Have you been looking for a way to straighten your smile but aren’t sure if traditional braces are a good fit for you? If you’d prefer a more flexible treatment method, Invisalign clear aligners could be the perfect solution! As your local Frisco Invisalign provider, we’ll help you find out!
While Invisalign has been around for more than twenty years now, there are still a few misconceptions about how the system works and what clear aligners can do. To separate fact from fiction about Invisalign, our team at Wilson Orthodontics has gathered the most common myths about Invisalign to put them to rest!
To understand why this isn’t true, let’s look at orthodontic appliances in general. Most appliances are either fixed or removable. For example, traditional braces are a fixed appliance since the brackets are attached directly to the surface of your teeth. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are removable appliances. The trays are custom-designed for a snug fit, but they aren’t attached to the teeth.
This removability is one of Invisalign’s most popular features! The aligners are designed to be removed any time you eat, and when you brush your teeth, so there’s a bit more flexibility than you’d have with traditional braces. That means there are no food restrictions, and your dental hygiene routine will be as easy as ever to maintain. There is a trade-off, though—the Invisalign system requires a bit more patient compliance to be successful.
What does that mean exactly? Since the aligners are removable appliances, it’s up to patients to wear them as directed by Dr. Wilson. To be effective, you’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours each day throughout treatment. You are also in charge of switching out your aligners every 1-2 weeks for the next set. This allows them to keep up with the movements the teeth are making. If you don’t follow these guidelines, it can result in longer treatment times and affect your overall results.
When patients are compliant and follow our recommendations, the total treatment time tends to average anywhere from 6-18 months. However, this will vary from case to case since every patient has different needs and will respond to treatment in their way. For some, the treatment time for Invisalign can be slightly faster than it is with traditional braces!
One part of patient compliance involves taking good care of your teeth and gums throughout the treatment process. Having a thorough and consistent dental hygiene routine is essential for all orthodontic patients, but learning to navigate the brackets and wires can take some time. These components create pockets that are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. This isn’t anything you’ll have to worry about with Invisalign!
Invisalign clear aligners are designed to be removed before you brush and floss, then replaced once you’re done. We recommend brushing thoroughly after every meal and flossing every night before bed for the best results. You’ll need to take good care of your aligners, too, and you can do this by gently brushing them with water and a soft toothbrush or using a special kit.
You won’t have any food restrictions to worry about with Invisalign, either! Braces patients need to avoid crunchy and chewy foods that can damage brackets and wires until treatment is complete. Since Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before eating, you’re still free to eat all the things you usually would! Just brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean and free from debris.
Invisalign can be helpful in ways you might not normally consider, too. Since you can remove them for short periods, they make an excellent option for athletes and musicians who play certain instruments. They’re also wonderful for any special occasion when you want your natural smile to shine through, like senior photos, weddings, and prom.
Traditional braces have been around for hundreds of years in one form or another! The Invisalign system is still relatively new compared to braces’ extensive history. Like many products when they come on the market, the aligners were quite pricey initially. But as the Invisalign system became more popular and accessible, the cost decreased accordingly. Several factors determine the total cost of treatment for any patient, but in general, Invisalign tends to cost just about the same as traditional braces.
Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with Dr. Wilson, we’ll walk you through your payment options. You’ll never have to worry about hidden fees or unexpected charges with our practice! Our team will always ensure you know what to expect before we begin the active phase of treatment. We have a variety of payment options available to suit every budget.
Dr. Wilson has years of experience straightening smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. While Invisalign can be a fantastic tool for straightening teeth, we are passionate about treating each patient with a customized treatment plan. You can trust us only to recommend the appliance with the best outcome possible!
You’ll need a consultation with Dr. Wilson to determine if Invisalign is right for your smile. When you schedule this FREE consultation with us, Dr. Wilson will examine your mouth and determine which treatment would be the best fit for your specific needs. If you’d like to learn more about how the Invisalign clear aligner system could transform your smile, get in touch to schedule a visit with our Frisco office today