If you’ve recently learned that you or your child need orthodontic treatment, you may be picturing a mouthful of metal braces in your future. Even though traditional braces have undergone some major changes in recent years, many patients are still on the fence about them. The good news is, there are now several alternatives to braces, including clear braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign! Invisalign is our most popular alternative to braces, and in general, it is comparative in price to traditional metal braces. However, it can sometimes be slightly more expensive, leading some to wonder “Is Invisalign worth it?”
Here at Bowen Family Orthodontics, we work with each patient’s unique smile to create a customized treatment plan. What works for one patient may not work for another, so we take several different factors into account when choosing the best treatment for you, including:
- your diagnosis
- how much tooth straightening and bite correcting needs to be done
- your lifestyle
- your goals
- your personal preference
- your budget
Keep reading below to learn why we believe Invisalign aligners can be a rewarding investment for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues!
Invisalign can work for a wide range of orthodontic issues
In its earliest days, Invisalign was mostly used for simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. As orthodontists realized the potential of the system and Invisalign began to grow in popularity, the aligners improved to move teeth more efficiently. Invisalign can be used to treat the following conditions successfully:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet
The system can be just as effective as traditional braces when used as directed by an experienced orthodontist. Just ask the 7 million or so patients all over the world who have achieved a healthier smile thanks to Invisalign aligners!
Invisalign offers a more subtle treatment option
One of the biggest selling points of Invisalign is that the aligners are made of a clear plastic that is barely noticeable to most people. For patients who are anxious about treatment making them stand out, Invisalign is a welcome alternative! Since they can be removed for short periods, clear aligners are also perfect for any special event when a patient wants their natural smile to shine through, such as prom, weddings, or senior pictures.
Invisalign comes with extra freedom and flexibility
When asking “Is Invisalign worth it?”, you should know that Invisalign patients enjoy freedom and flexibility that more traditional treatment methods just can’t offer. Food restrictions are a great example. To keep their appliance safe, patients wearing braces must be careful to avoid anything sticky or crunchy, which often eliminates several of their favorite foods and snacks. With Invisalign, you can enjoy all the same food you always have since the aligners are simply taken out before eating, then put back in when you’re done. Not having any food restrictions makes orthodontic treatment a lot more manageable (and a lot more fun!)
Invisalign makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine with traditional braces comes with a bit of a learning curve. Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands can be time-consuming, plus food particles and plaque can get stuck in the wires and between the teeth, allowing bacteria to flourish. Invisalign aligners are simply removed before brushing and flossing as normal! Caring for the aligners themselves couldn’t be easier, either. There are special kits designed to clean them, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Invisalign can sometimes straighten your teeth in less time than braces
There is never a “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment. Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. With Invisalign, patient compliance is an important part of the treatment process. You’ll be responsible for wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, and you’ll also have to keep up with switching your aligners out for the next in the series. This happens every one to two weeks to keep up with the movements your teeth are making. If you are fully compliant, the total treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from about 6 to 20 months, which is slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign Teen offers special features for teen patients
When it comes to the treatment benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with features that meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
As noted above, patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn as directed by Dr. Bowen for them to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into Invisalign Teen aligners fade 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
It is not uncommon for our teen patients to lose or break an aligner. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, there’s no need to worry if this occurs! Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Invest in a beautiful smile with Invisalign and Bowen Family Orthodontics
While there are many benefits to the Invisalign system, it may not be for everyone! In general, aligners tend to work best for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If you have a case that is particularly complex or severe, it may require tooth movement more complex more complex than a removable aligner is able to achieve.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Bowen, she’ll be able to determine if treatment with Invisalign aligners is a good fit for your smile. If a different orthodontic treatment option would be better suited to your smile, she’ll walk through your options with you. We’ll only recommend the treatment we believe is best for your unique smile!
During your consultation, we’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn more about our payment options and insurance coverage. Once you have all the right information, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more clearly. If you know you can have a more subtle, comfortable, and flexible option that’s just as effective as braces, any extra money you may have to put into it will be worth every dime!
To answer the question, “Is Invisalign worth it?”, we believe it is! If you’d like to learn more about the Invisalign aligner system and the incredible things it can do for your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Bowen! With Invisalign and our expert team on your side, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts!