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Approximately 20% of the population has an imperfect bite. This causes a wide range of issues from jaw pain to headaches and difficulty chewing and speaking. One of the most common orthodontic treatments for an imperfect bite is Invisalign.
Invisalign is a series of clear, removable trays that are customized to fit your teeth. These aligners gradually move the teeth into their ideal position during a treatment period that typically ranges from 6-12 months, depending upon the level of correction needed. Invisalign treatment is very effective for any bite issues, improving facial appearance as well as oral health indicators that include gum health (up to 92%), snoring reduction (40%), and jaw joint pain (46%).
However, despite the overwhelming evidence of its efficacy and high patient satisfaction with the subtlety & convenience of Invisalign, many myths persist about the perceived cons associated with Invisalign treatment.
Enter your smile specialist friends at Mint Hill Orthodontics – we’re here to shoot you straight on the facts about Invisalign to help you determine if this effective orthodontic treatment option is right for you!
Myth 1: I Won’t Be Able to Eat What I Want
Even though Invisalign aligners are removable, many patients believe that they will not be able to eat certain foods during treatment. This is due to the fact that orthodontists heavily discourage patients from eating sweet or sticky foods while wearing traditional metal braces, as they can cause damage to the brackets. However, this is absolutely not the case when it comes to Invisalign! The beauty of this versatile form of treatment is that you CAN eat and drink whatever you choose- you have two full hours of the day in which you can remove the trays for eating, drinking, and any other forms of activity in which you’d rather not wear them. You can even drink water through a straw with your trays in!
Myth 2: It’s Not Suitable for My Age Group or the Lifestyle I Lead
Invisalign is an exceptional smile solution for anyone at almost any age. It’s great for teens because it’s virtually invisible, which is great for their self-confidence and social life! Let’s face it- with dating, prom, sports. and ALL of the selfies on social media, getting traditional metal braces probably isn’t at the top of your teen’s bucket list at the moment. Invisalign is the perfect way to equip them with a smile that sets them up for success without any sacrifice on their part! Invisalign is also a great choice for adults because of how discreet & unobtrusive it is, allowing them to focus on the smile they deserve without feeling self-conscious in their busy personal and professional lives! Plus, it’s also a wonderful “smile refresh” tool for older people who’ve had orthodontic treatment but may not have been as great about maintaining it with regular retainer use as they could’ve been. After all, our teeth will shift throughout our lives, and we can only keep them in the right position through treatment and continued retention efforts. Invisalign can even be used in kids as young as 7 to solve certain bite problems early! To determine whether it will work for you, your dentist will look at your medical history and any oral health issues such as gum disease, cavities, or excessive bleeding while brushing. If these are not present, there is no reason why you should not try out Invisalign, no matter what your age or stage in life.
Myth 3: Invisalign Treatment Takes Too Long
A common myth is that Invisalign treatment takes longer than traditional braces treatment. FALSE! These delicate aligners pack a powerful punch, and in many cases, can resolve complicated orthodontic issues even faster than traditional metal braces can. While smile perfection doesn’t happen overnight, subtle improvements do become visibly noticeable rather quickly. In fact, most people see noticeable results within the first three months of wearing their Invisalign trays. The fact that the aligners are clear and your mouth isn’t hidden by metal only makes those awesome smile enhancements more obvious as treatment progresses!
Myth 4: I Won’t Be Able to Smile Naturally During Treatment
It is a common misconception that patients will not be able to smile or laugh if the aligners are visible in everyday social situations. This can cause hesitancy for people to pull the trigger on moving forward with orthodontic treatment they really need, especially among adolescents and teenagers, who are at the age in which appearance is a major concern. However, the most appealing thing about Invisalign treatment is that unlike the more noticeable traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are extremely subtle, to the point that most people will not even be able to detect you’re even wearing them unless they’re standing extremely close to your face. There’s a reason why they call them “invisible,” after all!
Myth 5: Invisalign Costs More Than Braces
You may be surprised to hear that in most cases, the cost of Invisalign is very close to, and in some cases even the same as, the cost of traditional braces. Depending upon your dental insurance, there’s also a good chance that a significant portion (or possibly even the full cost!) of Invisalign is covered. Our team is more than happy to look into your insurance offerings with you & figure out the treatment solution that works best for your needs and your wallet!
Myth 6: Treatment with a specialist is too expensive, and my general dentist offers invisalign
Orthodontic treatment is most often less expensive with a specialist, and can yield significantly better results in a shorter time! Orthodontists are tooth moving specialists that have the highest level of training for perfecting smiles. Most general dentists have little to no formal training and treat very few cases. Orthodontists have the knowledge to efficiently guide you to your best smile, in a shorter time. Orthodontists are also the most equipped dental specialty to solve any problems that may come up during your orthodontic journey. Trust your smiles to an orthodontic specialist to make sure you get the best smile.
Ready to explore if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you? Feel free to give us a call at Mint Hill Orthodontics at 980.243.8030 to get your FREE Smile Consult on the books! Who knows- you could be rocking a completely transformed smile in as little as six months to a year if you do!