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07/31/2020
Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner
With all the advances in modern technology, today’s braces are nearly unrecognizable from years past. They feature smaller brackets and a sleeker appearance, giving patients a more comfortable treatment experience. Despite this transformation, however, many teens and adults in Las Vegas are hesitant about using them to straighten their smiles. Fortunately, there’s an effective alternative to metal braces, one that gives patients the chance to achieve a beautiful smile without brackets, wires, or bands! We’re here to tell you all about the truth about Invisalign clear aligner therapy and how they can benefit your smile!
Clear aligner therapy is an exciting way to give you the same amazing results as traditional metal braces but with much more freedom and flexibility. Since Invisalign is still relatively new in the orthodontic scene, there are a few misconceptions out there about how they work, their effectiveness, and how much they cost in comparison to traditional braces. Keep reading below as we take a closer look at the innovative Invisalign clear aligner system!
Invisalign clear aligners as we know them today were developed in the late ’90s by a company called Align Technology, although similar trays had been used as post-treatment retainers for decades. The Invisalign system uses specialized software and technology to allow orthodontists like Drs. Leaver and Gardner to gradually move crooked and misaligned teeth using a series of customized aligners. At the end of each stage, the current aligner is switched out for the next in the series. This will usually happen every 1-2 weeks as determined by your doctor.
In its early days, Invisalign was mainly used to treat simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. Once orthodontists became aware of its full potential, it began to gain popularity and the design was improved dramatically. When used as directed by your orthodontist, Invisalign aligners can now be just as effective as traditional metal braces for many mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Whatever orthodontic treatment option you choose, it will require a certain level of commitment in order to be successful. However, this compliance is especially important for patients using Invisalign! Since braces are affixed to the surface of the teeth, most of the hard work is done without too much effort from the patient. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, it’s crucial to wear them the recommended 20-22 hours per day for them to have the desired results. Failure to do so may result in longer treatment times or subpar results.
Unfortunately, there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to how long orthodontic treatment will take. Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. On average, Invisalign patients will use somewhere between 10 and 48 aligners with total treatment time last anywhere from 6-18 months. This is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
With anything that’s new on the market, Invisalign clear aligner therapy was considered to be a bit pricey in its early days. That cost has decreased as it’s become more popular and readily available. While there are several factors associated with the overall cost of orthodontic treatment in general, Invisalign aligners are often comparable in price to traditional braces these days.
Here at Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality orthodontic care for any budget! Treatment fees will vary based on several factors and we’ll make sure that you understand everything included in the total cost before ever proceeding with the active phase of your treatment. We’re proud to offer patients a variety of payment options as well as accepting most major insurance plans. Our team has years of experience dealing with insurance companies, so we’ll be happy to file your claims for you!
Since they can be removed for short periods of time, Invisalign aligners offer patients flexibility and freedom that other treatments just can’t compare to! Food restrictions are an excellent example of this. Crunchy and chewy foods can wreak havoc on metal brackets and wires, so patients in braces must avoid them during treatment. This often eliminates some of the most popular snacks. With Invisalign, on the other hand, you can keep eating anything you want! All you have to do is remove your aligners before eating and put them back in when you’re finished.
Removable aligners also make it easier to keep up a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing around wires, brackets, and bands can be time-consuming and frustrating. Invisalign aligners are simply removed before brushing and flossing as you normally would! Caring for aligners themselves is incredibly easy, too. There are special kits designed to clean them or you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush them.
Invisalign clear aligners are a great option for athletes and musicians who play certain instruments since there are no brackets or wires to get in the way. Since they can be removed for short periods of time, they’re also ideal for special occasions when you want your natural smile to shine through, like a wedding, prom, or senior pictures.
Generally speaking, Invisalign aligners tend to be most effective for teen and adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are particularly complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve. When you schedule your free consultation with Dr. Leaver or Dr. Gardner, they’ll be able to determine if Invisalign clear aligner therapy is a good fit for you or if your smile would benefit from another option. You can trust that Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics will only recommend the treatment that is best suited for your smile!
Even after completing orthodontic treatment, your teeth will remember their former places in your mouth. If there’s nothing there to stop them, they will eventually begin drifting back towards those positions. This is why retainers are essential when it comes to maintaining results! Once your treatment is complete, our office will provide you with a retainer. In order to keep your newly straightened smile in place, you should always wear it exactly as directed by your orthodontist.
Invisalign’s innovative system is currently the most popular alternative we have to traditional braces, and it’s easy to see why! This exciting option continues to change the way people view orthodontic treatment and we’re proud to offer it to our patients in Las Vegas and the surrounding communities.
If you’re ready to find out more about the truth about Invisalign and the amazing things it can do for your smile, contact our office today and schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Leaver or Dr. Gardner! We look forward to helping you get the smile of your dreams!
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