Is Invisalign Worth It?

Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner

If you’ve recently learned that you or your child require orthodontic treatment, you may be somewhat uncertain of what lies ahead. If you’re like most people, the first thing you imagine when you think of orthodontics is a teenager in bulky metal braces. The good news is that today’s braces are more lightweight and comfortable than they’ve ever been! Not only that, but there are more treatment options available to patients who may still be on the fence about metal braces. Clear aligner therapy is a great option for many patients, but due to some misconceptions, some may wonder “is Invisalign worth it?” Here at Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics, we believe it is!

Orthodontic treatment today gives patients of all ages more options than ever! These include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. Dr. Leaver and Dr. Gardner will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique smile needs. We know that what works for one patient may not work for another, so our team will always take several different factors into consideration when deciding on the best treatment method for you and your smile. These include:

Invisalign clear aligners are currently the most popular alternative to traditional braces and it’s pretty easy to see why! In most cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to traditional metal braces, although this will sometimes vary. Since they can sometimes be more expensive patients may wonder if Invisalign is really worth the extra cost. At Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics, we believe that Invisalign clear aligner therapy is a worthwhile investment for any smile! To find out more, keep reading below.

INVISALIGN OFFERS YOU A CLEAR WAY TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR SMILE

One of the main reasons for Invisalign’s success is that the clear plastic the aligners are made of is barely noticeable to most people. For patients in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas who are feeling self-conscious about their orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is a wonderful alternative! Since the aligners can be removed for short periods of time, they’re also perfect for patients with upcoming special occasions, such as weddings, prom, or senior pictures.

INVISALIGN GIVES YOU MORE FREEDOM

Thanks to their removability, Invisalign aligners give patients more freedom than traditional treatment methods can offer! One great example of this is food restrictions. Patients wearing braces must avoid sticky and crunchy foods since they can wreak havoc on the brackets and wires. This can eliminate many of the most common foods and snacks, but with Invisalign, this is never a problem. You can still enjoy your favorite foods, simply remove your aligners before eating, and replace them when you’re done! Don’t forget to store your aligners somewhere safe and clean when you’re not wearing them.

INVISALIGN MAKES IT EASIER TO KEEP YOUR TEETH AND GUMS HEALTHY

Having a good oral hygiene routine in place is good for everyone, but for patients in orthodontic treatment, it’s essential! With traditional braces, there can be a bit of a learning curve in the beginning when it comes to caring for your teeth. Brushing and flossing around the additional bands and wires can be frustrating and time-consuming. With Invisalign, you can carry on your normal routine with no added struggles! Just remove your aligners when you’re brushing and flossing, then put them back in when you’re done. Caring for the aligners themselves is also incredibly easy! There are special kits designed to clean them or you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush them.

INVISALIGN MAY STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH IN LESS TIME THAN BRACES

Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way, so there’s never a “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient’s orthodontic treatment will last.

With any orthodontic treatment, patient compliance is a factor, but with Invisalign clear aligner therapy, it’s a critical component to success. In order to achieve maximum results with your aligners, you must wear them for 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment process. You’ll be responsible for switching out your aligners for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks as directed by Dr. Leaver or Dr. Gardner. This allows them to keep up with the movements your doctor designed specifically for your teeth. Failure to keep up your part of the treatment process can lead to longer treatment times and subpar results.

For patients who are fully compliant, the average treatment time with Invisalign clear aligners is anywhere from 6 to 18 months. This is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in traditional braces!

INVISALIGN CAN SUCCESSFULLY TREAT A WIDE RANGE OF ORTHODONTIC ISSUES

When orthodontic aligners first became a treatment option many years ago, they were mostly used to correct very simple spacing issues or mild crowding. As the system began to grow in popularity, the design began to improve and Invisalign clear aligners were developed. Invisalign can now be used to treat the following oral issues just as effectively as traditional braces:

INVISALIGN IS THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR HEALTHY SMILES AT LEAVER & GARDNER ORTHODONTICS

While treatment with Invisalign is an exciting option, it may not be the best fit for every patient’s smile. In general, the aligners are most successful for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are more complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than removable aligners are able to achieve.

When you schedule your FREE consultation at Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics, Dr. Leaver or Dr. Gardner will examine your smile and determine if Invisalign clear aligner therapy would be a good fit for your unique needs. If your doctor determines you would benefit more from a different treatment option, we’ll talk you through what’s available. You can trust that we’ll only recommend the treatment that we believe will be the best for your unique smile!

During your first visit with us, we’ll also go over the full investment needed for your smile transformation. You’ll learn more about our payment options and insurance coverage, which will give you all the information you need to weigh your treatment options effectively. Knowing there’s a subtle alternative to metal braces that is comfortable, flexible, and just as efficient at straightening your teeth can make any additional cost feel worth every penny!

If you’re ready to find out more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, contact our office today and schedule your FREE consultation.