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Shifting, misaligned teeth don’t just impact children and teenagers. In fact, about 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. If you are looking for a straighter smile, it’s not too late. Treatments like Invisalign offer a discreet option for patients who want to avoid the common drawbacks of traditional braces.
While Invisalign has recently become a popular treatment option for teenagers, many of our adult patients have long preferred this treatment because of the many advantages of clear aligners. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign, sometimes called invisible braces, is a well-established orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth. This alternative to traditional braces has been used for about 25 years. Users wear clear aligners over their teeth for approximately 22 hours per day, removing them during meals and cleaning while keeping them on overnight.
This treatment is as effective as braces for realigning teeth because they shift teeth using the same method. However, Invisalign does not use a bulky bracket-and-wire system to do so. Instead, the repositioning is performed by nearly invisible trays that conform to your teeth’s contours. As a result, clear aligners like Invisalign offer a more discreet solution for teeth straightening.
Invisalign is a versatile solution for many common alignment problems, such as:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
How Do Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of transparent plastic trays that are custom-made to conform to each person’s unique dental structure. These aligners work systematically to reposition teeth by applying consistent, gentle pressure. As a result, Invisalign moves teeth progressively from their initial alignment to achieve the desired final positioning.
It is the patient’s responsibility to properly insert and remove these aligners during their orthodontic treatment. This means wearing them for 22 hours daily and moving on to the next set of aligners every 1-2 weeks or as directed by Dr. Hall or Dr. McNeil.
How Does Invisalign Differ from Braces?
Invisalign clear aligners have become a popular orthodontic treatment due to their many advantages over traditional braces.
Appearance
Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth. These brackets are connected by wires and secured with rubber bands. Unlike Invisalign, this traditional system is very visible when you smile and can be noticeable even when your mouth is closed.
If you’re looking for a low-profile orthodontic solution, Invisalign may be a better choice. Invisalign uses clear, removable trays that are nearly invisible when worn. This makes Invisalign a more discreet option for those concerned about their appearance during treatment.
Comfort and Convenience
Metal braces are big and bulky, poking your lips and gums. Because of this, traditional braces are known to cause irritation, discomfort, or soreness in the mouth. Additionally, periodic adjustments are needed to tighten the wires, which requires additional office visits.
On the other hand, Invisalign’s smooth plastic aligners are generally more comfortable, with no sharp edges to irritate the mouth. Clear aligners aren’t just more comfortable—they are also more convenient. Since they can be easily removed, you have the flexibility to take them out for specific occasions like interviews, weddings, or when engaging in sports or musical performances.
There are also no adjustments required with Invisalign; you simply change to a new set of aligners every couple of weeks. You’ll need fewer in-person appointments since you typically receive several sets of aligners in advance, but monitoring is still necessary.
Treatment Duration
Each patient’s projected treatment timeline depends on the severity of their case and how much movement is needed to shift the teeth into their proper position. Other factors influencing the treatment length are the patient’s age, oral hygiene, and treatment compliance.
The treatment for traditional braces typically lasts between 18 months to a few years, while treatment with Invisalign can take as little as six months to over a year. Because of the reduced treatment timeline, clear aligners are an attractive treatment option.
Dietary Restrictions
Because traditional braces are fixed to the teeth and can break off or come loose, patients have to be mindful of the foods they eat. Certain foods, like those that are sticky or hard, must be avoided to prevent damage to the braces.
A significant advantage of Invisalign is that you won’t need to alter your diet. Since the aligners are removed to eat and drink, you can look forward to eating all your favorite foods while straightening your teeth. On top of this, you won’t need to worry about fixing brackets or wires that have broken during meals.
Oral Hygiene
An important aspect of orthodontic treatment that can alter the treatment duration is oral hygiene practices. Unfortunately, cleaning around brackets and wires can be challenging, requiring special brushes and techniques to maintain good oral hygiene.
In contrast, Invisalign allows for easy removal of the aligners when brushing and flossing your teeth, simplifying your daily oral hygiene routine. You can also take out the trays to thoroughly clean them.
Patient Responsibility
Proper compliance means quicker results. With traditional braces, compliance involves avoiding risky foods, protecting your teeth and mouth from damage, and maintaining meticulous cleaning practices.
Invisalign requires compliance in moving to the next set of aligners on time and as directed. While this may be more manageable for adults, teen aligners come with a built-in compliance system so parents can be sure that their child is wearing the aligners as needed.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
A good candidate for Invisalign is someone who is highly compliant and committed to diligently following the treatment guidelines, keeping appointments, and maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes both adults and teenagers. Additionally, individuals in good overall health, with healthy teeth and gums, are ideal candidates. Those with oral health concerns should address these issues first with procedures like root canals or gum disease treatments.
Invisalign may not be suitable for those who smoke. Smoking while using Invisalign can lead to prolonged removal of the aligners, impacting the treatment’s effectiveness. Tobacco use also increases the risk of decay and discoloration. Certain medical conditions or medications could also make someone ineligible for Invisalign.
While Invisalign is a proven approach for teeth straightening, it may not be the most effective solution for those with severe overcrowding, overbite, or misshapen teeth.
At your free Invisalign consultation, we will assess your case and determine if this is the best treatment for your dental needs and smile goals.
Insurance and Financing
The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the complexity of each case and the number of aligners required to achieve the desired results. On average, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces.
Many patients wonder if their insurance covers Invisalign, and the answer is that it often does, although it depends on the specifics of your insurance plan. We encourage you to schedule a free, no-risk, no-obligation consultation to determine your plan’s coverage. During this consultation, we’ll assess your case and provide you with a clear understanding of what your plan covers. Additionally, if you have a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you can often use these funds to cover the cost of clear aligners.
To make Invisalign even more affordable for those with out-of-pocket expenses, we have partnered with multiple third-party lenders, allowing us to offer flexible and affordable monthly payment options that can help you spread out the cost of treatment over time. Our goal is to ensure that financial considerations don’t stand in the way of achieving your dream smile with Invisalign.
Straighten Your Smile with Invisalign
Get a better, brighter smile with Invisalign. At Aspire Dental, Dr. Hall and Dr. McNeil are Invisalign-trained dentists who are dedicated to transforming your smile. With their years of expertise and patient-centered approach, you can trust that you’re in capable hands throughout your Invisalign treatment.
Don’t let misaligned teeth hold you back any longer. Experience the benefits of Invisalign, from its discreet appearance to the convenience of removable aligners, and begin your journey to a beautifully aligned, confident smile.
If you’d like to correct alignment issues or have questions about Invisalign, contact us today to book your free, no-obligation consultation.