For almost as long as humans have wanted to correct crooked teeth, we’ve had some version of dental braces. The basic design has existed for centuries, with everyone from Aristotle to ancient Romans throwing their ideas into the ring. There have even been mummies found with metal bands around their teeth! Fortunately, braces have continued to change with the times, and today they are more comfortable and effective than ever. That’s good news when you consider that about 75 percent of the population would benefit from some form of orthodontic correction! Traditional metal braces are no longer the only game in town, however. That is why we are taking a look a Invisalign aligner treatment and if it is worth it for you!
Modern orthodontic patients have a variety of high-quality treatments to choose from, including metal braces, clear braces, lingual Inbrace braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign is actually our most popular alternative to traditional braces, and this exciting system can be an excellent option for patients looking for a more subtle way to straighten their smile! Treatment with Invisalign aligners is comparable in price to braces and there are even a few situations when they’re slightly less expensive.
Here at Brodsky Orthodontics, we’re big fans of the Invisalign system and feel that their aligners can be a worthwhile investment for just about any smile. In fact, Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky can tell you firsthand about how successful Invisalign can be, having been Invisalign patients themselves! To learn more about this revolutionary treatment and how it can transform your smile, keep reading below.
What are clear aligners? What makes Invisalign special?
With traditional braces, brackets are attached directly to the teeth and threaded with wires to hold them in place. Rubber bands are also frequently used to help keep the upper and lower jaws aligned. These components work together to produce gentle pressure on the teeth that gradually moves them into better positions over time.
Invisalign produces the same beautiful results as braces, but does so using an innovative system of clear aligners. These aligners are made of a smooth plastic material that’s virtually invisible and can also be removed for short periods of time (when eating and brushing). They are customized for each patient so that they fit firmly but comfortably over the teeth. That comfort is an important feature, since the aligners need to be worn 20-22 hours each day in order to work properly. Patients must also switch each aligner out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movement of the teeth.
While there are now a number of clear aligner brands on the market, Invisalign has been the tried and true method for over 20 years. Align, Invisalign’s manufacturer, carefully researched and tested materials to ensure quality, safety, and comfort before finalizing their aligner design. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, Align was also able to develop unique software that can digitally map out each patient’s treatment plan months in advance. To date, Invisalign has helped transform more than 8 million smiles all around the world! Dr. Brodsky has treated over 4000 of these cases.
What are the benefits of Invisalign clear aligners?
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can enjoy a bit more freedom than they would with traditional braces. Take food restrictions, for example. Snacking on crunchy and sticky foods can damage a patient’s brackets and wires, so anyone wearing braces will need to avoid them throughout the treatment process. With Invisalign, you can still eat all your favorite foods! Simply remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in again when you’re done (remember to brush and floss after eating whenever possible!)
When you’re uncomfortable with how your teeth look or feel, the last thing you want is something that will make your smile stand out even more. That makes the near invisibility of Invisalign aligners another big selling point! Many patients make it through their entire orthodontic journey without anyone even being aware that they’re straightening their teeth. The removable clear aligners are also perfect for athletes, musicians who play certain types of instruments, and anyone who wants their natural smile to shine through on special occasions like weddings and proms.
Invisalign aligners also simplify your orthodontic journey in several ways, including your oral hygiene routine. While we should all strive for healthy teeth and gums, this is especially important for orthodontic patients. Brushing and flossing with braces can be time-consuming, especially in the beginning of treatment. It can also be difficult to thoroughly clean around the brackets and wires, which increases the chance of tooth decay and cavities.
It couldn’t be easier to care for your mouth with Invisalign! Aligners are removed before brushing and flossing as you normally would. Caring for the aligners themselves is also a simple process. There are special kits designed to clean them, or you can gently brush them with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Invisalign is be just as effective as traditional braces and sometimes more effective
At Brodsky Orthodontics, we know that every smile is unique and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. Because we don’t do “cookie-cutter” treatment, there’s no uniform answer for how long treatment will take. However, most patients can expect to spend anywhere from 8-18 months in aligners, as long as they are wearing them as directed. This is faster than the average time spent in braces.
In the beginning, Invisalign aligners were generally used only in cases with mild spacing or crowding issues. Over time, the design has improved, and the system is now able to treat many of the most common orthodontic problems just as effectively as traditional braces. Some of these conditions include:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- protruding teeth
- and more!
Trust your smile to the Invisalign experts at Brodsky Orthodontics
Invisalign can work well for almost any patient, but those who have severe or complex cases may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner can provide. When you schedule a complimentary consultation with our Lakewood office, our doctors will be able to determine if Invisalign is a good fit for your smile. If a different treatment option would be better, we’ll talk you through the options available to you.
During this visit, our team will also outline the investment needed for your new smile, including any payment options and insurance coverage. Once you have all the information you need, you’ll be able to make the right choice for you. Knowing there’s an alternative to braces that is clear, comfortable, and effective can make any additional cost feel worth every cent!
Drs. Charles and Joel Brodsky have used Invisalign in over 4000 cases, resulting in a special DIAMOND PLUS designation. This indicates that they have expertise with the system that most other orthodontists in this area can’t match! Would you like to learn more about how our Invisalign experts can help transform your smile? Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation and take the first step towards the confident smile you deserve!