Throughout most of orthodontic history, traditional braces were the only option for those wishing to straighten their teeth or improve their oral health. So it’s no wonder that many patients automatically envision a mouth full of metal as soon as we mention how treatment can benefit their smile! Fortunately, there have been a number of innovations in orthodontic technology and techniques over the last several years. Modern braces are more comfortable, effective, and attractive than they’ve ever been. They can even be customized by choosing elastic bands in fun colors!
As much as braces have changed for the better recently, we still have many teen and adult patients who are hesitant about wearing them. Most are looking for a more discrete option that doesn’t stand out quite so much. Here at Kottemann Orthodontics, we offer a few alternatives to metal braces, including clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and Invisalign Teen aligners. We’re now offering Invisalign First, as well, which can be a great option for our younger patients.
You’re the only one who has your smile! What works for someone else may not be a good fit for you. That’s why our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan based on your own unique needs. When you visit us at one of our conveniently located offices, one of our doctors will perform a free orthodontic evaluation. During this consultation, we’ll be looking at several different factors when choosing the best treatment for you, including:
- your diagnosis
- the treatment objectives
- how simple or complex your case is
- your lifestyle
- your personal treatment goals
- your preferences
- your budget
Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to traditional braces, and with good reason! It can be an excellent option for many patients, especially those who have mild to moderate orthodontic issues. In most cases, Invisalign aligners will be comparable in price to traditional metal braces, but there may be times when they run slightly more expensive. This has left some patients wondering if the Invisalign system is worth the difference in total treatment cost. We believe that Invisalign aligners are a worthwhile investment for just about any smile! To learn more about why we love the Invisalign system, keep reading below.
The clear choice for straighter smiles
One of the things patients love most about Invisalign is the clear aligners! For those who worry about standing out during the treatment process, Invisalign can be a welcome alternative. Aligners can also be removed for short periods of time. This is great for athletes, musicians who play certain types of instruments, or for any occasion when you want your natural smile to shine through, like prom, senior photos, or weddings.
Invisalign offers an extra measure of freedom and flexibility
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, patients are able to enjoy a bit more freedom and flexibility than traditional braces allow. Food restrictions are a perfect example! Chowing down on crunchy and sticky foods can cause damage to the brackets and wires, so braces patients need to avoid them throughout the treatment process. It can be frustrating to give up your favorite snacks, even if it’s only temporary. With Invisalign, you never have to worry about this! Simply remove the aligner before eating whatever you want, then put it back in again when you’re done.
It’s easier to maintain a healthy smile throughout treatment
Good oral hygiene is important for everybody, orthodontic patient or not. It’s even more essential when you’re undergoing treatment, however. Brushing and flossing with braces can come with a bit of a learning curve, especially in the early days. It can be difficult to brush and floss around the brackets and wires, which increases the chance of food particles and plaque building up and causing problems.
Caring for your mouth with Invisalign couldn’t be easier! Aligners are simply removed before brushing and flossing as normal. It’s a cinch to care for the aligners themselves, too. You can try the special kits that have been designed to clean them, or gently brush them with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Treatment times with Invisalign may be slightly shorter
We don’t do “cookie cutter” treatment here at Kottemann Orthodontics. Every case is different, and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. This means there is no uniform answer for how long a patient will take to complete treatment. Patient compliance is something we take into consideration when calculating the estimated treatment time, and this is particularly important when it comes to Invisalign patients.
For the aligners to be successful, they must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment process. To keep up with the movements your teeth are making, you’ll also need to switch the aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. Failure to follow through on this can lead to longer treatment times and subpar results, but patients who are fully compliant usually wear aligners for about 6-18 months. This is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Correct a range of orthodontic issues, from simple to complex
In its earliest days, Invisalign aligners were generally only used to correct simple spacing issues or mild crowding. Over time, the design of the aligners has improved dramatically, and Invisalign is now able to treat many conditions just as effectively as traditional braces. Some of these conditions include:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- protruding teeth
Get a confident smile you love with Invisalign and Kottemann Orthodontics
In general, the Invisalign system tends to work best for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Complex or severe cases sometimes require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve.
During your free consultation with one of our expert doctors, we’ll determine if Invisalign would be a good fit for your smile. If a different treatment option would be a better option, our team will talk you through what’s available. We’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile, including payment options and insurance coverage. Once you have the information you need, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more effectively. Knowing there’s a clear, comfortable, and efficient alternative to braces can make any added cost feel worth every penny!
If you’d like to learn more about how Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign First are transforming smiles all over the world, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation. As Invisalign Diamond Plus providers, we do more Invisalign than 99% of the orthodontists in Minnesota and America. Your smile will be in the best possible hands with our talented team!