Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment can correct such misalignments, but some patients are reluctant to saddle their smiles with unattractive brackets and wires for upwards of a couple of years to achieve that goal.
Invisalign® is a unique treatment approach that offers patients an alternative to orthodontics that is a better fit for their busy lifestyles. It is suitable in a variety of cases and is associated with several advantages for patients. Schedule a consultation with our team at Gregory Dental Care to learn more about Invisalign.
The Value of A Properly Aligned Smile
Why does it matter if your smile is straight anyway? Well, patients who have properly positioned teeth gain several benefits, including:
- Improved self-confidence
- Better chewing function
- Reduced risk of injury to soft oral tissues
- Reduced risk of premature wear and tear on teeth
These are all compelling reasons to seek orthodontic treatment if your smile is misaligned in any way.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic treatment works by applying forces to teeth that are crowded or crooked so that the bone tissue that holds them in place will break down, allowing them to shift to their new locations, where new bone tissue will generate to reinforce those positions.
In some cases, it may also be necessary to move the jaws into the proper alignment to realign the smile, and orthodontic appliances can achieve this goal as well.
In the past, providers would move the teeth and/or jaws using brackets, wires, and other appliances, such as rubber bands. However, this obscures the smile during treatment, and it presents a challenge for simple tasks like eating and brushing and flossing teeth.
As a result, patients would delay or forego beneficial treatment because they didn’t want to put up with braces. Invisalign gives these patients a better alternative.
Invisalign: A Modern Approach to Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign achieves the desired movement of the teeth through a series of clear, plastic removable trays that apply the necessary forces to the teeth, eliminating the need for those brackets and wires. Patients switch to a new aligner tray on the schedule provided by their dentist, generally every other week.
Invisalign is suitable in a variety of patient scenarios, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Unevenly spaced teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Patients must wear the appliances for a certain amount of time each day – at least 22 hours – to achieve the desired treatment results in the anticipated timeframe. It’s important to closely follow your dentist’s instructions in this aspect of your treatment.
Benefits of Invisalign
While patients take on more responsibility with Invisalign than with standard orthodontic treatment, they are greatly rewarded for their diligence. Invisalign offers the following benefits:
- Trays can be removed at mealtime so that patients don’t have to make any restrictions to their diet while straightening their smiles.
- Trays can be removed for oral hygiene practices so patients don’t have to work around clunky appliances to keep their teeth clean.
- Your smile is visible throughout treatment and not obscured by traditional braces.
- Patients get improved comfort and no longer have to worry about being poked or injured by the sharp edges of brackets or broken wires.
- Invisalign typically achieves the desired results in a shorter timeframe than traditional orthodontic treatment.
- Invisalign patients generally have fewer in-office visits than traditional orthodontic patients, as the Invisalign trays do not need to be manually adjusted as braces do.
With all of these advantages, it’s understandable while Invisalign appeals to such a diverse group of patients, from image-conscious teenagers to adults who want to improve their smiles but don’t want to sacrifice a professional appearance in the process.
Common Orthodontics Questions
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic trays to straighten the teeth instead of standard orthodontic appliances (braces).
Is Invisalign right for me?
Invisalign is suitable for a wide range of patient scenarios, even fairly complex ones. However, it might not be the most effective approach for all patient cases. To learn whether Invisalign will help you to achieve your smile goals, schedule an evaluation at our office.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
Insurance may cover a portion of the costs associated with Invisalign, and our expert billing staff will work with you to maximize any insurance benefits that you may have. Keep in mind that dental insurance often has an age limit for patients who qualify for coverage for orthodontic treatment.
What is the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces?
All orthodontic treatment strives to reposition the teeth by applying forces to them so that they will move into the correct spots over time. Traditional braces do this via a system of brackets and wires, while Invisalign does so using custom-designed clear plastic trays that can be removed for brief periods for the patient’s convenience.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign varies from case to case and is influenced by the complexity of the case and other associated costs, such as imaging and follow-up visits to monitor the patient’s progress. After evaluating your case, we can give you a more precise estimate of your anticipated costs.