If you’re like most people who first find out that someone in their family should consider orthodontic treatment to improve the health of their smile, you may not know what to expect or what treatment options are currently available. You may even assume that metal braces are your only option. Although traditional braces have undergone quite a transformation in recent years, lots of the teens and adults we treat are still on the fence about them. Fortunately, several alternatives to metal braces are now available! Is alternative treatment like Invisalign worth it? Let’s find out!
Here at Szymanowski Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer clear braces and clear Invisalign aligners and the more traditional metal braces. Invisalign is the most popular alternative we have to braces, particularly among our more image-conscious patients! In most cases, aligners cost about the same as traditional metal braces. However, they can sometimes run slightly more, leading some patients to ask if Invisalign is worth the cost difference. Our team believes Invisalign is an excellent investment in your smile.
A subtle way to straighten your smile
Patients love that we make Invisalign aligners out of clear, comfortable plastic. If you’re anxious about treatment making you stand out, Invisalign could be a welcome alternative! You can also remove your Invisalign aligners for short periods, making them perfect for any special event when you want your natural smile to shine through, like prom, weddings, or senior pictures.
Extra freedom and flexibility
Invisalign patients enjoy a bit more freedom than traditional treatment methods can 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. Restrictions to keep your braces safe 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 after the meal or snack.
Easier oral hygiene
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine with traditional braces can be difficult, particularly in the early days. It’s tricky to brush and floss around the brackets and wires, making it harder to remove any lingering food particles or plaque. You can easily remove your Invisalign aligners 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 you can brush them gently using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Potentially shorten treatment time
Every case is different, and each patient responds to treatment in their way, so there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment.
Patient compliance is an essential part of any orthodontic process, but it’s especially crucial with the Invisalign system. For the aligners to be successful, you have to wear them for 20-22 hours a day during your entire 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 fully compliant patients, treatment time with Invisalign can last anywhere from 6-18 months, which is slightly faster than the average braces treatment.
Treat 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. Orthodontists can now use Invisalign aligners to successfully treat:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet
- and more!
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. Your teen must wear the aligners as directed by Dr. Damon Szymanowski so they can do their job. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fade from blue to clear, to show how much the aligners are being worn. You and Dr. Damon will know if your teen is wearing their aligners correctly.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults. Keeping this space open for unerupted teeth makes it possible to treat more orthodontic issues with Invisalign than we could otherwise.
Replacement aligners
Everybody loses or breaks things sometimes, and that includes teen patients. Of course, teens should always be careful with their aligners, but there’s no need to worry if something does go wrong. Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Trust your smile to the Invisalign experts at Szymanowski Orthodontics,
Invisalign is an excellent option for many patients, but it’s not for everyone. The aligners generally work best for adults and teens with mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are especially complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner can offer.
When you schedule your free consultation with Dr. Damon Szymanowski, he’ll be able to determine if Invisalign treatment is a good fit for your smile and your needs. If he feels that a different treatment option would serve you better, he’ll talk you through what’s available. You can trust our team only to recommend the treatment we believe is best for your unique smile!
We’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile during this first visit with us and let you know about our payment options and insurance coverage. When you have all the right information, you’ll weigh your treatment options more clearly. Knowing there’s a comfortable, flexible, and clear option available that’s just as effective as braces mean any extra cost will be worth every cent!
If you’re in the Sacramento or surrounding areas and want to learn more about how the Invisalign aligner system can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Damon Szymanowski.
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Dr. Szymanowski