Here at Riverview Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic treatment is an excellent investment in your oral health. The benefits can last a lifetime and will improve not only the appearance of your smile, but its functionality as well. Thanks to amazing orthodontic advancements in recent years, there are more treatment options than ever before, including Invisalign clear aligner therapy. Although traditional braces remain the most common method of straightening smiles, Invisalign has been a game changer!
When you choose our practice for your orthodontic needs, Dr. Upton will create a personalized treatment plan to give you superior results. There are several different factors that will be taken into account, including:
- your diagnosis
- how much work needs to be done
- your lifestyle
- your goals
- your personal preference
- your budget
If Dr. Upton believes Invisalign could be a good fit for you, we’ll go over the investment needed for your new smile. In most cases, the Invisalign system will be comparative in price to traditional metal braces. In certain cases, however, they can be slightly more expensive. This causes some patients to question whether Invisalign is worth the difference in cost. To learn why we think so, keep reading below!
Invisalign offers you extra freedom and flexibility
Invisaligns aligners are designed to be removed when you’re eating or drinking anything other than water. They can also be taken out for short periods of time. That means your natural smile can show through if you’re playing sports, making music, or creating special memories with senior pictures, prom, or weddings.
You won’t have to worry about food restrictions, either! Braces patients must avoid sticky and crunchy foods throughout the treatment process to protect the brackets and wires, but Invisalign patients can still eat anything they’d like (within moderation, of course.) Simply remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in again when you’re done.
Invisalign gives you a more subtle way to straighten your smile
Invisalign aligners are made of a clear thermoplastic material that most people won’t even notice. As you can imagine, this is one of the biggest selling points for Invisalign, especially with teen and adult patients who are more image-conscious. If you’re worried about treatment making you stand out, Invisalign can be a welcome alternative!
Invisalign makes it easier to maintain a good oral hygiene routine
Oral hygiene should be a priority for all of us, but it’s especially important for orthodontic patients. For braces patients, this can come with a learning curve. Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands can take time, and quite a bit of patience! All those nooks and crannies can also hide lingering food particles and plaque, increasing your risk for cavities.
Caring for your teeth and gums is a breeze with Invisalign! The aligners are simply removed before brushing and flossing as normal. It’s easy to care for the aligners themselves as well. There are special kits designed to clean them, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Invisalign may take less time than braces
When it comes to how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment, the answer will always be different since each case is specific and everyone responds to treatment in their own way. Patient compliance is an important part of any treatment process, but it’s essential for the Invisalign system to work properly. For the aligners to be successful, they must be worn for 20-22 hours per day, throughout the treatment process. The aligners also need to be switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks in order to keep up with the movement of the teeth. The treatment time for fully compliant Invisalign patients is usually anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
Invisalign is able to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues
In its early days, Invisalign was mainly used to correct simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. Over time, the design has dramatically improved and the system can now be used to treat many orthodontic conditions successfully. These include:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet
When Invisalign is used by an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Upton, the aligners can be just as effective as traditional braces!
Leave your smile in expert hands with Riverview Orthodontics
While there’s a lot to love about the Invisalign system, it may not be a good fit for everyone. Generally speaking, the aligners tend to work best for adult and teen patients who have 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. Upton, he’ll be able to determine if your smile could benefit from treatment with Invisalign. If a different treatment option would be a better option for your specific needs, we’ll talk you through what’s available. You can always count on us to only recommend the treatment that’s best for your unique smile!
If you decide to go ahead with treatment, we’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn all about our treatment plans, payment options, and insurance coverage. When you have access to all the information you need, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more clearly. Invisalign offers a comfortable, flexible, and effective option that works just as well as braces in most cases. We think a beautiful, healthy smile is worth every penny!
If you’re ready to learn more about how Invisalign can improve your oral health and give you a confident smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your free virtual consultation.