisalign aligners is a good fit for your unique smile. If you’d be better served by a different orthodontic treatment, he’ll walk through your options with you. At Hunter Family Orthodontics, we’ll only recommend the treatment we believe is best for your unique smile!
During your consultation, we’ll also outline the complete investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn all about our payment options and insurance coverage. Once you have all the right information, you’ll be able to accurately weigh your treatment options. If you know you can have a more subtle, comfortable, and flexible treatment option that’s just as effective as braces, any extra cost will be worth every dime!
If you’d like to learn more about the Invisalign clear aligner system and the amazing things it can do for your smile, contact our office today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Hunter! With Invisalign, Dr. Hunter, and our expert team, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!