Have you ever tried to tell someone about a story you heard only for them to have heard a different version of the same story from somewhere else? It can be challenging to trust the information you find and can leave many people too confused to get the smile they deserve when it comes to the truth about orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.
The brackets and wires of traditional braces aren’t for everyone. Thankfully, the Invisalign clear aligner system is one of these cutting-edge advancements that may be just right for you. This unique method uses a series of clear aligners to discreetly and gradually adjust the position of your teeth.
Here at Johnson Family Orthodontics, Dr. Cole Johnson and his team have a lot of experience treating patients with Invisalign. We’re excited to offer this technology to our Salem area braces patients. If this sounds like your solution, keep reading to find some clarity on the facts and fiction around Invisalign, and reach out to get started on your journey to a delightful smile!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Aligners like Invisalign have been around for many years, and earlier versions called trays date back decades to when patients used them for post braces retainers. But Invisalign’s unique software and technology can move crooked and misaligned teeth in stages using a series of customized aligners. You will wear each tray for about one to two weeks and then swap to the next aligner in your series. This constant but slight change allows precise adjustments based on your customized treatment plan.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Patients initially used Invisalign to correct simple spacing concerns and teeth 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 Dr. Johnson 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 Johnson Family Orthodontics if this treatment is right for you!
How long will orthodontic treatment with Invisalign take?
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 minor adjustments, you will 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 take photos. They need to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day to be most effective, but you won’t get that flexibility with traditional braces.
Our entire team at Johnson Family Orthodontics is passionate about creating a lifelong smile for you and your family, so now that we’ve gotten some facts ironed out, let’s take a look at some of the false information floating around Invisalign.
Isn’t Invisalign expensive?
Often when “new” things come about, they come with a hefty price tag. Add on the words “advanced technology” and “innovative,” and suddenly, those things become out of reach. 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 traditional metal braces. Often, insurance will even cover much of the cost as it would for those conventional braces. At Johnson Family Orthodontics, we aim to provide outstanding value for a reasonable price. We offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts. We will also check with your insurance company for orthodontic benefits and are happy to help our patients file insurance claims.
Do I have to avoid any foods?
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 Invisalign 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.
What if I forget to wear my aligners?
The last common myth about using Invisalign 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. For our Invisalign Teen patients, there’s even a color-changing dot inconspicuously placed on the back of the trays to help keep them accountable for their usage and help them know when it is time to move to the next tray. Your teen will also receive a few extra allotted aligners because keeping up with things not permanently attached can be a challenge even for some adults. 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.
Johnson Family Orthodontics has the facts you can smile about!
Invisalign technology from Johnson Family Orthodontics allows you and your family to enjoy all the advantages of straight teeth without the embarrassment of wearing metal braces! Have you been putting off your best smile?
Schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Johnson at our Salem, OR, office to learn if treatment with Invisalign is right for you! At Johnson Family Orthodontics, you’ll enjoy a great experience and a great smile! Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages to see what our team is up to, and check out some patient smiles in progress!