Invisalign is an incredibly popular and common choice for people looking to straighten their teeth discreetly and comfortably without the stigma, permanence, and discomfort associated with traditional wire and metal braces.
When we consult with patients considering whether Invisalign may be right for them, we’re glad to have the opportunity to clarify any misconceptions out there about Invisalign. We want to do the same thing here. If this makes you curious about whether Invisalign may be a good fit for you, or if you have questions that we don’t answer here, contact an orthodontist near you and ask every question you have.
Is Invisalign only good for minor alignment and spacing issues?
No. There is a misconception out there that Invisalign is only appropriate for minorly crooked teeth or minor alignment issues. In truth, Invisalign is a versatile solution that is based entirely on your unique teeth requirements. Every assessment starts with a complete review of your teeth and goals to determine the best possible treatment plan. Invisalign is an effective option for treating a wide range of alignment and spacing issues, including:
- Overcrowding
- Crossbites
- Gapped teeth
- Underbites
- Open bites.
Whatever alignment or spacing issue you are living with, if you’re curious about whether Invisalign may be part of a solution, don’t make any assumptions but contact an orthodontist in NE Calgary and ask them to take a look.
Does Invisalign in NE Calgary take longer than braces?
The truest answer to this question is that, in part, it depends — on you. Patients who elect to have their teeth straightened with traditional wire and metal braces wear those braces for an average of two years. On average, Invisalign works much more efficiently than that. The average Invisalign patient completes their treatment plan in 12 to 18 months, significantly shorter than even the average treatment plan with traditional braces.
What do we mean that it depends on you? One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that Invisalign’s aligners are removable. You’ll take them out to eat, brush, and floss naturally. In that way, the Invisalign treatment experience is vastly different from traditional orthodontics.
Here’s the downside, though. That ability to take your aligners out should be used sparingly and for only short periods. To achieve your best and fastest results, you need to wear your aligners 22 hours per day. Take them out to eat, brush, and floss then clean them and pop them back into place. The longer you leave your aligners out, the longer your treatment plan will take.
Invisalign is only appropriate for adults, right?
No. Invisalign is an appropriate solution for mature teenagers and adults. Invisalign is not recommended for children just because of the stage of their growth and development.
If you’re a parent whose teenager is struggling with crooked teeth, how do you know if they’re mature enough to benefit from Invisalign? Orthodontists in NE Calgary can help make that assessment, but here’s what successful Invisalign treatment will demand of your teen — who you know best:
- They’ll need to remove their aligners before they eat, to be cleaned, and to brush and floss
- They’ll need to wear their aligners at least 20 hours per day, and ideally 22 hours per day
- They’ll need to clean their aligner as directed every time they take it out
- They’ll need to follow their treatment plan to switch from one aligner to the next on the schedule
Mail-order aligners are just as good as Invisalign, aren’t they?
Orthodontists in NE Calgary recommend that you do not use mail-order orthodontic aligners. They promise speed, but faster is not always better. Moving teeth too quickly can damage your bones and gums. Invisalign’s sophisticated and advanced treatment system ensures teeth are moved to the correct position. Mail-order aligners can cause more harm than good by creating misaligned bites.
Maybe you’re tired of your crooked teeth. Maybe your teenage child is struggling with self-esteem issues because of the appearance of your teeth, and you want to help. Whatever your situation, consider this accurate information about Invisalign carefully. If it prompts questions or curiosity about treatment with Invisalign in NE Calgary, contact an orthodontist near you for an assessment.