Invisalign: Fact and Fiction

Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner

Don’t believe everything you hear- we’ve got the details on Invisalign: fact and fiction. Your orthodontic treatment not fitting into your budget or your current lifestyle is a distant thing of the past. Not only have traditional metal braces become much easier to wear, but we have had many high-quality advancements in the possibilities of achieving your perfect smile pretty close to your preferred terms. These advancements make it easier than ever to reach your goals without significant sacrifices to your bank account or daily life.

The brackets and wires of traditional braces aren’t for everyone. Thankfully, the Invisalign clear aligner system is one of these cutting-edge advancements that may be right for you. This unique method uses a series of clear aligners to discreetly and gradually adjust the position of your teeth. Here at Leaver and Gardner Orthodontics, our doctors have a lot of experience treating patients with Invisalign and are excited to offer this technology to our Summerlin and Las Vegas area orthodontics patients. If this sounds like your solution, keep reading to find some clarity on the facts and fiction around Invisalign, and reach out to get started on your journey to a delightful smile!

THE FACTS

Aligners like Invisalign have been around for many years, and earlier versions called trays date back decades to when patients used them for post braces retainers. But Invisalign’s unique software and technology can move crooked and misaligned teeth in stages using a series of customized aligners. You will wear each retainer for about one to two weeks, and then you will swap to the next aligner in your series. This constant but slight change allows for precise adjustments based on your customized treatment plan.

Orthodontic patients initially used Invisalign to correct simple spacing concerns and teeth crowding, but it’s proven to be capable of much more, from overbites to crossbites and then some. The key is to determine the severity of the issues you need to adjust and work with your orthodontist to determine if this is the right treatment plan. Invisalign is an excellent choice at any age, so whether you want to avoid having braces in your yearbook photo or you feel you’re too old to sport metal brackets and wire, ask our expert team at Leaver and Gardner Orthodontics if this treatment is proper for you!

One of the most noted facts about Invisalign is seeing the changes in your smile quickly and clearly since there are no brackets and wires to hide it all while it happens. Due to the cutting-edge technology and the weekly to biweekly series of aligners that make constant minor adjustments, you will notice significant changes in your smile within about three months. And while we are talking about the timeline and facts of Invisalign, another benefit of the removable aligner system is that you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, or even for a photo. To be most effective, they need to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day, but you won’t get that flexibility with traditional braces.

Our entire team at Leaver and Gardner Orthodontics is passionate about creating a lifelong smile for you and your family, so now that we’ve gotten some facts ironed out, let’s take a look at some of the fiction floating around about Invisalign.

NOT SO FACTUAL

These days, advertisements like to throw around words like “cutting-edge technology” and “new and improved” to catch your attention, and often those words also mean the price is steep, likely making it out of reach. Let’s go ahead and call fiction on that now. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised to find out that, in most cases, Invisalign can cost the same or close to the amount you’d pay for traditional metal braces. Often, insurance will even cover much of the cost as it would for those conventional braces. Our team is also committed to making the insurance process as easy as possible, so we will take care of your insurance coverage research and help you complete the required forms and documents once treatment begins.

Somewhere along the lines, the myth that you are limited to what you can eat while using the Invisalign system started circulating. That can’t be further from factual. It’s common knowledge that you should avoid chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods with traditional braces, or you risk breaking something or food getting stuck in complicated places. But with Invisalign clear aligners, you just take them out before you eat or drink anything more than water, but nothing is off the table. Just remember to clean your teeth before putting them back in to avoid staining the retainer or having food trapped between the retainer and your teeth.

The last common myth about using Invisalign clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is remembering to wear the trays regularly. While this may seem like it would be a lot to remember, it’s not much different than wearing contact lenses. For our Invisalign Teen patients, there’s even a color-changing dot inconspicuously placed on the back of the trays to help keep them accountable for their usage and help them know when it is time to move to the next tray. They will also come equipped with enough space to allow for those teen molars to grow in just right. Between the Invisalign technology itself and our custom treatment plan, you’ll quickly get into the habit of wearing your retainers to your healthiest and straightest smile.

LEAVER AND GARDNER ORTHODONTICS HAS EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST WITH TREATMENTS THAT’LL MAKE YOU SMILE!

When you lay it all out, a lot goes into deciding whether or not Invisalign is right for you. Still, our talented and experienced team at Leaver and Gardner Orthodontics hopes to shed some light on what to expect from this popular option. This treatment continues to change the lives and smiles of many of our patients looking for alternatives to traditional braces.

If you wonder if this might be the best path to your brightest smile, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation. Our doctors love designing beautiful, healthy smiles for our patients in the Summerlin and Las Vegas, NV, area in an environment filled with enjoyment, laughter, comfort, and innovation. There’s never been a better time for smile design!