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If you’ve recently learned that you or your child require treatment to correct orthodontic issues, you might be feeling a little anxious. Taking the first step towards the smile of your dreams is exciting, but you may also be uncertain about what lies ahead. Many have misconceptions about today’s treatment, leading them to wonder “is Invisalign worth it?” Fortunately, today’s technology gives patients more options for their orthodontic treatment than ever before!
Here at Seabreeze Orthodontics, we offer a wide variety of treatment options, including traditional metal braces, clear or tooth-colored braces, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to traditional treatment methods, and it’s not hard to see why! The cost of Invisalign is typically comparable to metal braces, but in some cases, can be slightly more expensive. This can lead patients to wonder if the difference in cost is really worth it.
Dr. Juan and the team at Seabreeze Orthodontics are confident that Invisalign aligners are a rewarding investment for your smile! Keep reading below to find out more about the benefits of Invisalign clear aligner therapy!
Invisalign makes treatment nearly invisible
One of the most attractive features of Invisalign is the flexibility it offers patients. They’re made of clear plastic, making them barely noticeable to most people. This is especially exciting for patients who are worried orthodontic treatment might make their smile stand out. Since they can be removed for short periods of time, aligners are perfect for special occasions, such as weddings or prom, when a patient wants their natural smile to shine through.
Invisalign makes it easier to keep your smile healthy during treatment
A good oral hygiene routine is important for everyone, but orthodontic patients in particular need to maintain good dental hygiene during the course of their treatment. With traditional braces, the additional brackets and wires can create a bit of a learning curve when it comes to brushing and flossing. Braces also provide additional space for food particles and plaque to linger, creating a home for countless bacteria. With Invisalign, you can simply remove your aligners and brush and floss as normal! Caring for the aligners themselves is also exceptionally easy. There are cleaning kits designed specifically for Invisalign clear aligners, or you can use a toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush them.
The flexibility you need with Invisalign
Because they can be removed for short amounts of time, Invisalign offers patients more freedom and flexibility than any other kind of orthodontic treatment! Food restrictions are the best example. When wearing traditional metal braces, you have to avoid sticky and crunchy foods because they can damage your brackets and wires. This often eliminates several of your favorite foods and snacks. With Invisalign, that’s no longer a necessity! You can remove your aligners before eating, then replace them when you’re done. This way, you can still eat whatever you want.
Invisalign may work more quickly than braces in some cases
With any orthodontic treatment, each patient responds in their own way. Because of this, there is no “one size fits all” answer as to how long your treatment will last.
With Invisalign, patient compliance plays a key role in determining the length of your treatment. For the system to be effective, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day throughout the course of your treatment. You’ll also be responsible for exchanging your aligners for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks, which allows them to gently guide your teeth to their desired positions. Without this, your treatment time may increase and not provide the long-lasting results you’re looking for.
For patients who are fully compliant and stay on track, the average treatment time using Invisalign can be from 6 to 18 months. This is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in traditional metal braces!
Invisalign can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues
While Invisalign was originally designed to correct simple spacing issues or mild crowding, it began to improve over time. As orthodontists began to realize the potential of the system, the design of the aligners shifted. Today, Invisalign can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic conditions just as effectively as traditional braces, including:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet
Special features for teens
When it comes to the treatment benefits and technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are largely the same. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with features that meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
As we already mention, patient compliance is critical to success with Invisalign treatment. Wearing your aligners as directed by Dr. Juan is essential for them to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fades from blue to clear, providing a visual approximation of wear to help teenage patients stay consistent in wearing their aligners. This also helps parents and orthodontists know the teen is holding up their end of the 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. This is perfect for younger patients who are still growing!
Replacement aligners
It is not uncommon for our teen patients to lose or break an aligner. While teens should always treat their aligners with care, at Seabreeze Orthodontics we know accidents happen, so there’s 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 Seabreeze Orthodontics
While Invisalign is an exciting treatment option for many patients, it isn’t right for everyone. 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 might require more precise tooth control than removable aligners can achieve.
When you schedule your free consultation with Dr. Juan in our Myrtle Beach office, he’ll conduct an initial examination and determine if your smile would benefit from Invisalign clear aligner therapy. You can trust Seabreeze Orthodontics to only recommend the treatment we believe will be best for you and your smile!
During your consultation, we’ll also discuss the investment you’ll be making in your smile. You’ll hear all about our payment options and insurance coverage. We’ll make sure you have all the information necessary to make a decision that fits your budget. When you know there’s a sleek, subtle alternative to traditional braces that’s just as effective, any additional cost can feel worth it!
If you’re ready to take the first step in finding out more about how Invisalign aligners can transform your smile, contact our office today and schedule a free consultation with Dr. Juan!