If you’re recently found out that you or your child require orthodontic treatment to correct oral issues, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Taking the first step towards a healthier smile can be exciting, but you may also feel uncertain about what to expect throughout the course of your treatment. Fortunately, advances in orthodontic technology mean that you have more choices than ever before when it comes to your treatment!
Here at Hidden Smiles Orthodontics, these treatment options include traditional metal braces, clear braces, hidden lingual braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to braces available and it’s not hard to see why! To learn more about the benefits of Invisalign, keep reading below.
Invisalign makes treatment nearly invisible
One of the main reasons for Invisalign’s increasing popularity is the flexibility the clear aligners offer patients. The aligners are barely noticeable to most people which is exciting for patients who have been feeling anxious about treatment making their smile stand out. Since aligners can be removed for short periods of time, Invisalign is perfect for any special events when you want your natural smile to shine through, such as proms, weddings, or senior pictures.
Invisalign makes it easier to keep your smile healthy during treatment
Oral hygiene is an important part of daily life for anyone, but it’s absolutely essential for orthodontic patients. Maintaining a good dental hygiene routine can take some getting used to with traditional metal braces, especially in the beginning. Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands can be time-consuming and they also make it more difficult to remove lingering food and plaque. Invisalign aligners are simply removed before brushing and flossing as normal! Caring for the aligners themselves is also incredibly easy. There are kits designed to clean them or you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to brush them.
The flexibility you need with Invisalign
Since they can be removed for short periods of time, Invisalign clear aligners give patients more freedom than traditional treatment methods. Food restrictions are an excellent example of this. With metal braces, patients have to avoid sticky and crunchy foods since they can cause major damage. However, with Invisalign, you can still eat anything you want, anytime you want! Just remove your aligners before eating, then put it back in when you’re finished.
Invisalign may work more quickly than braces in some cases
Every person is different and responds to treatment in their own way, so there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to how long treatment will last.
Patient compliance is important for the success of any orthodontic treatment, but it’s absolutely essential for Invisalign patients. For the system to work correctly and achieve the best results, you will need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day throughout the course of your treatment. You will also be responsible for swapping out your aligners for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks allowing them to keep up with the movements of your teeth. If you don’t keep the schedule put in place by Dr. Parikh, your treatment may take longer and have subpar results.
For patients who are fully compliant, the average treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Depending on the case, this can actually be slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues
When Invisalign first came on the orthodontic scene, they were mainly used to correct simple spacing issues or mild crowding. As the system began to gain popularity, however, the design was greatly improved. Today Invisalign can be used to successfully treat the following conditions:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet
This is great news for patients in Huntington who want a more discreet way to achieve a healthier, straighter smile!
Special features for teens
When it comes to the benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign teen work in the same way. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with features to meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
As we previously mentioned, patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. You must wear your aligners as directed by Dr. Parikh in order for them to work properly. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fade 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
Accidents happen and we know that our teen patients may lose or break an aligner during their treatment process. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, there is no need to worry if this happens. Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Get the smile you deserve with Invisalign and Hidden Smiles Orthodontics
Invisalign clear aligner therapy is an exciting treatment option for many patients, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. Generally speaking, aligners tend to be most successful for teen and adult 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 your FREE consultation with Dr. Parikh at our Huntington office, she will examine your smile and determine if treatment with Invisalign is the best choice for your unique smile. You can trust Hidden Smiles Orthodontics to only recommend the treatment we believe will be the best fit for your unique smile!
During your first visit with us, we will also outline the required investment for your smile. You will learn more about our payment options and insurance coverage. When you have all the right information, you can accurately weigh all of your options.
If you are ready to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Parikh!