Fremont Invisalign - Advantages of Invisalign over Traditional Braces
You may be considering orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth. Would you rather have metal braces on your teeth? Or a flexible, transparent alternative?
Many people have opted to go for a more transparent and discreet alternative, which is where Invisalign comes in.
Invisalign is a modern technology that allows for tooth realignment without the visibility of braces. Put simply, it can straighten your teeth without having the metal of braces showing.
Invisalign is more appealing, but does Invisalign work as well as traditional metal braces? Are these clear plastic aligners worth the hype? We’ll share our opinions on the top Invisalign benefits over traditional braces.
You Can Eat and Drink Whatever You Like
Traditional metal braces can be used to restrict certain foods. There is the obvious: no gum, chewy candy, caramel, corn-on-the-cob, or popcorn. But other foods may be of concern. Hard nuts, such as almonds, are also prohibited.
You may enjoy eating crisp, fresh apples in the fall. Instead, get used to cut them into smaller pieces. The same goes for carrots and other hard fruits.
Invisalign means you won’t have to worry about forgetting any forbidden foods. When you eat hard foods, your brackets can break off your teeth. Chewy foods also get stuck in your wires and brackets, making them a perfect breeding ground for sugar-loving bacteria.
Simply take your aligner tray out before eating or snack, and then rinse your mouth with water.
Invisalign is Virtually Invisible
Invisalign aligners can be virtually invisible, so you don’t have to remove them. Some patients prefer to wear their aligners for special occasions, such as weddings, conferences, first dates, and giving important speeches.
Invisalign makes it easy to take off your aligners for a few hours.
Your treatment will continue if your aligners are kept in place for at least 20 hours per day. When calculating this number, don’t forget about the time you spend eating and brushing. If you are getting married or have a special event, we will give you a pass on the need to keep your aligners out all day!
Invisalign is Comfortable
Removable aligners offer more comfort than traditional braces. Metal brackets are sharp and can cut your cheeks and lips. These can cause severe sores that can be difficult to heal.
Although you can apply wax to your brackets’ outside, it is not recommended. The wax tends to fall off quickly.
Your teeth are custom-made with removable aligners. These aligners are made from high-quality resin and have smooth edges that won’t cause any metal to dig into your mouth.
Invisible aligners have a more precise way of straightening your teeth because they are custom-made. Patients are fitted with a series of aligners that gradually adjust their teeth vertically, horizontally, and rotated until each tooth is in the correct place.
Professionals precisely time each movement to ensure the most comfortable possible sequence.
You Can Remove Your Aligners
Invisalign allows you to remove the aligners and carry on with regular dental care. You don’t need any special equipment to floss and brush your teeth.
To ensure no bacteria or food buildup, you can brush the inside of your aligner. It would help if you also cleaned the interior of your aligner container frequently to ensure no bacteria buildup when you take your aligners out to eat, drink or clean your teeth.
Invisalign allows you to remove the aligners and carry on with regular dental care. You don’t need any special equipment to floss and brush your teeth.
To ensure no bacteria or food buildup, you can brush the inside of your aligner. It would help if you also cleaned the interior of your aligner container frequently to ensure no bacteria buildup when you take your aligners out to eat, drink or clean your teeth.
More and More Dental Insurance Plans Cover it
Invisalign was an entirely new orthodontic procedure that wasn’t covered by many dental insurance plans. Many plans still don’t cover Invisalign aligners.
However, more plans are paying for the entire cost of Invisalign as evidence shows that this treatment is effective. Ask your HR representative to find out if Invisalign coverage is available.
Your dental insurance may cover orthodontic treatment in some cases. FSA and HSA funds can be used to pay for Invisalign if your insurance does not cover it.
We also offer preferred and corporate rates to help you save on Invisalign and other services.
The Duration of Treatment
Invisalign is often thought to take longer than traditional braces. Invisalign treatment time depends on how long you are willing to wear the aligners, but must be at least 20 hours per day.
