Is Invisalign Worth It?

If you’ve recently learned that you or your child require orthodontic treatment, you may be imagining a mouthful of metal braces in your future. Although traditional metal braces have made some major improvements over the years, many people are still on the fence about using them to achieve a straighter smile. Thankfully, there are a number of treatment options available today including clear braces, lingual braces that fit to the back of your teeth, and Invisalign clear aligners.

Here at Lincoln Orthodontics, we work with each patient’s unique smile to create a completely customized treatment plan. We know that what works for one patient may not work for another, so we take several factors into consideration when decided on a treatment plan that’s best for you. These include:

• your diagnosis
• how much work needs to be done
• your lifestyle
• your goals
• your personal preference
• your budget

Invisalign continues to be our most popular alternative to traditional braces and it is comparable in price to traditional metal braces because at our office, the fee is the same because we truly want you to choose what will fit your lifestyle best. Keep reading below to find out why Dr. Emily Willett and the team at Lincoln Orthodontics believe Invisalign aligners can be a great investment for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues!

Invisalign offers a more discreet treatment option

One of the most attractive features of Invisalign aligners is that they’re made from a clear plastic that is almost completely unnoticable. For patients who are worried about orthodontic treatment drawing attention to their smile, Invisalign is a welcome alternative! Since the aligners can be removed for short periods of time, they’re also a great option for patients who may have special events coming up, such as a wedding or prom.  

Invisalign gives patients extra freedom and flexibility

Patients who choose Invisalign enjoy freedom and flexibility that more traditional treatment options just can’t compare to! Food restrictions are a great example. In order to protect their appliances, braces patients must be careful to avoid any sticky or crunchy foods, which often eliminates several of the most popular foods and snacks. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about this! Since you can remove your aligners, you can continue to enjoy any foods you’d like. Just take your aligners out before eating and put them back in when you’re done. Not having to worry about food restrictions makes orthodontic treatment a lot more manageable (and more fun!)

Invisalign makes maintaining good oral hygiene a breeze

It’s important for everyone to have a good oral hygiene routine, but for orthodontic patients, it’s absolutely essential! Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands of traditional braces can be time-consuming and frustrating. Not to mention all of the extra places for food to hide! Invisalign aligners are simply taken out before brushing and flossing as usual. Caring for the aligners is also incredibly easy! There are special kits designed to clean them or you can gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.

Invisalign can sometimes straighten your teeth in less time than braces

There is never a “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient’s orthodontic treatment will last. Every case is unique and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. With Invisalign, patient compliance is an important part of the process. Patients are responsible for wearing aligners for 20-22 hours per day, as well as switching out their aligners for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows the aligners to keep up with the movements of your teeth and keep your treatment on track. For patients who are fully compliant, the total treatment time can be anywhere from 6-18 months, which is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!

Invisalign can work for a wide range of orthodontic issues

When it first came on the scene, Invisalign was mostly used for simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. However, as orthodontists began to realize the potential of the system, Invisalign began to grow in popularity and the design was improved to move teeth more efficiently. Invisalign can now be used to successfully treat the following conditions:

• gaps between teeth
• crowding
• deep overbite
• open bite
• crossbite
• excessive overjet

Invisalign clear aligners can be just as effective as traditional metal braces when used as directed by an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Willett. Just ask the 7 million or so patients all over the world who have achieved healthier, straighter smiles thanks to Invisalign!

Invisalign Teen offers special features for teenage patients

While the treatment benefits and underlying technology of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same, the latter was designed with the needs of teenage patients in mind. Invisalign Teen includes unique features that meet the needs of teens, including: 

Compliance indicators

As noted above, patient compliance is a crucial element of success with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn as directed by Dr. Willett in order for them to achieve the maximum results. 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

It is not uncommon for our teen patients to lose or break an aligner. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, there’s no need to worry if this occurs! Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.    

Invest in a beautiful smile with Invisalign and Lincoln Orthodontics

It’s true that the Invisalign system can have a multitude of benefits for many orthodontic patients, but it isn’t for everyone! In general, aligners tend to work best for adult and teenage patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If your case is particularly complex or severe, it may require more precise tooth control than aligners can provide.

At your FREE consultation with Dr. Willett, she’ll be able to determine if you’re a good fit for treatment with Invisalign clear aligners and discuss the plan for their use in your treatment. If you’d benefit more from another form of treatment, Dr. Willett will walk you through your different options. You can trust that we’ll only recommend the treatment we believe will give you the best results for your unique smile!

During your consultation, we’ll also go over the total investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn more about our convenient payment options and insurance coverage. Once you have all the right information, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more clearly. If you know there’s a more discreet, comfortable, and flexible treatment option that’s just as effective as braces, any extra cost will be worth every dime!

If you’re ready to learn more about the Invisalign clear aligner system and the amazing things it can do for your unique smile, contact our office today and schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Willett! With Invisalign and our expert team on your side, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime!