You’ve heard the rumors, and now, here are the facts – and fiction – about Invisalign.
Technology has helped create orthodontic treatment that fits both your budget and your lifestyle. Not only have traditional metal braces become much easier to wear, but innovations like Invisalign help make your smile goals a reality without the metal apparatuses of old. It’s now easier than ever to obtain the smile of your dreams.
Not interested in rocking the metal-brackets-and-wires look? Clear aligner systems like Invisalign may be right for you. Clear aligners offer an innovative approach to orthodontics using a series of custom-made invisible aligners. Using 3-D computer imaging, each aligner is made specific to your teeth and gradually and gently shifts them into place.
Here at Johnson Orthodontics, Dr. Johnson is excited to offer Invisalign to our Rehoboth Beach orthodontic patients. Keep reading to gain some clarity on the facts and fiction around Invisalign, then reach out to us and get started on your journey to a delightful smile!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system that takes a modern approach to straightening teeth. It consists of clear acrylic aligners that fit over your teeth and are custom-made for you and only you. These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic. At Johnson Orthodontics, we use photos and x-rays of your mouth to create a 3-D image that promotes a perfect fit without the need for goopy impressions.
Most patients will wear clear aligners for about nine to twenty-four months and will typically use 18-30 sets during treatment. You’ll get a great smile with a treatment that doesn’t interrupt your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth!
The Facts
The FactsAligners like Invisalign have been around since the nineties and earlier versions, called trays, date back decades to when patients used them for post braces retainers. The Invisalign system moves crooked and misaligned teeth in stages using a series of customized aligners. Each retainer is worn for about one to two weeks, so your teeth are gently moved into place little by little, based on the exact movements your doctor plans for you. Then, you will swap to the next aligner in your series and repeat the process.
Patients initially used Invisalign to correct simple spacing concerns and crowding, but this system has proven to be capable of much more, from overbites to crossbites and then some. The key is to determine the severity of your orthodontics issues and work with your orthodontist to determine if this is the right treatment plan for you. Invisalign is an excellent choice at any age, so whether you want to avoid having braces in your yearbook photo or you feel you’re too old to sport metal brackets and wire, ask our expert team at Johnson Orthodontics if this treatment is a good fit for you!
One of the most noted facts about Invisalign is seeing the changes in your smile quickly and clearly since there are no brackets and wires to hide it all while it happens. With this system, you will begin to notice significant changes in your smile within about three months. Another benefit of the removable aligner system is that you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, or even take a photo. To be most effective, aligners need to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day, but you won’t get that flexibility with traditional braces.
Our entire team here at Johnson Orthodontics believes your family deserves honest, compassionate care delivered with state-of-the-art technology, so now that we’ve gotten some facts ironed out, let’s take a look at some of the fiction floating around about Invisalign and clear aligners.
Not So Factual
Myth #1
These days, anything described as “innovative” or “cutting-edge” can also mean expensive. Let’s call fiction on that now. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that, in most cases, Invisalign costs about the same as conventional metal braces.
At Johnson Orthodontics, our goal is to provide outstanding care for a reasonable price. We offer flexible payment plans and convenient online services. We also work with your insurance company to make sure you receive your maximum benefits, and are happy to file all the insurance claims and paperwork on your behalf.
Myth #2
Somewhere along the line, a myth about limiting certain foods while using the Invisalign system started circulating. That can’t be further from the truth. It’s common knowledge that you should avoid chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods while wearing traditional braces so that you don’t break a bracket or get food stuck in complicated places. However, with clear aligners, you can eat or drink anything you want! The aligners must be removed before consuming anything other than water, but that’s it. Just remember to clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in to avoid staining the aligner or having food trapped between the retainer and your teeth.
Myth #3
The last common myth about using clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is that it is hard to remember to wear your trays regularly. The truth is that it’s not much different than remembering to wear your contact lenses. You’ll quickly get into the habit of wearing your retainers and will soon be on your way to your healthiest and straightest smile!
Fact beats Fiction, and the choice is clear with Invisalign and Johnson Orthodontics!
With Invisalign, you’ll get a great smile without a treatment plan that gets in the way of your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth. This nearly-invisible option to straighten your teeth is genuinely changing how people see orthodontic treatment.
When you lay it all out, there’s a lot that factors into whether or not Invisalign clear aligners are right for you. Still, our talented and experienced team at Johnson Orthodontics hopes to shed some light on what to expect from this popular option. This treatment continues to change the lives and smiles of many of our patients.
If you wonder if this might be the best path to your brightest smile, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation. There’s never been a better time to take advantage of the latest in orthodontic treatment!