For a long time, traditional braces were the only choice for patients wanting to straighten their teeth and improve their oral health. These braces have a long history of successfully correcting a range of orthodontic issues, and they’ve seen some major improvements in recent years. Today’s braces may have the same basic design as their predecessors, but they’re sleeker, more comfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing than ever before. They are a fixed orthodontic appliance, however, and as such, they come with some limitations and restrictions. For this reason, some patients are hesitant to use them. Fortunately, there are other options available!
Here at Sturgill Orthodontics, we hear from many teens and adults who want the benefits of a healthy smile but aren’t sure that traditional braces are the right choice for them. Invisalign clear aligners offer patients an alternative to braces, straightening the teeth without the need for brackets, bands, and wires. If you’ve contemplated orthodontic treatment but weren’t ready to commit to braces, the Invisalign system may be just what you’re looking for! Let’s take a closer look at how these aligners work and our top reasons to consider them for all your orthodontic needs.
What are clear aligners?
Invisalign aligners are made of a special polyurethane material and custom-designed to fit snugly but comfortably over the teeth. Like braces, they gently and gradually shift the teeth until they reach the desired positions, but aligners are a removable orthodontic appliance. They are meant to be taken out for short periods of time, such as prior to eating and brushing the teeth. This gives patients an extra measure of freedom that braces just can’t beat.
Patient compliance is part of any orthodontic journey, but it’s especially important with a clear aligner system like Invisalign. The aligners will need to be worn 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment process, and each one will need to be switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements the teeth are making and ensures the most optimal results in the shortest time possible.
Invisalign aligners can be just as effective as braces when worn as directed
As long as the aligners are worn as directed, Invisalign can just as effective as traditional braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues. This is particularly true for mild to moderate cases of overbite, underbite, overcrowding, and gapped teeth. As noted above, patient compliance plays an essential role in how successful treatment with Invisalign will be. If the patient fails to follow their orthodontist’s guidelines, it can render the aligners less effective, lead to longer treatment times, and produce subpar results.
Clear aligners give patients extra flexibility
Any type of orthodontic appliance will come with a learning curve, but traditional braces can take a little more time to get used to. Take food restrictions, for example. In order to protect the brackets and wires, braces patients must avoid anything that could damage them. This includes crunchy or sticky snacks like popcorn, chips, and different types of candy. Even when it’s only temporary, it can be frustrating to have to give up some of your favorite snacks and foods.
Because Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed during mealtimes, patients can still eat anything they normally would, as long as they brush and floss afterward. Speaking of, a good oral hygiene routine is an important part of the treatment process, and this is another area where Invisalign excels! Patients simply take the aligners out before brushing and flossing as they normally would, then put them back in when they’re done. Dental hygiene is a breeze when there aren’t any brackets or wires to navigate around.
Clear aligners are as affordable as traditional braces
You may think that an alternative to braces would be more expensive in the long run, but Invisalign aligners are actually comparable in cost. There are a number of factors that will determine the total investment needed for a new smile, whether it’s braces, aligners, or some other treatment. This includes how complex the case is, how long we expect treatment to take, and other considerations. On average, however, Invisalign tends to cost just about the same as traditional braces.
Whatever treatment option you choose, we’ll work with you to make your dream smile a reality! We offer low- and no-interest financing plans and participate with many insurance plans. We’re also a preferred provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee and Delta Dental. If you have dental insurance that will cover orthodontic treatment, it can greatly reduce your personal costs! We’ll review your insurance information and help you maximize your benefits. For your convenience, we’ll also file the claims on your behalf.
Invisalign aligners give patients a discreet treatment option
Invisalign aligners give patients a discreet treatment optionCrooked teeth and other dental issues can have a negative effect on your self-confidence, and many people worry that wearing traditional braces will make them stand out even more. With Invisalign clear aligners, the clue is right there in the name—because they’re clear, they’re virtually invisible and many patients are able to get through an entire course of treatment without anyone even realizing they’re an orthodontic patient! This makes them an excellent option for image-conscious teens and adults who are concerned that traditional braces will affect their appearance and lifestyle.
Invisalign aligners can lead to less time in the chair
In today’s world, families stay busy. It can be tough to try and fit work, school, and extracurriculars into the schedule, let alone regular orthodontic check-ups! While these follow-up appointments are an important part of every treatment process, patients wearing Invisalign aligners tend to require less frequent visits overall. That’s because there aren’t any adjustments to make, and no broken wires and brackets needing repairs. Progress checks usually happen once every 4-8 weeks, and we always do our best to get patients in and out of the chair as quickly as possible.
Create a confident smile with Invisalign and Sturgill Orthodontics
Sturgill Orthodontics is the clear choice for high-quality orthodontic care in Johnson City and the surrounding communities! We’re proud to offer patients of all ages customized treatment plans designed with your unique smile in mind, and work hard to provide a stress-free orthodontic experience with exceptional results. In addition to the Invisalign clear aligner system, we also use Clarity 3M aligners. This gives patients even more choice when it comes to treatment options!
Are you interested in how our clear aligners can give you a smile makeover? Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sturgill and take the first step towards the healthy, happy smile you deserve!