Learning that you or your child may require treatment to correct orthodontic issues may lead you to feel a little overwhelmed. Taking the first steps in the journey towards a healthier smile can be exciting, but you may also be wondering what lies ahead in your treatment process. This may lead you to wonder “is Invisalign worth it?” Thanks to modern technology, patients have more options than ever before when it comes to straightening their smiles!
Here at McGrory Orthodontics, treatment options include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. Invisalign is the most popular alternative to traditional metal braces, and it’s not hard to see why. To find out more about the benefits of Invisalign, keep reading below!
Invisalign makes treatment nearly invisible
One of the biggest reasons for Invisalign’s popularity is the flexibility of clear aligners. This comes as no surprise, as they are barely noticeable to most people, which is exciting for patients who have been anxious about treatment making their smile stand out. Aligners can be removed for short periods of time, making them perfect for any special event when a patient wants their 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 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, in particular, must maintain good dental hygiene. This can come with a bit of a learning curve for patients wearing traditional braces, especially in the early days. Brushing and flossing around the extra brackets and bands can be time-consuming, and they also make it harder to remove any lingering food particles or plaque. Invisalign aligners don’t have this problem since they are simply removed before brushing and flossing! 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.
The flexibility you need with Invisalign
Since they can be removed for short periods of time, Invisalign aligners offer patients much more freedom than traditional treatment methods. Food restrictions are just one example of this. Sticky and crunchy foods can cause major damage to brackets, bands, and wires, so patients in braces must avoid them throughout the course of treatment. This often means you must avoid several favorite snacks and foods. With Invisalign, you can still eat anything you want, any time you would like. Simply remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in when you are done.
Invisalign may work more quickly than braces in some cases
Because every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way, there is never a “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient will need any type of orthodontic treatment.
Patient compliance is an important part of any orthodontic treatment, but it is absolutely essential with Invisalign. For the system to be completely successful, you will need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, throughout the course of your treatment. You will also be responsible for switching your aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks, so they can keep up with the movements your teeth are making. If you don’t stay on track with your aligner schedule, your treatment may take longer and not provide the results you are looking for.
For patients who are completely compliant, the average treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from about 6 to 18 months. Depending on the case, this can actually be slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues
In the early days, Invisalign aligners were mainly used to correct simple spacing issues or mild crowding. However, as the system began to grow in popularity, the design of the aligners was greatly improved. Invisalign can now be used to treat the following conditions effectively:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowding
- Deep overbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Excessive overjet
Special features for teens
When it comes to the treatment benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen work in much the same way. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with features that meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
As we already mentioned, patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. You must wear your aligners as directed by your doctor to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fade from blue to clear, giving parents and orthodontists 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
We know accidents happen, so if you lose or break an aligner, there’s no need to stress. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Get the smile you deserve with Invisalign and McGrory Orthodontics
While Invisalign clear aligner therapy can be an exciting option for many patients, it may not be the best for everyone. Generally speaking, the aligners tend to be most successful for teen and adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are more complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with one of our doctors in our Pearland or Bellaire office, they will conduct an initial assessment and determine if treatment with Invisalign would be a good fit for your smile. You can trust that our doctors will only recommend the best treatment for your individual needs.
During your first visit to McGrory Orthodontics, we’ll outline every aspect of your smile investment. You will learn more about our payment options and insurance coverage, as well as discounts for paying for treatment in full. When you have all the right information, you will be able to weigh your treatment options more effectively.
If you are ready to learn more about how Invisalign aligners can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation at McGrory Orthodontics in Pearland or Bellaire, TX!