There haven’t always been as many orthodontic treatment options as there are now. If you wanted to straighten your smile, your only option was months or years of uncomfortable, bulky metal braces that everyone knew were there. But there’s good news! Modern braces have had quite the makeover in recent years. They feature smaller brackets, a more appealing look, and they can even move your teeth more efficiently. Even better news? Metal braces are no longer the only choice you have for a beautiful new smile. At Pioneer Orthodontics, we’re thrilled to offer Invisalign clear aligner therapy to patients seeking an alternative to traditional braces. Do you want a healthy smile without having to worry about changing your lifestyle? Keep reading to learn the truth about Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
The Invisalign system was developed in the late 1990s, but similar trays had already been in use for years as retainers after treatment. Invisalign took this method and enhanced it, treating simple spacing issues and mild crowding. Once orthodontists began to take notice of their potential, the aligners were redesigned to move their teeth more efficiently in cases ranging from mild to moderately severe.
Using unique software and technology, the Invisalign system moves crooked and misaligned teeth in stages with a series of aligners made just for you. At the end of each step, you replace your current aligner with the next in the series to keep up with how your teeth are moving. This will usually be every 1-2 weeks, depending on the specific treatment plan. When used as directed by an experienced orthodontist (like Dr. Cserna), Invisalign aligners are just as effective as traditional braces.
Does Invisalign treatment take longer than braces?
You should always follow your orthodontist’s instructions for any treatment you start. This is especially important for Invisalign patients because your appliances aren’t glued to your teeth. With traditional braces, a lot of the work is done for you, but since Invisalign aligners are removable, it’s up to the patient to wear them 20-22 hours a day throughout treatment. Those who neglect to do so won’t see the results they desire and may face longer treatment times in general.
The first thing most people want to know about Invisalign is how long their treatment will take. However, there isn’t a simple answer to this. Every situation is different, and every patient will respond to treatment in their own way. In general, the total treatment time averages 12-15 months, and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is 36-48. For comparison, this is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Does Invisalign cost more than braces?
To determine the cost of any treatment, many factors must be considered. All things considered, the cost of Invisalign is very similar to that of traditional braces. Our team is committed to providing high-quality treatment to fit every budget. Financial considerations shouldn’t stand in the way of excellent oral health, so we offer flexible payment plans, payment by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and CareCredit, and automatic electronic monthly debit of bank accounts or credit cards. A beautiful smile is always in the budget with Pioneer Orthodontics!
What advantages does Invisalign have over traditional braces?
The primary advantage of Invisalign is the freedom and flexibility it provides compared to traditional braces. Food restrictions are a perfect example of this. For many patients, one of the toughest parts of treatment is giving up some of their favorite foods to keep their braces safe. You can’t eat anything crunchy or chewy, which probably excludes some of your favorite meals and snacks. With Invisalign, this isn’t an issue! The aligners are simply taken out before eating, then put back in when the patient is done. Not having any food restrictions makes the treatment process a lot more fun!
Removing your aligners makes it easier to maintain a good oral hygiene routine and keep your teeth sparkling clean and healthy. Brushing and flossing around wires, brackets, and bands can be frustrating and time-consuming, but Invisalign aligners are removed before brushing and flossing as usual. Caring for the aligners themselves is also easy. There are special kits designed to clean them, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Another great benefit? If you play an instrument or a sport, you don’t have to worry about damaging brackets or learning to play an instrument all over again with braces.
And since they can be removed for short periods, they’re also perfect for any special event when a patient wants their natural smile to shine through, such as prom, weddings, or even senior pictures.
Is Invisalign an option for every smile?
Invisalign is an effective option for almost every patient. However, it does work best when used to correct mild to moderate issues. More complex or severe cases may require the precision that braces can achieve more efficiently.
When you schedule a complimentary consultation with our practice, our doctors will be able to determine if Invisalign is a good fit for you or if a more traditional treatment method would be better. In many cases, patients can choose between braces and Invisalign aligners!
What happens once Invisalign treatment is complete?
No matter the orthodontic treatment option you choose, your teeth will want to move back to where they were before. They’ll accomplish this goal if there’s nothing to stop them. That’s why retainers are an essential part of achieving long-lasting results! Our office will provide you with a retainer once your treatment is complete. Wearing this retainer exactly as directed will help keep your beautiful new smile in place for years to come.
Discover the smile of your dreams with Invisalign by Pioneer Orthodontics
Invisalign is our most popular alternative to traditional braces, and it’s no secret why! This innovative aligner system continues to change the way people view orthodontic treatment, and we’d love to discuss it with you. To learn more about the incredible things our expert team can do for your smile with Invisalign, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation!