When the time comes to get braces, there are many options to consider when deciding which treatment is right for you. With all the advancements in orthodontics, many patients now prefer less noticeable and more comfortable treatment options over traditional metal braces. One of the most popular options for both adults and teens is a series of clear aligners known as Invisalign®. Less noticeable than traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are easier to clean and maintain, more comfortable, and can even give you a more confident smile during treatment.
If you’re considering whether Invisalign® or Invisalign Teen® is the right treatment option for you, continue reading below to learn more about the benefits of Invisalign®.
As one of the first innovators in the aligner market, Invisalign is the most advanced clear aligner brand available today. Invisalign works by first taking a 3D impression or digital scan of your teeth to create a treatment plan just for you. Using the 3D impression, a series of aligners is developed, which are designed to move your teeth in small, gentle steps to achieve the straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. During each visit, our team will ensure your aligners fit correctly and comfortably. You'll visit Dr. Ahrens about once every six weeks to pick up your next set of aligners and ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Most Invisalign patients wear a set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss.
Invisalign is an excellent option to achieve the straight, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. It’s also an excellent option for busy adults and teens, as Invisalign can easily adapt to nearly any lifestyle.
As a preferred provider of the Invisalign system, we’ll ensure your treatment meets the highest standards. Continue reading below to explore some of the benefits of choosing Invisalign for your orthodontic treatment.
Patients typically change retainers every 1 to 2 weeks, often making treatment with Invisalign faster than traditional metal braces, which are typically tightened every 4 to 6 weeks. Depending on your response to treatment, some patients may need additional time between aligner changes. The total treatment time for Invisalign averages 9 to 15 months, and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30. However, specific treatment times and the number of retainers will vary from case to case.
With Invisalign, you'll only visit Dr. Ahrens about once every six weeks to ensure your treatments are working properly and your teeth are moving according to the treatment plan. Because Invisalign doesn’t use wires and brackets, this also means fewer emergency visits to the office due to broken braces or loose wires.
Compared to traditional metal braces, which are tightened every 4 to 6 weeks, you’ll have fewer and less time consuming visits to the office, as there are no metal brackets that must be tightened manually.
Invisalign is virtually invisible, which means you don’t have to worry about braces impacting your smile. Because the clear aligners are specially fitted to your teeth, they have an almost seamless appearance. In fact, most people won’t even notice that you are wearing them!
With Invisalign, your teen won't have to worry about braces taking away from their beautiful smile during important events, like prom. Invisalign is also a discrete and easy way for working professionals to straighten their smile without worrying about braces impacting their appearance or routine.
Invisalign is not just discrete, it is also more comfortable than traditional braces. Instead of metal wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a clear, flexible plastic that molds to your teeth. The smooth plastic does not cause any scrapes or sores on the inside of your mouth, which is common with metal brackets from traditional braces.
In addition to being more comfortable on your teeth, Invisalign does not have to be tightened like traditional metal braces. With Invisalign, you simply change aligners every week or two when your teeth have moved into their next position.
Unlike traditional metal braces, which can make brushing and flossing more difficult, Invisalign can be easily removed to clean your teeth. This makes it easier to keep up proper oral hygiene throughout treatment and prevents your teeth from staining around the brackets.
In addition to making it easier to brush and floss, Invisalign can also be removed when you eat or drink, so you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your brackets.
Traditional metal braces come with many restrictions. From foods to avoid to extra precautions while playing sports, braces require a few adjustments to your everyday routine. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about these restrictions. You can simply remove your aligners while eating and drinking, allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
In addition to fewer food restrictions, Invisalign does not impact you while playing sports. Due to the lack of wires, brackets, and appliances, you don’t have to worry about wearing a mouthguard to keep your braces protected from damage, and your mouth protected from cuts and scrapes.
With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about all the brackets and wires that come with traditional metal braces — including monthly tightenings at the orthodontist. You simply just change aligners every week or two, depending on the schedule prescribed by Dr. Ahrens. This also means no brackets that can break, no loose wires, and fewer pieces to irritate your mouth.
In addition to having fewer pieces that can break, Invisalign is also easier to adapt to your daily routine, as you don’t have to worry about brushing or flossing around wires and brackets, or avoiding foods that can cause damage to your appliance.
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With all the benefits of Invisalign, it's easy to see why they make a great option for straightening your teeth and giving you the beautiful, confident smile you’ve always wanted. Though Invisalign is a suitable treatment option for many patients, traditional metal braces are still a better option for some individuals. Continue reading below to see if Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign can be used to treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including gapped teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and cross-bites. However, in some severe cases, a patient may need other orthodontic treatments. Dr. Ahrens will complete a comprehensive assessment of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite to determine if another treatment option is more suitable for your orthodontic needs.
Though Invisalign offers patients flexibility and can easily adapt to their lifestyle, it still must be worn for at least 20 hours each day to see the desired results. Because of this, children and adults who tend to be forgetful or are not fully committed to their Invisalign treatment plan may find it difficult to remember to wear their aligners for the recommended amount of time each day. If this is a concern for you or your child, traditional braces may be a better option.
The best way to truly know if you are ready for Invisalign, or to learn if you are a candidate for treatment, is to schedule a visit with your orthodontist. Contact us at Ahrens Orthodontics today, and let’s get started crafting your perfect smile!
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