A lot of people have mixed feelings after learning that they or their child need orthodontic treatment. While the thought of a new smile is exciting, a mouthful of metal probably isn’t. The good news is that you have options you may not even know about. Metal braces have come a long way recently and no longer resemble the awkward situation you’re likely picturing, but you still might want to explore all of your options. As a result, many teen and adult patients end up wondering, “is Invisalign worth it?”
There are many alternatives to traditional metal braces, such as clear braces and clear, removable Invisalign aligners. At the Orthodontic offices of Dr. Jared Lee, we’ll put in the extra work to find the best treatment plan for your smile to ensure the best results. 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 has firmly positioned itself as the most popular alternative to braces available. Generally speaking, the cost of Invisalign is similar to that of traditional metal braces. However, in some cases, Invisalign is a bit more expensive, leading some to wonder if the benefits are 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
Ask almost anyone who has chosen Invisalign treatment, and they’ll probably say that one of the most attractive elements of the treatment is the fact that the clear plastic material used is barely noticeable. If you’re anxious about treatment making you stand out, this benefit is priceless. Since they can be removed for short periods, 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
With Invisalign treatment with Dr. Jared Lee, you can enjoy much more freedom than you would with traditional treatment methods. Food restrictions are a perfect example. Sticky and crunchy foods can wreck brackets and wires, so if you choose braces, you have to 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! Just remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in when you’re done.
Invisalign helps you maintain good oral hygiene
Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine with traditional braces takes some training and some effort. 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. With Invisalign, you don’t have to change anything about your routine. Just remove the aligners before bruising 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.
Invisalign can straighten your teeth in less time than braces
No two patients will respond to treatment in the same way. That means there isn’t a definitive answer as to how long treatment will take. It depends on your mouth, as well as your compliance. For the aligners to work as planned, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment process as directed by Dr. Lee. You’ll also be responsible for switching your aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements your teeth are making.
If you follow instructions well and do your part, the average treatment time with Invisalign can be from about 6 to 18 months, which is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in 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 system’s potential and the system began to grow in popularity, the design evolved, and 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 an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Lee, 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
We already talked about how sticking to the plan is what makes Invisalign successful. The aligners must be worn as directed by Dr. Lee for them to work correctly. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fade from blue to clear, so you, your teen, and Dr. Lee can see how much your teen is wearing their aligners.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for un-erupted teeth to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
Everybody loses and breaks things sometimes, and teens are no exception. Of course, your teen should take care of their aligners, but if an accident happens, it could be a source of stress. Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Trust your smile to the Invisalign experts
There are so many benefits that come with Invisalign treatment, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best option for everyone. 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 can achieve.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Lee, he’ll be able to help you decide if treatment with Invisalign aligners is a good fit for your smile. If he 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 us, 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 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 us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Lee and take the first step toward the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!