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It’s not unusual for new orthodontic patients to be unsure about what the weeks and months ahead will hold for them. If you’ve recently learned that you or your child need treatment to correct orthodontic issues, you may be envisioning a mouth full of metal braces. The good news is, today’s braces are far more subtle, comfortable, and effective than they’ve ever been, so even if that were the case, you’d get through the treatment process with no problem! That said, many of our teen and adult patients are still on the fence about using them to straighten their smile. Fortunately, there are now a number of alternatives to metal braces available!
Here at Windy City Orthodontics, these options include In-Ovation self-ligating braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Pakravan will work with your unique smile to create a personalized treatment plan guaranteed to give you the best results. We know that what works for one patient may not work for another, so we will always take several different factors into account when choosing the best treatment for you and your smile. These factors include:
- Your diagnosis
- Your treatment objectives
- How much work needs to be done
- Your lifestyle
- Your goals
- Your personal preference
- Your budget
Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to braces, and it’s not hard to see why! In most cases, you’ll find that Invisalign aligners are comparable in price to traditional metal braces. Occasionally, however, they may be slightly more expensive. This can lead some patients to wonder if the Invisalign system is worth the difference in cost. We believe Invisalign aligners are a worthwhile investment for almost any smile! To learn why, keep reading below.
Invisalign offers you a clear way to straighten your smile
One of the biggest reasons for Invisalign’s success is that the aligners are made from a clear plastic that is barely noticeable to most people. For patients who are anxious about treatment making them stand out, Invisalign is a welcome alternative! 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.
Invisalign gives you extra freedom
Thanks to their removability, Invisalign aligners offer patients more freedom than traditional treatment methods can offer! Food restrictions are a perfect example of this. Sticky and crunchy foods can damage brackets and wires, so patients in braces must avoid them throughout the treatment process. This often eliminates several favorite snacks, but with Invisalign, you can still eat all your favorite foods! Simply remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in when you’re done.
Invisalign makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums healthy
Getting into a good oral hygiene routine with traditional braces can come with a bit of a learning curve, especially in the early days. Brushing and flossing around braces and wires can be time-consuming, and they also make it harder to remove any lingering food particles or plaque. 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 designed to clean them, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
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 unfortunately there’s never a “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment.
Patient compliance is an important part of any orthodontic treatment, but it’s especially essential with the Invisalign system. For the aligners to be successful, you’ll need to wear them for 20-22 hours per day, throughout the treatment process. You’ll also be responsible for switching your aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks as your teeth align. This allows them to keep up with the movements that Dr. Pakravan designed into the aligners. Failure to follow through on your part as the patient can mean longer treatment times and subpar results.
For fully compliant patients, the average treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from about 6 to 18 months. This is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues
Many years ago when Invisalign first became a treatment option, the aligners were mostly used to correct only very simple spacing issues or mild crowding. As the system began to grow in popularity, the design of the aligners improved dramatically. Invisalign can now be used to treat the following conditions just as effectively as traditional braces:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet or protruding teeth
Invisalign is the clear choice for healthy smiles at Windy City Orthodontics
As exciting as Invisalign is, it may not work for every patient. In general, the aligners tend to be most successful for adult and teen patients with 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.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Pakravan in our Chicago office, 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, we’ll walk you through what’s available. You can trust us to 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 a discreet alternative to braces that’s comfortable, flexible, and just as efficient as braces can make any added cost feel worth every penny!
If you’re ready 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. Pakravan.