Invisalign: Fact or Fiction

Technology has given us a lot of advancements in orthodontic treatment that make your options both budget and lifestyle friendly. Not only have traditional metal braces become much easier to wear, but we have had many innovative advancements in the possibilities of achieving your perfect smile pretty close to your preferred terms without them. These advancements make it easier than ever to reach your smile goals.

Not interested in rocking the metal brackets and wires look? Invisalign and Spark are the clear aligner systems we use in our office. Clear aligner systems are one of these cutting-edge advancements that may be just right for you. Clear aligners offer an innovative approach to orthodontics using a series of custom-made, invisible aligners. Using 3-D computer imaging, each aligner is made specific to your teeth and gradually and gently shifts your teeth into place. 

Here at Dudley Smiles Orthodontist, Dr. Silas “Si” Dudley has a lot of experience treating patients with Invisalign and are excited to offer this technology to our Issaquah, Sammamish, and surrounding areas, braces patients. If this sounds like your solution, make sure you keep reading to find some clarity on the facts and fiction around clear aligners, and reach out to get started on your journey to a delightful smile!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth and consists of clear acrylic aligners that fit over your teeth and are custom-made for you and only you. These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic using photos and x-rays of your mouth to create a 3-D image that promotes a perfect fit without the need for goopy impressions. Invisalign was the original clear aligner system, but there are other companies that now offer clear aligners, including Spark – which we also offer in our office.

Most patients will wear clear aligners for about nine to twenty-four months and will typically use 18-30 sets during treatment. You will get a great smile with a treatment that doesn’t interrupt your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth!

The Facts

Aligners, like Invisalign, have been around since the nineties and earlier versions, called trays, date back decades to when patients used them for post braces retainers. But Invisalign can move crooked and misaligned teeth in stages using a series of customized aligners. Each retainer is worn for about one to two weeks, so your teeth are gently moved into place little by little, based on the exact movements your doctor plans for you. Then, you will swap to the next aligner in your series and repeat the process. 

Patients initially used Invisalign to correct simple spacing concerns and crowding, but it’s proven to be capable of much more, from overbites to crossbites and then some. The key is to determine the severity of the issues you need to adjust and work with your orthodontist to determine if this is the right treatment plan for you. Invisalign is an excellent choice at any age, so whether you want to avoid having braces in your yearbook photo or you feel you’re too old to sport metal brackets and wire, ask our expert team at Dudley Smiles Orthodontist if this treatment is a good fit for you!

One of the most noted facts about Invisalign is seeing the changes in your smile quickly and clearly since there are no brackets and wires to hide it all while it happens. Due to the cutting-edge technology and the weekly to biweekly series of aligners that make constant minor adjustments, you will begin to notice significant changes in your smile within about three months. And while we are talking about the timeline and facts of Invisalign, another benefit of the removable aligner system is that you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, or even for a photo. To be most effective, they need to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day, but you won’t get that flexibility with traditional braces.

Our entire team here at Dudley Smiles Orthodontist believes your family deserves honest, compassionate care delivered with state-of-the-art technology, so now that we’ve gotten some facts ironed out, let’s take a look at some of the fiction floating around about Invisalign and clear aligners. 

Not So Factual

These days anything described as “innovative” or “cutting-edge” can also mean expensive. Let’s call fiction on that now. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised to find out that, in most cases, Invisalign can cost the same or close to the amount you’d pay for conventional metal braces. Often, with insurance covering much of the cost. 

At Dudley Smiles Orthodontist, our goal is to provide outstanding care for a reasonable price. We offer flexible payment plans and convenient online services. We will also check with your orthodontic benefits with your insurance company and are happy to help you file your insurance claims and paperwork. 

Somewhere along the lines, the myth that you are limited to what you can eat while using the Invisalign system started circulating. That can’t be further from factual. It’s common knowledge that you should avoid chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods with traditional braces, or you run the risk of breaking something or food getting stuck in complicated places. However, with clear aligners, you just take them out before you eat or drink anything more than water, but nothing is off the table. Just remember to clean your teeth before putting them back in to avoid staining the retainer or having food trapped between the retainer and your teeth. 

The last common myth about using clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is remembering to wear the trays regularly. While this may seem like it would be a lot to remember, it’s not much different than wearing contact lenses. Between the Invisalign technology itself and our custom treatment plan, you’ll quickly get into the habit of wearing your retainers to your healthiest and straightest smile. 

Fact beats Fiction, and the choice is clear with Invisalign and Dudley Smiles Orthodontist

You’ll get a great smile without a treatment that gets in the way of your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth. This nearly-invisible option to straighten your teeth is genuinely changing how people see orthodontic treatment.

When you lay it all out, there’s a lot that factors into whether or not Invisalign or Spark clear aligners are right for you. Still, our talented and experienced team at Dudley Smiles Orthodontist hopes to honestly shed some light on what to expect from this popular option. This treatment continues to change the lives and smiles of many of our patients. 

If you wonder if this might be the best path to your brightest smile, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation. There’s never been a better time to take advantage of the latest in orthodontic treatment!