Fact Vs. Fiction: Invisalign

Have you been looking for a way to straighten your smile but aren’t sure if traditional braces are a good fit for you? If you’d prefer a more flexible treatment method, Invisalign clear aligners could be the perfect solution! As your local Mullica Hill Invisalign provider, we’ll help you determine the Fact Vs. Fiction! 

While Invisalign has been in use for over twenty years now, there are still a few misconceptions floating around out there about how the system works and what clear aligners can accomplish. To separate fact from fiction about Invisalign, our team at Bowen Family Orthodontics team has gathered the most pervasive myths about Invisalign to put them to rest! 

Fiction: Invisalign takes more time than traditional braces

To understand why this is inaccurate, let’s look at orthodontic appliances in general. Most appliances are either fixed or removable. For example, traditional braces are a fixed appliance, as the brackets are affixed directly to the surface of the teeth. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are removable appliances. Though they’re custom-designed for a snug fit, no part of the tray is actually attached to the teeth. 

This removability is one of Invisalign’s most popular features! The aligners are designed to be removed any time you eat and when you brush your teeth, so there’s a bit more flexibility than you’d have with traditional braces. That means there are no food restrictions, and your dental hygiene routine will be as easy as ever to maintain. There is a trade-off, though—the Invisalign system requires a bit more patient compliance to be successful. 

What does that mean exactly? Since the aligners are removable appliances, it’s up to patients to wear them as directed by Dr. Bowen. Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours each day throughout treatment in order to be effective. Patients are also in charge of switching the aligners out every 1-2 weeks for the next in the series. This allows them to keep up with the movements the teeth are making. When these guidelines aren’t followed, it can result in longer treatment times and affect the overall results. 

When patients are compliant and follow our recommendations, the total treatment time tends to average anywhere from 6-18 months. However, this will vary from case to case, as every patient has different needs and will respond to treatment in their own way. For some, the treatment time for Invisalign can be slightly faster than it is with traditional braces!

Fiction: The Invisalign system takes more work than braces

One part of patient compliance involves taking good care of your teeth and gums throughout the treatment process. Having a thorough and consistent dental hygiene routine is essential for all orthodontic patients, but learning to navigate around the brackets and wires can take some time. These components create pockets that are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. This isn’t anything you’ll have to worry about with Invisalign!

Invisalign’s clear aligners are designed to be removed before you brush and floss, then replaced once you’re done. For the best results, we recommend that all of our patients brush thoroughly after every meal and floss every night before bed. You’ll need to take good care of your aligners, too, and this can be done by gently brushing them with water and a soft toothbrush or using a special kit.  

You won’t have any food restrictions to worry about with Invisalign, either! Braces patients need to avoid crunchy and chewy foods that can damage brackets and wires until treatment is complete. Since Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before eating, you’re still free to eat all the things you usually would! Just be sure to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean and free from debris. 

Invisalign can be useful in ways you might not normally consider, too. Because they can be removed for short periods of time, they make an excellent option for athletes and musicians who play certain instruments. They’re also wonderful for any special occasion when you want your natural smile to shine through, like senior photos, weddings, and prom.

Fiction: Treatment with Invisalign costs more than traditional braces

Traditional braces have been around for hundreds of years in one form or another! Compared to their history, the Invisalign system is still relatively new. Like many products when they come on the market, the aligners were quite pricey initially. But as the Invisalign system became more popular and accessible, the cost decreased accordingly. Several factors go into determining the total cost of treatment for any patient, but in general, Invisalign tends to cost just about the same as traditional braces. 

Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with Dr. Bowen, we’ll walk you through your payment options. You’ll never have to worry about hidden fees or unexpected charges with our practice! Our team will always ensure you know what to expect before we begin the active phase of treatment. We have a variety of payment options available to suit every budget.

Fact: a beautiful smile is possible with Invisalign & Bowen Family Orthodontics

Dr. Bowen has years of experience straightening smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. While Invisalign can be an amazing tool for straightening teeth, we are passionate about treating each patient with a customized treatment plan. You can trust us to only recommend the appliance with the best outcome possible! 

You’ll need a consultation with Dr. Bowen to determine if Invisalign is right for your smile. When you schedule this FREE consultation with us, she’ll examine your mouth and determine which treatment would be the best fit for your specific needs. If you’d like to learn more about how the Invisalign clear aligner system could transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule a visit with our Mullica Hill office!  

Posted by Bowen Orthodontics