For much of orthodontic history, braces were the only option for straightening your teeth and improving oral health. For most patients, traditional braces come to mind as soon as we start talking about how orthodontic treatment can improve your smile. They may have negative feelings about the braces of the past. Fortunately, modern braces are more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing than they’ve ever been. There’s actually never been a better time to be a braces patient! Still, many teen and adult patients have some concerns about wearing them and how they may affect their life. And we understand that! If you’re wondering, “Is Invisalign worth it?” we think it is!
We offer several alternatives to metal braces, including clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and Invisalign Teen. When you visit our Charlottesville or Crozet offices for a free consultation with Dr. Hamer and Dr. Glassick, they 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. Hamer and Dr. Glassick will look at several different factors when choosing the best treatment for you, including:
- Your diagnosis
- your treatment objectives
- How complicated your case is
- Your lifestyle
- Your goals
- Your personal preferences
- Your budget
Invisalign is currently the most popular to braces because it does a fantastic job or straightening the teeth of many of our patients. In most cases, Invisalign aligners are about the same price, 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 Hamer & Glassick 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!
Keep Your Smile Front and Center
One of the most significant selling points for Invisalign is that no one has to know you’re working on your smile. They won’t notice the clear plastic aligners, but they will see your stunning new smile! 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, 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
Another popular aspect of Invisalign clear aligners is that you can remove them, which means you have freedom and flexibility that can’t be matched by other orthodontic treatments. 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! All you have to do is remove the aligner before you eat and put in back in when you’re done.
It’s easier to keep your teeth and gums clean
Keeping your teeth clean is incredibly important during your orthodontic treatment, but it can be a challenge to maintain proper oral hygiene with braces on. Brackets and wires can easily trap food while also making it harder to address every nook and cranny. 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 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. 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.
Fully compliant patients 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
At first, Invisalign aligners could only correct simple spacing and crowding issues. As the system has matured and become more widely used, it has improved significantly. These days, Invisalign can be used to treat many conditions 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 Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics
As much as we believe in the benefits of Invisalign, it isn’t the right choice for every patient. Generally speaking, the aligners work best 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 can achieve.
During your free consultation with Dr. Hamer and Dr. Glassick, they’ll examine your smile and determine if treatment with Invisalign would fit your specific needs. If he feels a different treatment option would be a better option, he’ll talk you through what’s available. At Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics, we only recommend the treatment we believe to be best for your unique smile!
We’ll also explain the financial consideration for your new smile, including our payment options and how to get the most out of your 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. Hamer and Dr. Glassick.