If you recently found out that you or your child requires orthodontic treatment, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Starting down the path to a healthier smile can be exciting, but you may still be unsure about what to expect in the weeks ahead. You may have some misconceptions leading you to wonder, “is Invisalign worth it?” Fortunately, today’s orthodontic technology has come a long way and provides patients with more treatment options than ever before!
Here at Rhoads Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer our patients a variety of treatments to choose from, so we can find the perfect fit for you! Our treatment options include traditional metal braces, ceramic or tooth-colored braces, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to traditional braces, and it’s not hard to see why! To find out more about the benefits of Invisalign and to find out if it’s right for you, keep reading below!
Invisalign makes treatment nearly invisible
Invisalign clear aligners give patients a sleek and subtle treatment option that traditional braces just can’t beat. These aligners are barely noticeable to most people, which makes them an attractive option for older patients and anyone who’s worried about treatment making their smile stand out. Because they can be removed for short periods of time, aligners are perfect for special occasions, such as prom or weddings, when you want your natural smile to shine through.
Invisalign makes it easier to keep your smile healthy during treatment
Oral hygiene is important for everyone, but when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is essential! When you have traditional braces, it can take some time to get used to the additional brackets and wires you have to brush around. They can also make it more difficult to remove any food residue or plaque. With Invisalign, this is no longer an issue! You can simply remove your aligner when it’s time to brush and floss, making it easy to keep up your normal oral care routine. The aligners themselves are also easy to take care of. There are special kits designed to clean your aligners, or you can gently brush them with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste.
The flexibility you need with Invisalign
Because they aren’t fixed to your teeth and can be removed for short periods of time, Invisalign offers more freedom than traditional treatment methods. One example of this is food restrictions. Sticky and crunchy foods can cause major damage to your braces, so patients have to avoid them over the course of their treatment. With Invisalign, you can still eat your favorite snacks, any time you want! Just remove your aligner before eating and put it back in when you’re done.
Invisalign may work more quickly than braces in some cases
In orthodontic treatment, every case is unique and each patient responds to treatment in their own way. Because of this, there is never a “one size fits all” answer as to how long treatment will last.
With Invisalign, patient compliance is absolutely essential. For the system to be effective, you’ll have to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment process. Every 1-2 weeks, you’ll be responsible for switching out your aligners for the next in the series, allowing them to keep up with the movements of your teeth. If you don’t keep up with your schedule, your treatment may take longer than anticipated and not provide the results you’re looking for.
For patients who are fully compliant, the average treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Depending on your specific case, this can actually be slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues
Initially, Invisalign aligners were mostly used to correct simple spacing issues or mild crowding. Once the system began to gain popularity, however, the design was greatly improved. Invisalign can now be used to effectively treat the following conditions:
- 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 are largely the same. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with features that meet the needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
As we mentioned before, patient compliance is the most important component to success with Invisalign. You must wear your aligners as directed by Dr. Rhoads in order for them to work properly. The compliance indicators built-in to the Invisalign Teen aligners fades 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
We know accidents happen, and it’s not uncommon for our teen patients to lose or break an aligner. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, there is no need to worry if this occurs. Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Get the smile you deserve with Invisalign and Rhoads Orthodontics
While Invisalign is an exciting option for many patients, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Generally, 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.
During your free consultation with Dr. Rhoads in our Cranberry Township office, she’ll examine your smile and determine if Invisalign is the best choice for your smile. You can trust us to only recommend the treatment that we believe will be the best fit for your unique smile!
We’ll also spend some time going over what you’ll be investing in your smile. You’ll learn about our payment options and insurance coverage, so that you can make the best decision possible for your lifestyle.
If you’re ready to learn more about the Invisalign clear aligner system and how it can benefit your smile, visit our website and schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Rhoads.