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For a long time, braces were the only option for straightening teeth and improving oral health. When we talk with patients and explain how orthodontic treatment can benefit their smile, many of them immediately envision traditional metal braces. Fortunately, modern braces are more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing than they’ve ever been before. There’s actually never been a better time to be a braces patient!
That being said, a number of our teen and adult patients are on the fence about wearing them. We offer a number of alternatives to metal braces, including clear braces, champagne braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and Invisalign Teen. When you visit our Huntersville or Charlotte offices for a free consultation with Dr. Selden, he will perform an orthodontic evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs.
You’re the only one who has your smile! What works for someone else may not work for your particular issues. That’s why Dr. Selden will look at several different factors when choosing the best treatment for you, including:
- your diagnosis
- your treatment objectives
- how complex your case is
- your lifestyle
- your goals
- your personal preferences
- your budget
Invisalign can be a fantastic option for many patients, and it’s currently the most popular alternative to braces available. In most cases, Invisalign aligners are comparable in price to traditional metal braces, but there may be times when they’re slightly more expensive. Some patients have wondered if the Invisalign system is worth the difference in total treatment cost. Here at Selden Orthodontics, we believe that Invisalign aligners are a worthwhile investment for almost any smile. Keep reading below to find out why we love them, and why we think you will, too!
A clear way to straighten your smile
Patients who are image-conscious love the clear plastic aligners that come with the Invisalign system. They’re a welcome alternative to those who are worried about standing out during the treatment process! Since they can be removed for short periods of time, clear aligners are also perfect for any special event when a patient wants their natural smile to shine through, such as proms, weddings, or senior pictures.
Extra freedom and flexibility
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients enjoy a bit more freedom and flexibility than traditional treatment methods. Take food restrictions, for example. Sticky and crunchy foods can damage brackets and wires, so braces patients need to avoid them throughout the treatment process. This often eliminates several favorite foods and snacks, but with Invisalign, you can still eat anything you want! Simply remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in when you’re done.
It’s easier to keep your teeth and gums clean
Cleaning your teeth effectively with braces can come with a bit of a learning curve initially. It can be difficult to brush and floss around the brackets and wires, making it more difficult to remove lingering food particles and plaque. In contrast, Invisalign aligners are simply removed before brushing and flossing as normal! Caring for the aligners themselves couldn’t be easier, either. There are special kits that are designed to clean them, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Treatment times may be slightly shorter
Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way, so there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment. Patient compliance plays an important role in any orthodontic journey, but it’s especially essential with Invisalign.
For the aligners to be successful, they must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment process. To keep up with the movements your teeth are making, you’ll also need to switch the aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. Failure to follow through on your part can lead to longer treatment times and subpar results.
Patients who are fully compliant usually wear aligners for about 6-18 months, which is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Correct a wide range of orthodontic issues
When Invisalign first became a treatment option, the aligners could only be used to correct very simple spacing issues or mild crowding. As the system began to grow in popularity, the design of the aligners improved dramatically. These days, Invisalign can be used to treat many conditions just as effectively as traditional braces, including:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet or protruding teeth
- Find your best smile with Invisalign and Selden Orthodontics
As much as we love Invisalign, it may not work for every patient. Generally speaking, the aligners tend to be most successful for adult and teen patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are particularly complex or severe could require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve.
During your free consultation with Dr. Selden, he’ll examine your smile and determine if treatment with Invisalign would be a good fit for your specific needs. If he feels a different treatment option would be a better option, he’ll talk you through what’s available. At Selden Orthodontics, we only recommend the treatment we believe to be best for your unique smile!
During your first visit with us, we’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn more about our payment options and insurance coverage. When you have all the right information, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more effectively. Knowing there’s an alternative to braces that’s clear, comfortable, and just as efficient as braces can make any added cost feel worth every cent!
If you’d like to learn more about how the Invisalign system can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Selden.
