When it comes to creating straighter smiles, traditional metal braces are an amazing tool. This classic orthodontic appliance has an excellent track record of aligning teeth and jaws, giving patients a more attractive smile and improving their overall oral health. Today’s braces are comfortable, customizable, and more lightweight than ever before, but many patients are still hesitant about using them. Their many improvements aside, braces are still a fixed orthodontic appliance, and as such, they do have some limitations and restrictions.
Fortunately, Ollins Orthodontics offers another option for teens and adults who want a more aligned smile, but aren’t completely sold on using traditional braces to achieve it – the Invisalign clear aligner system! If you’re interested in transforming your teeth, but prefer a more flexible, subtle treatment, keep reading to find out more.
What is Invisalign?
Instead of using brackets, bands, and wires, the Invisalign system is made up of a series of removable clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. Like braces, they gently and gradually move the teeth until they reach their final desired positions. In order to keep up with the shifting of the teeth as they begin to straighten, each aligner is worn for around 1-2 weeks before being replaced with the next one in the series. The trays are custom designed to fit the unique dental needs of each patient, resulting in a beautifully aligned and fully functional smile that also optimizes the bite pattern. Invisalign gives you teeth that are healthier, more attractive, and working effectively, but let’s look at some of the other reasons our patients love it!
1. Invisalign is as effective as traditional braces
Invisalign can be just as successful as traditional braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues. It’s most effective when treating mild to moderate cases of underbite, overbite, overcrowding, and gaps between the teeth, but it’s important to note that successful results depend on patient compliance! If Invisalign aligners aren’t worn the recommended 20-22 hours daily, they won’t have the chance to work the way they’re meant to.
2. Invisalign offers flexibility
Any type of orthodontic treatment will take some getting used to, but the food restrictions that come with traditional braces can be a bit of a learning curve. In order to protect the brackets, wires, and bands, patients must avoid anything that could damage them, including crunchy or sticky foods.
Invisalign aligners, however, are meant to removed at mealtimes, so you’ll be able to eat just about anything you normally would! The key is to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. Luckily, this is another area where Invisalign excels, since its removability makes it easy to keep your teeth and gums clean. With the aligners removed, brushing and flossing is a cinch, and there’s much less chance of bacteria and plaque being trapped against the teeth. All you have to do is brush, floss, and go!
3. Invisalign costs about the same as traditional braces
Many patients worry that an alternative to braces, like Invisalign, will cost more. With any treatment, there are a number of factors that will determine what the total cost will be, from how long the treatment plan is to the extent of the issues needing correction. On average, however, Invisalign will cost just about the same as traditional braces!
Several insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage that will also cover Invisalign. Our staff is happy to call your insurance company to verify your benefit information, and we’ll do our best to help you get the most you can from your plan. For out of pocket costs or treatment that isn’t covered, we also accept most major credit cards and offer a wide variety of 0% affordable payment plans available.
4. Invisalign has the invisibility factor
Anyone who has ever dealt with crooked teeth or other dental issues knows how it can negatively affect your self-confidence. While traditional braces can be a wonderful long-term solution for correcting these problems, many patients worry they will make them stand out even more during the treatment process. One of the things our patients love most about Invisalign aligners is that they are virtually invisible! It’s entirely possible to get through an entire course of treatment without anyone even noticing them. This makes them an excellent option for teens and adults who are concerned about how traditional braces may affect their appearance and their lifestyle.
5. Invisalign means fewer appointments and less chair time
Today’s families are busier than ever, and it can be overwhelming trying to fit work, school, sports, and other extracurriculars into our schedules. That’s before we even begin talking about adjustment appointments at the orthodontist’s office! Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign patients tend to require less frequent visits overall, since there aren’t any adjustments to make, and no broken wires and brackets needing repairs. You’ll have a progress check once every 6-8 weeks, but we do our best to get you in and out as quickly as possible.
Invisalign is a clear winner with Ollins Orthodontics
Here at Ollins Orthodontics, we have an experienced, skilled staff who are committed to creating healthy, beautifully aligned smiles for patients of all ages in Nutley and the surrounding communities. We don’t do cookie-cutter orthodontics! Our team is proud to offer high-quality, individualized treatment plans designed with your smile in mind. We work hard to provide the most rewarding orthodontic journey possible in a comfortable, stress-free environment.
Are you interested in learning more about how to achieve a beautifully aligned smile without traditional braces treatment? If so, we would love to meet you and walk you through your options! If you’re ready to explore how Invisalign can work for you and your lifestyle, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our office. There’s never been a better time to take the first step towards a smile you love that will last a lifetime!
