Technology has given us many advancements in orthodontics that make treatment options both financially manageable and lifestyle-friendly. In addition to developments that make traditional metal braces easier to wear, other methods of treatment have been refined and can now help you create your perfect smile, too!
For some patients, metal brackets and wires aren’t their first choice. Thankfully, the Invisalign clear aligner system has allowed us to treat smiles to the same high standards that we have with traditional braces. Invisalign offers an innovative approach to orthodontics by using a series of custom-made, invisible aligners. Using 3D computer imaging, each aligner is customized to treat your specific teeth and bite, and gradually and gently shifts your teeth into proper alignment.
Here at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad have a lot of experience treating patients with Invisalign and are excited to offer this technology to our Chapel Hill, Durham, Mebane, and Roxboro area patients. If you are interested in achieving your perfect smile with clear aligners, keep reading to learn more about facts and myths surrounding Invisalign, and reach out to schedule a complimentary smile assessment!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign consists of a set of clear acrylic aligners that fit over your teeth and are customized for you and only you. These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic. In our offices, we use a digital scanner to computerize your smile, leading to a perfectly-fitting aligner without the need for goopy impressions. Our doctors then develop a specialized plan for your bite and alignment, and deliver your full set of aligners just a couple of weeks later. Most patients will wear Invisalign for about 6 to 15 months.
The Facts
Aligners may look like post-treatment retainers; but they actually do a lot more! Retainers do a great job of holding your teeth in their final position, but do not actively move your teeth. Invisalign can move crooked and malaligned teeth in stages. Each aligner is worn for about 7 to 10 days, after which you switch to the subsequent aligner, conveniently numbered for clarity.
Doctors initially used Invisalign to correct simple spacing concerns and crowding, but it’s proven to be capable of much more. Today, with proper planning and judicious decision-making, we can predictably treat overbites, open bites, crossbites, and more with aligners. Invisalign is an excellent choice at any age, so whether you want to avoid having braces in your yearbook photo or you’re a customer-facing professional, aligners can be a great option for you.
One of the great benefits of Invisalign is the ability to remove the aligners at any time. This means that you have a front-row seat to your improving smile; you may notice changes as early as three months after delivery! Another benefit of being able to remove the aligners is the freedom to eat whatever you would like once the aligners are removed, and the ability to brush your teeth without brackets and wires in the way. Have a big presentation? You can remove the aligners temporarily for that, too. However, for Invisalign to be most effective, they do 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 Smith & Heymann 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 myths floating around about Invisalign.
Not So Factual
These days anything described as “innovative” or “cutting-edge” can also mean expensive. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that Invisalign will typically cost the same or close to the amount you’d pay for conventional metal braces. If your insurance includes an orthodontic benefit, this benefit can be used towards active treatment with either traditional braces or aligners! Our team is also committed to making the insurance process as easy as possible, so we will take care of calling your insurance company to determine any benefits prior to your appointment, and help you complete the required forms and documents once treatment begins.
Some people believe that, like with braces, your food choices are limited with Invisalign. It’s common knowledge that you should avoid chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods with traditional braces, or you risk breaking something or food getting stuck in complicated places. However, with Invisalign, you simply take out your aligners before you eat or drink anything other than water, and nothing is off the table. Still, like with traditional braces, oral hygiene and consistent brushing is very important. Remember to clean your teeth before replacing your aligners.
The last common myth about using Invisalign for orthodontic treatment is that it is very difficult to remember to wear the aligners regularly. While this may seem like it would be a lot to remember, it’s not much different than wearing contact lenses. Between the Invisalign technology itself and our custom treatment plan, you’ll quickly get into the habit of wearing your retainers to your healthiest and straightest smile.
Fact beats Fiction, and the choice is clear with Invisalign and Smith & Heymann Orthodontics
With Invisalign, you’ll get a great smile without a treatment 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 is right for you. Still, our talented and experienced team at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics hopes to honestly shed some light on what to expect from this popular option. This treatment continues to change the lives and smiles of our patients.
If you are wondering if Invisalign is the best path to your brightest smile, get in touch today to schedule your complimentary consultation. There’s never been a better time to take advantage of the latest in orthodontic treatment!