If you recently learned that you or your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment to correct oral issues, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Taking the first step toward a healthier smile can be exciting, but you may also be unsure about what to expect during your treatment. Fortunately, modern orthodontic technology gives patients more choices than ever before when it comes to choosing a treatment option!
Here at Hemphill Orthodontics, these options include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to braces available and it’s not hard to see why! To find out more about Invisalign clear aligners and how they can benefit your smile, keep reading below.
Invisalign makes treatment nearly invisible
Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest reasons for Invisalign’s increasing popularity is the flexibility the clear aligners offer patients. These aligners are barely noticeable to most people, which is exciting for patients who have been worried about treatment making their smile stand out. Since they can be removed for short periods of time, clear aligners are also great for any special occasions when a patient wants their natural smile to shine through, such as proms, weddings, or senior pictures.
Invisalign makes it easier to keep your smile healthy during treatment
Oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for orthodontic patients to maintain good dental hygiene throughout their treatment. This can take some getting used to with traditional braces, especially in the early days. Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands can be time-consuming, and they also make it harder to remove any lingering food particles or plaque. You don’t have to worry about that with Invisalign. The aligners are simply removed so you can brush and floss like normal! Caring for the aligners themselves is also extremely easy. There are special kits designed to clean them or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
The flexibility you need with Invisalign
Since they can be removed for short periods of time, Invisalign aligners offer patients much more freedom than traditional treatment methods can provide. Food restrictions are one great example of this. Sticky and crunchy foods can wreak havoc on brackets, bands, and wires, so patients in braces are encouraged to avoid them throughout the treatment process. This often eliminates several favorite snacks and foods. With Invisalign, you can continue to eat anything you want, any time you would like. Simply remove your aligners before eating, then put them back in when you are done.
Invisalign may work more quickly than braces in some cases
Every case is unique and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. Therefore, unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” answer to how long you will need orthodontic treatment.
Patient compliance is an important part of any orthodontic treatment, but it is absolutely essential with Invisalign. For the system to be effective, you will need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, throughout the course of your treatment. You will also be responsible for switching your aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks, allowing them to keep up with the movements your teeth are making. If you do not keep up your schedule, your treatment may take longer and not provide the results you are looking for.
For patients who are fully compliant, the average treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from about 6 to 18 months. Depending on the case, this can actually be slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Invisalign can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues
In their earlier days, Invisalign aligners were mainly used to correct simple spacing issues or mild crowding. However, as the system began to grow in popularity, the design of the aligners was greatly improved. Invisalign can now be used to treat a wide variety of orthodontic issues, including:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet
Special features for teens
When it comes to the treatment benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen work the same. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with features that meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
As we already mentioned, patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. You must wear your aligners as directed by Dr. Hemphill in order for them to work properly. The compliance indicators built into the Invisalign Teen aligners fade from blue to clear over time, providing parents and orthodontists with a visual approximation of wear. This lets them know if the patient is holding up their end of the treatment bargain!
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
It is not uncommon for our teen patients to lose or break an aligner. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, there is no need to worry if this occurs. Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Get the smile you deserve with Invisalign and Hemphill Orthodontics
While Invisalign is an exciting option for many orthodontic patients, it may not work for everyone. Generally speaking, the aligners tend to be most successful for teen and adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are more complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Hemphill in our Celina office, he will examine your smile and determine if you are a good candidate for treatment with Invisalign. You can trust Hemphill Orthodontics to only recommend the treatment we believe will be the best fit for your unique smile!
During your first visit with us, we will also outline the complete investment required for your new smile. You will also learn more about our payment options and insurance coverage. When you have all the right information, you will be able to make an informed decision on what treatment option would be best for you.
If you are ready to learn more about how Invisalign aligners can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Hemphill!
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Dr. Hemphill