13945 Panther Dr.Dewitt, MI 48820
(517) 669-5833
5238 W St. Joseph Hwy., #1Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-4375
It’s not uncommon for new orthodontic patients to be unsure about what lies ahead in the weeks and months ahead. If you’ve recently learned that you or your child need treatment to correct orthodontic issues, you may be envisioning a mouth full of metal braces on the horizon. The good news is, today’s braces are far more subtle, comfortable, and effective than they’ve ever been, so even if that were the case, you’d get through the treatment process with no problem! That said, many of our teen and adult patients are still on the fence about using them to straighten their smile and while there are a number of alternatives available, some still wonder “is Invisalign worth it?”
Here at Grubaugh Orthodontics, these options include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Ed Grubaugh will work with your unique smile to create a personalized treatment plan guaranteed to give you the best results. We know that what works for one patient may not work for another, so we will always take several different factors into consideration when deciding on the best treatment for you and your smile. These factors include:
Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to braces, and it’s not hard to see why! In most cases, you’ll find that Invisalign aligners are comparable in price to traditional metal braces. However, they can occasionally be slightly more expensive. This can lead some patients to wonder if the Invisalign system is really worth the difference in cost. We believe Invisalign aligners are a worthwhile investment for almost any smile! To learn why keep reading below.
One of the biggest reasons for Invisalign’s success is that the aligners are made from a clear plastic that is barely noticeable to most people. For patients who are anxious about treatment making their smile stand out, Invisalign is a welcome alternative! Since they can be removed for short periods of time, 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.
Thanks to their removability, Invisalign aligners offer patients more freedom than traditional treatment methods can offer! Food restrictions are a perfect example of this. Sticky and crunchy foods can damage brackets and wires, so patients wearing braces must avoid them throughout the treatment process. This often eliminates several favorite snacks. With Invisalign, however, you can continue eating all your favorite foods! Simply remove the aligner before eating, then put it back in when you’re done.
Getting into a good oral hygiene routine with traditional braces can come with a bit of a learning curve, especially in the beginning. Brushing and flossing around braces and wires can be time-consuming, and they also make it harder to remove any lingering food particles or plaque. 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.
Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way, so unfortunately there’s never a “one size fits all” answer as to how long a patient will need orthodontic treatment.
Patient compliance is an important part of any orthodontic treatment, but it’s especially essential with Invisalign clear aligners. For the aligners to be successful, you’ll need to wear them for 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment process as recommended by Dr. Grubaugh. You’ll also be responsible for switching your aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks as your teeth move into their new positions. This allows them to keep up with the movements that Dr. Grubaugh incorporated into your treatment plan. Failure to follow through on your part as the patient can mean longer treatment times and subpar results.
For fully compliant patients, the average treatment time with Invisalign can be anywhere from about 6 to 18 months. This is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Many years ago when Invisalign first became a treatment option, the aligners were predominately used to correct only very simple spacing issues or mild crowding. As the system began to grow in popularity, the design of the aligners improved dramatically. Invisalign can now be used to treat the following conditions just as effectively as traditional braces:
As exciting as Invisalign is, it may not be the best choice for every patient. In general, the aligners tend to be most successful 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 is able to achieve.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Grubaugh in our Dewitt or Lansing offices, he’ll examine your smile and determine if treatment with Invisalign would be a good fit for your unique needs. If he feels a different treatment option would be a better option, we’ll walk you through what’s available. You can trust Grubaugh Orthodontics to only recommend the treatment we believe to be best for your unique smile!
During your first visit with us, we’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn all about our payment options and insurance coverage. Once you have all the right information, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more effectively. Knowing there’s a discreet alternative to braces that is comfortable, flexible, and just as efficient as braces can make any added cost feel worth every penny!
If you’re ready 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. Grubaugh.