Your treatment time will be similar to metal braces if you can adhere to this. Invisalign aligners can be worn 24 hours a day, while braces must be worn at night.
This is the main difference between Invisalign braces and Invisalign braces in terms of length of treatment. The difference in treatment duration is generally negligible. Invisalign patients typically wear their aligners for between 12 and 18 months. They receive between 20 to 30 sets.
Our patients love the final results. Invisalign aligners will make it easy to achieve the beautiful smile that you have always desired.
Less Trips to the Dentist
Traditional metal braces are a common way to spend time in an orthodontist’s office. Every four weeks, you visit the orthodontist’s office for a scheduled appointment where your braces are adjusted and tightened.
There may also be unplanned emergencies, as we discussed earlier. The time you spend at the office of an orthodontist quickly adds up. It can also be very frustrating if you frequently leave work or school for these appointments.
Invisalign doesn’t require any “tightening”. You can change to new plastic aligners at home. While you may feel some discomfort or pressure while changing to the new aligners, it is not as severe as the discomfort that accompanies adjusting wires.
You only need to visit us once every six weeks with Invisalign. These visits are also much faster than traditional braces. We will look at your treatment and then send you on your journey.
Invisalign FAQ
As this is one of our more popular treatments we’ve created an FAQ to help decide if it is something relevant to you. You’re always welcome to contact us directly with any further queries or if you’d like a consultation.
What is Invisalign?
Similar to braces, Invisalign helps to straighten and align your teeth. The main difference is the material. Instead of regular metal braces with wires across your teeth, Invisalign is completely clear and much more discreet.
What is Invisalign made of?
Clear, flexible plastic. More specifically, a patented technology called SmartTrack which was created exclusively for Invisalign.
How does it work?
A certified specialist from Fremont Orthodontics will create a digital treatment plan based on the current condition of your teeth. The plan outlines exactly how Invisalign will be fitted to ensure that the correct pressure is applied to the right places.
Everyone’s plan will be different, which is why it’s important to get an initial consultation. Your specialist will then monitor the progress throughout your treatment to ensure that the alignment is correct and no adjustments are needed.
Why should I use Invisalign over other options?
If you’re looking for a discreet option then it doesn’t get better than Invisalign. They’re almost completely invisible to the extent people may not even realise you’re wearing them. They’re also completely removable, so if you have a special event or are brushing your teeth then it’s significantly easier than regular braces.
Who is it for?
Put simply, everyone. It can work for teens, children, and adults of any age.
Regardless of whether your treatment is straightforward or more complex, using an Invisalign certified orthodontist means that you will get the specific treatment you need thanks to having an individual digital treatment plan.
How much does it cost?
This will vary, but typically it costs about the same as regular braces. Make sure to ask your orthodontist about all your options so you can make a comparison. An average cost can vary between $3,000 – $5,000, but it ultimately depends on the complexity of your issue and the number of aligners required for treatment.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
You will need to contact your individual insurance provider to check. In most cases, if your insurance covers braces, then they will also cover Invisalign. This may be either a partial or full reimbursement.
How many people have used Invisalign?
Over 12 million people have successfully transformed their smiles using this technology since its conception in 1997.
Is it FDA approved?
Absolutely. Invisalign is a class 2 medical device according to the FDA.
Can I switch to Invisalign if I’m already wearing braces?
In many cases this is possible. Contact us for a consultation and we’ll give you an answer more specific to your situation.
Does it work if I have veneers or crowns?
This depends on your individual situation. Get in touch with us and we’ll let you know.
What restrictions are there on what I can eat or drink?
Nope! Unlike regular braces, Invisalign aligners work with all types of food and drink.
Do I have to sleep in them?
In most cases yes. You should wear them for at least 20 hours a day, so this would be difficult to do without wearing them to bed.
Does it affect the way I talk?
Not after a few days to get used to them. The first few days you may have a slight lisp while you adjust to the new feeling, but this is only temporary.