Invisalign clear aligner therapy is an exciting alternative to traditional braces. It offers the same exceptional results but provides a bit more freedom and flexibility! Even though conventional braces have undergone an impressive transformation in recent years, many of our teen and adult patients are still hesitant to use them to straighten their smiles and improve oral health. Here at Orthodontics of South Miami, we’re proud to offer patients the chance to achieve a confident smile with no brackets, wires, and bands, thanks to Invisalign! Compared to braces, which have long been the standard for treatment methods, Invisalign aligners are relatively new on the orthodontics scene. We’ve found that because of this, there are a few misconceptions out there about how they work, how effective they are, and how much they cost. To learn more about the truth behind Invisalign, keep reading below!
What is Invisalign?
A company called Alien Technology developed the Invisalign clear aligners we knew in 1998. However, similar trays had been in use for decades before that as post-treatment retainers. The Invisalign system created software and technology that gave orthodontists like Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg the opportunity to move crooked and misaligned teeth in stages using customized aligners. To keep up with the way their teeth are moving, patients switch their current aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks on average.
In its earliest days, Invisalign was only used to treat simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. Once orthodontists realized its potential and the system grew in popularity, the design improved dramatically. When used as directed, Invisalign can now be just as effective as traditional braces at successfully treating many mild-to-moderate cases.
Does Invisalign treatment take longer than treatment with braces?
Orthodontic treatment of any kind requires patient compliance, but this is especially important with Invisalign aligners! Because we attach braces to the surface of the teeth, they do much of the hard work without too much effort by the patient. Aligners are a removable appliance, however, so it’s up to you to wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours a day to successfully straighten your teeth. If you don’t do this, you may have a longer treatment time or inferior results.
Because every case is different and each patient responds to treatment in their way, there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long a patient will need to be in braces or aligners. The total treatment time for Invisalign patients who follow our instructions is anywhere from 6 to 18 months. That’s slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Is Invisalign more expensive than braces?
Like many things, Invisalign was considered quite expensive when it appeared on the orthodontic market. As aligners have become more popular and more easily accessible over the years, that cost has decreased. Several factors associated with the overall cost of orthodontic treatment, on average aligners, cost just about the same as traditional braces.
Orthodontics of South Miami is committed to providing affordable, high-quality orthodontic care for every budget! We have a variety of payment options available and accept many major insurance plans. Our team will even verify your orthodontic benefits and process your insurance forms.
What are the benefits of Invisalign treatment?
Because you can remove them for short periods, Invisalign aligners give patients flexibility that more traditional treatment methods just can’t match! Take food restrictions, for example. Crunchy and chewy foods can damage brackets and wires, so patients in braces must avoid these items during the treatment process, eliminating several popular foods and snacks, which can be frustrating. That’s never an issue with Invisalign! You can still eat all your favorite foods! You simply take the aligners out whenever you want to eat, then put them back in when you’re done.
Removable aligners also make it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean throughout the treatment process. Brushing and flossing around wires, brackets, and bands can come with a learning curve, especially in the beginning. You remove Invisalign aligners before brushing and flossing as you normally would! Caring for the aligners themselves is a simple task, too. There are special kits designed to clean them, or you can gently brush them using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Removable aligners can be a splendid choice for athletes and musicians who play specific instruments. They’re also perfect for those special events where you only want your natural smile shining through, like a wedding, prom, or senior pictures!
Will the Invisalign system work for everyone?
While we love all the benefits Invisalign offers, it’s not a good fit for every patient. Generally, aligners work best for teens and adults who have mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner can achieve.
When you schedule your free consultation with Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg, they’ll determine if Invisalign is a good fit for you or if you’ll get better results from a different treatment method. Our practice will always recommend only the treatment method that will be best for your unique smile!
What happens once Invisalign treatment is complete?
Whatever orthodontic treatment you choose, your teeth will always remember their previous place in your mouth. If there’s nothing there to stop them, they will drift back towards those positions. That’s why retainers are essential for long-term success and lasting results! Once your treatment is complete, our office will provide you with a retainer. To keep your newly straightened smile in place, always wear it exactly as directed by Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg.
Trust your smile to the Invisalign experts at Orthodontics of South Miami
It’s easy to see why Invisalign’s exciting system is the most popular alternative we currently have to traditional braces! This innovative option continues to change the way people view orthodontic treatment, and we’re proud to offer it to our patients in South Miami and the surrounding communities.
If you’d like to learn more about how Invisalign can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile!