The Truth About Invisalign

Over the years, traditional braces have gone through quite a metamorphosis, with changes to their design, shape, size, and even color. The braces we currently use are smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and more efficient than ever before at correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. As innovative as these new designs are, however, some patients are still on the fence about using braces to straighten their smile. If this sounds like you, there’s another option available to align your teeth and improve your oral health! We’re here to give you the truth about Invisalign

Wilson Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign clear aligner therapy as an alternative to traditional braces. This innovative system helps patients achieve the same beautiful, long-lasting results as braces without using any metal brackets, wires, or bands. Since Invisalign is still a relatively new option in orthodontics, not everyone is aware of what it is and what it can do. There are quite a few misconceptions out there about Invisalign, so keep reading below as we clear them up and let you know exactly what you can expect from the Invisalign system.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners have been around since the late 1990s, but similar trays were used for decades before that as post-treatment retainers. Invisalign’s unique software and technology allows us to move crooked and misaligned teeth in stages using a series of customized clear aligners. At the end of each stage, patients replace their current aligner with the next in the series to keep up with the movement of the teeth. This is generally every one to two weeks, but the exact time frame depends on each patient’s treatment plan.

Originally Invisalign was used for simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. As orthodontists began to realize its potential, however, Invisalign aligners were designed to more efficiently move teeth in most mild to moderate cases. With full patient compliance, Invisalign aligners can be just as effective as traditional braces. Just ask the 7 million patients who have been treated with Invisalign all over the world!

Does Invisalign treatment take longer than braces?

To be successful, any kind of orthodontic treatment relies on a commitment from the patient. Compliance is particularly important with Invisalign. Traditional braces are a fixed appliance, with brackets affixed to the actual surface of the teeth. That means a great deal of hard work is done without too much effort from the patient. However, Invisalign aligners are removable and must be worn 20-22 hours a day for the system to work properly. Patients who neglect to do so won’t see the results they desire and may face longer treatment times in general.

Unfortunately, there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment. Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their way. In general, however, most people will wear Invisalign aligners for anywhere from 6–15 months, with 10–40 aligners typically used throughout the treatment. This is slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!

Is Invisalign more expensive than braces?

There are several factors associated with the overall cost of any treatment.  In our office, it is important that you can choose a treatment option that will fit best with your lifestyle.  

Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, affordable orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Frisco and the surrounding communities. We offer low- and no-interest extended financing to spread your payments over the total length of treatment as well as third-party financing. We can even work with you to coincide our billing cycles with your pay periods, just to eliminate any stress. We also offer courtesy discounts for treatment that is paid-in-full. A better smile is always in the budget at Wilson Orthodontics!

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Does Invisalign have any advantages over traditional braces?

Invisalign allows patients freedom and flexibility that more traditional treatment methods just can’t compare to. Food restrictions are a perfect example of this. For many patients, one of the toughest parts of treatment is having to give up some of their favorite foods to keep their braces safe. They must avoid anything crunchy or chewy, which eliminates several popular foods and snacks. With Invisalign, this is never an issue! The aligners are simply taken out before eating, then put back in when the patient is done. Not having any food restrictions makes orthodontic treatment a lot more manageable (and fun!)

Removable aligners also make it easier to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing around wires, brackets, and bands can be frustrating and time-consuming, but Invisalign aligners are removed before brushing and flossing as normal. Caring for the aligners themselves is a cinch, too! There are special kits designed to clean them, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.

Without any wires or brackets to get in the way, Invisalign’s removable aligners are great for athletes and musicians who play certain instruments. Since they can be removed for short periods, they are also perfect for any special event when a patient wants their natural smile to shine through, such as prom, weddings, or even senior pictures.  

Will Invisalign work for everyone?

Invisalign tends to work best for teen and adult patients with all their permanent teeth have grown in. With our extensive training and experience in Invisalign treatment, we can confidently treat almost every type of alignment or bite issue from minor to severe bite and teeth malalignment. When you schedule a consultation with us, Dr. Wilson will be able to determine if Invisalign is a good fit for your unique smile or if you would be better served by orthodontic treatment using traditional braces. In many cases, patients can choose between braces and Invisalign aligners! 

What happens once Invisalign treatment is complete?

Whatever method of orthodontic treatment a patient chooses, the teeth always remember their previous places in the mouth. Over time, they will naturally begin to drift back towards those positions if nothing is there to stop them. That’s why retainers are an essential component for lasting results! Our office will provide you with a retainer once your treatment is complete. Wearing this retainer exactly as directed by Dr. Wilson will help keep your newly straightened smiles in place for years to come.

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Trust your smile to the Invisalign experts at Wilson Orthodontics

You can trust our expert team to give you a smile that looks good and feels great! As our most popular alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign’s innovative aligner system continues to change the way people view orthodontic treatment. To learn more about the incredible things Invisalign can do for your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation!