Orthodontic treatment of any kind requires a commitment of your time and finances, so it’s important to find the option that best fits your lifestyle and budget. For busy teens and adults who need a flexible way to straighten their smile, we’re proud to offer Invisalign clear aligner therapy!
Here at Kottemann Orthodontics, we’re Invisalign Diamond Plus providers, which means we do more Invisalign than 99% of orthodontists across the country. It’s one of the most popular alternatives to traditional braces around, and there’s a good reason for that. Invisalign offers the same exceptional results as braces but doesn’t use any brackets, wires, or bands.
Traditional braces have been around for a very long time, and have a proven track record of successfully correcting orthodontic issues. For this reason, Invisalign’s innovative system is sometimes viewed as a kind of “new kid” on the orthodontic block. This has led to a few misconceptions about what Invisalign actually is and how it works. To learn the real truth about Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, keep reading below!
Myth #1: You’ll have to wear aligners longer than braces
Orthodontic appliances are either fixed or removable. Traditional braces are a fixed appliance, which means the brackets are attached directly to the front of the teeth. Invisalign aligners are a removable appliance, and this is actually one of their most desirable features! Aligners are designed to be removed any time you eat and when you brush your teeth, so there’s a bit more freedom and flexibility than with braces.
Treatment of any kind requires patient compliance, but this is particularly important with Invisalign. Because the aligners are a removable appliance, it’s up to the patient to wear them as directed. That means keeping the aligners in for 20-22 hours each day, throughout the treatment process. Patients are also in charge of switching the aligners out every week or two to keep up with the shifting of the teeth. Failure to do so can result in longer treatment times, and may even affect the overall results.
All patients respond to treatment in their own way, so there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long a patient will need treatment. On average, the total treatment time for most Invisalign patients will be about 6-18 months, assuming they’re wearing their aligners as directed. This means treatment time with Invisalign is actually slightly faster than it is with traditional braces!
Myth #2: Invisalign aligners require more maintenance than braces
We’ve already talked about how patient compliance is a critical component of successful treatment. Oral hygiene is another important of any orthodontic journey! This can come with a bit of a learning curve for braces patients, especially in the beginning. The wires and bands can create pockets that attract stray food particles, and they’re also a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. Brushing and flossing thoroughly can be tricky, but you never have to worry about that with Invisalign!
Because the aligners are removable, it’s incredibly easy to maintain a good dental hygiene routine. You simply remove the aligner while you brush and floss, then replace it when you’re done. For the best results, we recommend that all of our patients brush thoroughly after every meal and floss every night before bed. You’ll need to care for your aligners, too. This can be done with special kits or by gently brushing them with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
You don’t have any food restrictions with Invisalign, either! Crunchy and chewy foods can damage brackets and wires, so braces patients have to forego some of their favorite treats during their orthodontic journey. Since Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before eating, you’re still free to eat all the things you love!
The removable nature of Invisalign can be helpful in circumstances you wouldn’t normally think of, too. Because you can take them out for short periods of time, they can be an excellent option for athletes, musicians who play certain instruments, and for any special occasion when you want your natural smile to shine through, like senior photos, weddings, and prom.
Myth #3: Invisalign costs more than traditional braces
Invisalign’s clear aligners may be relatively new compared to traditional braces, but similar trays have been used for years as post-treatment retainers. Orthodontists recognized their potential for straightening the teeth, too, and began offering the customized aligners as an alternative to braces.
Like many new things that are just hitting the market, Invisalign was quite expensive at first. But as the treatment became more popular and accessible, the cost decreased accordingly. There are always a number of factors to consider when determining the overall cost of any treatment. In general, however, today’s aligners tend to cost just about the same as traditional braces, or only slightly more.
At Kottemann Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing outstanding orthodontic care for every budget. We never want finances to prevent your family from receiving the orthodontic treatment you need! Our practice has affordable payment plans available and accepts most major credit cards. If you have insurance, our staff is experienced in insurance claims and paperwork. We’re happy to help you get the most you can from your plan! We accept the following insurance plans:
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- ASR
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Central States
- Cigna
- Companion Life
- Delta Dental
- GEHA
- Guardian
- Humana
- MetLife
- Principal
- Priority Health
- Sunlife Financial
- United Concordia
When you schedule your FREE consultation at one of our conveniently located offices, we’ll walk you through every aspect of your treatment plan, including the necessary investment. You’ll never have to worry about hidden fees or unexpected charges with our practice! We’ll ensure you know what to expect before we begin the active phase of treatment.
The truth is clear! Invisalign and Kottemann Orthodontics can give you a confident smile
It’s easy to see why Invisalign is as popular as it is. And while we’re big fans of all the benefits it has to offer, the system does tend to work best for patients who have mild to moderate cases of common orthodontic issues. Cases that are especially complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner can achieve.
When you schedule a free consultation with us, one of our experienced doctors will examine your mouth and determine which treatment would be the best fit for your unique smile. If you’d like to learn more about how the Invisalign clear aligner system can transform your smile, get in touch with us today!