Is Invisalign® Right for You?
Traditional metal braces are not the only option for straightening your teeth with Larson Orthodontics. We are also a Diamond Invisalign® provider, meaning that we have treated many cases with clear aligners!
What is Invisalign?®
Invisalign® is a near invisible alternative to traditional metal braces. Treatment consists of sets of clear trays that are worn 20-22 hours a day, and switched out once a week to progress towards the desired alignment of your teeth. Near invisible buttons (called attachments) are attached to your teeth to help the trays effectively stay in place and move your teeth into the desired position. These BPA free, medical grade plastic trays are made using a 3D scan of your teeth from an Itero© Scanner, so you can say goodbye to uncomfortable, goopy impressions. Invisalign® allows for very precise movements so that every detail of your smile is to your liking. This form of treatment is fantastic for teens and adults starting out in their orthodontic journey, as well as anyone who’s had braces in the past and had changed to their tooth position or final goals over time.
Who should try Invisalign®?
While Invisalign® is the perfect fit for some, it is not the best course of treatment for everyone. While some simple bite correction can be done by adding elastic bands to your treatment, more serious cases are often more effectively treated with traditional braces and bands. In addition, Invisalign® is typically not the primary option for children, and young teenagers. At that age, the teeth are erupting into the mouth and it is more difficult for the aligners to adapt well to the teeth. Invisalign® takes a lot of personal discipline to get the most out of it, which can often be more challenging than many patients anticipate. While convenient for esthetics and adjustments, Invisalign® trays do need to be removed for anything other than water – this can be inconvenient for those who sip coffee or snack throughout the day. With traditional metal braces there is a sizeable list of foods that you need to avoid eating, but there is no limit on when or where you snack and enjoy non-water beverages. With Invisalign® you can technically eat any food that you want, but you must take your aligners out when eating, which cuts into your wear time. While it is fine to have aligners out for 2-4 hours a day, additional time delays progress. These kinds of restrictions don’t work for everyone, but for many esthetic-minded patients Invisalign can be a great option!
If you have any further questions about Invisalign®, feel free to call our office at 715-514-3333!