Is Invisalign Worth It?

It can be both exciting and slightly overwhelming to learn that you or your child need orthodontic treatment. If you aren’t familiar with orthodontics, you may not be sure what to expect from the journey ahead. Many patients automatically assume treatment means metal braces, and can feel a little nervous about that. Even though traditional braces have gone through quite a transformation in recent years, plenty of our teen and adult patients are still hesitant about using them.

The good news is, a number of alternatives to metal braces are now available! This includes clear braces, lingual braces that fit to the back of your teeth, and clear Invisalign aligners. Here at Surf City Smiles, Dr. Carlson will work with your unique smile to create a customized treatment plan that will give you the best results possible. He’ll base that plan on several different factors, including:

• your diagnosis
• how much work needs to be done
• your lifestyle
• your goals
• your personal preference
• your budget

Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to braces. Our teen and adults patients love the clear aligner system, particularly those who are image-conscious! In most cases, aligners are comparative in price to traditional metal braces. However, they can sometimes cost slightly more, leading some patients to wonder if Invisalign is worth the difference. We believe Invisalign aligners are an excellent investment in your smile, so keep reading below to find out why!

Invisalign lets you straighten your smile discreetly

The clear, comfortable plastic that Invisalign aligners are made of is a big selling point for patients. Patients who are anxious about treatment making them stand out find that Invisalign is often a welcome alternative! They’re also able to be removed for short periods of time, making them perfect for any special event when you want your natural smile to shine through, like prom, weddings, or senior pictures.  

Invisalign comes with a bit of extra freedom and flexibility

Invisalign patients tend to enjoy more freedom than traditional treatment methods are able to offer! Take food restrictions, for example. Sticky and crunchy foods can wreak havoc on brackets and wires, so patients in braces must avoid them throughout the treatment process. This can eliminate several favorite foods and snacks, which can be frustrating. Invisalign means you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want to! Simply remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in when you’re done.

Invisalign makes it easier to care for your teeth and gums

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine with traditional braces can be difficult, especially in the early days. It can be tricky to brush and floss around the brackets and wires, which also makes it harder to remove any lingering food particles or plaque. 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 potentially shorten treatment time

Because every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way, there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment.

Patient compliance is an important part of any orthodontic process, but it’s especially important with the Invisalign system. For the aligners to be successful, they must be worn for 20-22 hours per day, throughout treatment. You’ll also be responsible for switching your aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements your teeth are making.

For patients who are fully compliant, treatment time with Invisalign can last anywhere from 6-18 months. This is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!

Invisalign can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues

In its earliest days, Invisalign was mostly used to correct simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. As the system began to grow in popularity, the design improved dramatically. Invisalign aligners can now be used to successfully treat:

• gaps between teeth
• crowding
• deep overbite
• open bite
• crossbite
• excessive overjet
• and more!

Invisalign 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. Carlson in order for them to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fades 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.    

Invisalign is a clear winner with Surf City Smiles

As much as we love Invisalign, it’s not for everyone. In general, the aligners tend to work best for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are particularly complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve.

When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Carlson, he’ll be able to determine if Invisalign treatment is a good fit for your smile. If he feels that a different treatment option would be a better option, he’ll talk you through what’s available. Our team will only recommend the treatment we believe is best for your unique smile!

During this first visit with us, we’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile, and let you know about our payment options and insurance coverage. When you have all the right information, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more clearly. Knowing there’s a comfortable, flexible, and clear option available that’s just as effective as braces means any extra cost will be worth every penny!

If you’re ready to learn more about the Invisalign aligner system and how it can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Carlson.