Why Many Patients Prefer Invisalign® to Traditional Braces
When it comes time to consider orthodontic treatment for you or your child, you may have questions about the differences between Invisalign® versus traditional metal braces. We know that it’s impossible to answer all of your questions in a blog, but we provide the following information to provide a general overview of the advantages and disadvantages of these two popular options. If you don’t find the information you’ve been searching for in what follows, we invite you to schedule a consultation for orthodontic treatment from our pediatric dentists and orthodontic specialist near you for Invisalign in New York.
Invisalign vs. Braces for Orthodontic Smile Correction
If you ask any patient who has undergone Invisalign therapy for their smile makeover, chances are they will tell you they chose clear aligners because they did not want to have a mouth full of metal. Braces have certainly come a long way from what they were just a few decades ago, but they still consist of unsightly and uncomfortable metal. Plus, non-aligner therapy must be worn 24/7. For patients who are searching for a more comfortable and more discreet treatment, Invisalign is often the answer. Not only are the aligners clear, but they can be removed for short periods when absolute transparency is desired. Unlike traditional braces worn constantly, patients wearing Invisalign receive a new set of aligners every two weeks while their teeth are gradually being straightened. Also, depending on the patient’s age undergoing Invisalign treatment, smile corrections can be completed in as few as 12 months. Although Invisalign treatment is a great choice for many smile corrections, traditional braces are better for patients needing complex tooth movement.
The Cost Consideration Between the Two
Apart from Invisalign’s comfort and convenience factor over traditional braces, some patients may wonder about the cost differences between the two. The short answer is that every patient will have a unique treatment plan depending on the desired results. Still, most patients are happy to discover that Invisalign is more cost-effective than traditional braces since they typically require less time and fewer appointments to make adjustments during tooth movement. Because Invisalign works faster than traditional braces in many instances, the cost factor on your time should also be considered. Our orthodontist near you is here to answer all of your questions about costs and treatment times. We invite you to make an appointment today to learn more.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign therapy works in three simple steps. First, our orthodontist will use Invisalign’s iTero Element® scanner to quickly and painlessly conduct a precise 3-D scan of the patient’s mouth. With this information, a customized treatment plan will be designed to correct one or more of the following concerns:
- Crooked teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Jaw alignment
- And more
After the treatment plan has been designed, your custom aligners will be ready for fitting in our office. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) aligner treatment, our dentist is chairside to ensure that every standard of Invisalign and our office are met. You’ll also have regular face-to-face check-ins with our doctor to ensure that progress is being made – something that OTC aligner therapy cannot provide.
After your smile has been corrected, it’s recommended that you continue with a Vivera® retainer (an Invisalign product) to safeguard against future tooth movement. Retention protocols will vary by patient. Our doctors will provide you with a plan best suited for preserving your new smile. Another way to look at the need for retainers is to protect the investment of time and money that have already been made. They are comfortable, discreet, and can be worn for less time each day than aligner therapy.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you’re interested in learning more about aligner therapy from our Invisalign-approved dentist near you or any of the other treatments we provide in pediatric and adult orthodontics, we are here for you. Our dentists have years of specialized education and experience in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. This ensures the highest standards of care. We invite you to make an appointment today to learn more.