Invisalign: Fact Vs. Fiction

If you’ve been looking for a flexible way to straighten your smile, Invisalign clear aligners can be a fantastic solution. Hidden Smiles Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign clear aligners to our Huntington patients. Dr. Parikh sees patients every day who want straighter smiles without the appearance of metal braces. When you trust your smile to us, you can rest assured you’re putting your oral health into the most experienced hands! 

Invisalign is the most popular alternative to traditional braces, and it’s not hard to see why. This innovative system gives you the same results as braces without brackets, wires, or bands. While Invisalign has been in use for more than twenty years, there are still a few misconceptions about clear aligners and how they work. We will separate the fact from fiction below, so keep reading to learn the truth about Invisalign!

Fiction #1: Invisalign takes longer to work than traditional braces

Understanding why this is fiction helps to know a bit about orthodontic appliances. In general, appliances will be either fixed or removable. Traditional braces are fixed appliances, with the brackets attached directly to the front of the teeth. 

Invisalign aligners are removable appliances, so nothing is attached to your teeth. This removability is one of the system’s best features! You remove the aligners when you eat and brush your teeth, so there’s more flexibility than braces.

It’s also important to understand that orthodontic treatment of any kind requires compliance, but it’s essential for success with Invisalign. Because the aligners are removable, it’s up to you to wear them as directed by Dr. Parikh. 

During treatment, you’ll wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. You’ll also need to switch the aligners out every week to the next in the series so the aligners can keep your teeth moving in the right direction. You may have longer treatment times and subpar results if you don’t follow these guidelines.

One of the questions we often hear is how long treatment will take. Whether you’re in braces or Invisalign, there’s no concrete answer. Every case is unique, and everyone will respond to treatment differently. On average, the total treatment time for most Invisalign patients at Hidden Smiles Orthodontics is about 6-18 months, slightly faster than traditional braces!

Fiction #2: The Invisalign system is more difficult to maintain than braces

Oral hygiene is another factor in the success of your treatment! A good dental hygiene routine is essential for everyone, but there can be a bit of a learning curve with braces. It can take some time to adjust to the brackets and wires, which create pockets that are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. You never have to worry about that with Invisalign, though!

Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before you brush and floss, then replaced once you’re done. We recommend brushing thoroughly after every meal and flossing every night before bed for the best results. 

You’ll need to take good care of your aligners by gently brushing them with water and a soft toothbrush. Special kits are also available for cleaning them if you prefer a more ready-made solution.  

Food restrictions are also a thing of the past with Invisalign. Since crunchy and chewy foods can damage brackets and wires, braces patients need to avoid them during treatment. But Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before eating, so you’re free to eat all the things you usually would! 

Invisalign can be helpful in ways you might not normally consider, too. Because you can take them out for short periods, they can be an excellent option for athletes, musicians who play specific instruments, and any special occasion when you want your natural smile to shine through.

Fiction #3: Invisalign costs more than traditional braces

Compared to braces, which have been around for centuries in one form or another, the Invisalign system is relatively new. When clear aligners first hit the market, they were pretty pricey. But as the treatment became more popular and accessible, the cost decreased accordingly. 

Dr. Parikh considers several factors when determining the overall cost of your treatment, but Invisalign typically costs about the same as braces in our Huntington office. Once you decide on a treatment plan, we’ll walk you through your payment options. 

In addition to accepting most major New York insurance plans, we offer convenient payment plans to fit your budget. It’s our goal to keep your treatment affordable and efficient!

Fact: you’ll find your best smile with Hidden Smiles Orthodontics

Dr. Parikh has successfully treated hundreds of patients with Invisalign in Huntington and the surrounding communities. This expertise allows her to use Invisalign to treat patients of all ages! 

When you schedule your free consultation, Dr. Parikh will examine your mouth and determine which treatment would be the best fit for your unique smile. If you’d like to learn more about how the Invisalign clear aligner system could transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule a visit to our Huntington office!