Are your teeth crooked, overcrowded, or unevenly spaced? Do you wish they could be properly aligned? Have you been putting off orthodontic treatment due to the hassle of metal braces? If this sounds like you, then Invisalign may be the perfect orthodontic treatment for you.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic method that was developed back in 1997. After its introduction in 1999, Invisalign has taken off in the dental world and has provided over 2.4 million satisfied patients with beautiful, straight smiles.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is free of metal, brackets, and wires. Instead, a removable orthodontic appliance is used to manipulate the teeth into proper alignment. Intrigued yet? Well, here are five important facts to know about Invisalign treatment.
It’s Discreet
Invisalign treatment uses clear aligners as its removable orthodontic appliance. These aligners are made from Invisalign’s patented SmartTrack® material. This thin but durable material allows the aligners to fit perfectly within the various textures of the teeth. The precise fit of Invisalign aligners combined with their thin and clear frame makes Invisalign the most discreet orthodontic treatment. For this reason, they are a popular choice for working professionals.
Versatile Treatment
Invisalign treatment can address a number of alignment and bite issues all at once. It works well to correct alignment issues such as overcrowding, overlapping teeth, crooked teeth, or teeth with gaps between them. It can also correct bite issues such as open bites, crossbites, overbites, and underbites.
Flexible Treatment
In addition to being a versatile treatment, Invisalign is also the most flexible orthodontic treatment option. By using removable aligners, Invisalign ensures that your diet and oral health routine will not be affected. Furthermore, there are fewer dental visits with Invisalign since the aligners can be switched by you without the dentist. Not to mention, these limited dental visits also take less time because few adjustments need to be made.
It’s as Effective as Traditional Metal Braces
Although Invisalign uses an entirely different orthodontic appliance to move the teeth, the mechanism is similar to that of traditional metal braces. Both approaches apply gradual pressure to the teeth, causing them to shift over time. While braces use brackets and an arch wire, Invisalign uses their aligners. Both methods have been found to produce similar results and have similar post-treatment retention rates.
Costs About the Same as Traditional Metal Braces
Contrary to popular belief, the cost of Invisalign is about the same as the cost of traditional metal braces. The total cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on your individual case. However, there are various options available to offset the total cost including dental insurance and monthly payment plans. While many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment, the amount they cover can vary by your dental insurance plan.
As you can see, Invisalign is a modern approach to orthodontic treatment that is discreet, versatile, flexible, effective, and affordable. For these reasons, many dental patients are more than satisfied with Invisalign treatment and their resulting smiles. This explains why Invisalign has been used by over 2.4 million people. Are you ready to join them?
Dr. Dennis Laurich has been practicing dentistry for over 40 years. He received his DDS degree from the University of Michigan Dental School and regularly attends oral health care conventions to continue his dental education. This allows him to treat patients with the leading dental technology and methodologies. Additionally, he is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and the Detroit District Dental Society.
