According to research, very few people have perfectly straight teeth. Most people have some type of malocclusion, or “bad bite” such as:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Gaps between teeth
- Crossbite
- Open bite
The severity of these issues ranges from very mild to severe. For decades, the primary treatment was traditional braces. This involved the placement of brackets on the affected teeth with an archwire running between them. The archwire puts pressure on the teeth, causing them to shift into alignment. This can be a painful, tedious process.
Prime Family Dentistry in Stone Ridge offers a better option- Invisalign clear aligners. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about this orthodontic treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear aligners, similar to retainers, designed as an alternative to traditional braces. The aligners are custom-made to fit tightly against the teeth, putting firm, even pressure on them to shift them into alignment. For best results, the aligners should be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day- the more they are worn, the more effective they are.
Benefits of Invisalign over Traditional Braces
Invisalign |
Traditional Braces |
|
Cost |
$1,200 to $8,000 |
$3.000 to $7,000 |
Insurance Coverage |
Some dental insurance providers will cover Invisalign, some consider it cosmetic |
Most dental insurance provers will cover treatment with traditional braces |
Appearance |
Virtually invisible, most people don’t notice the aligners, even close up |
Wires and brackets are visible, even from a distance |
Effectiveness |
Effective for mild to moderate malocclusions alone May also be effective for severe malocclusion when used with attachments |
Proven effective for all types and severities of dental malocclusions |
Treatment time |
12 to 18-month treatment window on average Mild malocclusions may take 6 months, while more severe cases may take up to 24 |
12 to 24-month treatment window, may take up to 36 months for more severe cases |
Procedure |
The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam Digital images are taken of the bite and sent to a dental lab for the fabrication of the aligners Once aligners are sent to the clinic, the first one will be placed, and the treatment plan discussed You will be sent home with the remaining aligners and will check in with the clinic every so often to check your progress |
The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, including x-rays and other necessary imaging Metal brackets will be cemented to affected teeth and an archwire run through connecting them. Every few weeks, you will need to come back in to have the archwire tightened. |
Food restrictions |
None, aligners are removed for eating |
Nothing sticky, hard, chewy, tough, or crunchy |
Oral hygiene |
Easy, aligners are removed for brushing/flossing |
Complicated, can be difficult to clean around the brackets and wires- requires the use of an interdental brush |
Cost
Invisalign
$1,200 to $8,000
Traditional Braces
$3.000 to $7,000
Insurance Coverage
Invisalign
Some dental insurance providers will cover Invisalign, some consider it cosmetic
Traditional Braces
Most dental insurance provers will cover treatment with traditional braces
Appearance
Invisalign
Virtually invisible, most people don’t notice the aligners, even close up
Traditional Braces
Wires and brackets are visible, even from a distance
Effectiveness
Invisalign
Effective for mild to moderate malocclusions alone
May also be effective for severe malocclusion when used with attachments
Traditional Braces
Proven effective for all types and severities of dental malocclusions
Treatment time
Invisalign
12 to 18-month treatment window on average
Mild malocclusions may take 6 months, while more severe cases may take up to 24
Traditional Braces
12 to 24-month treatment window, may take up to 36 months for more severe cases
Procedure
Invisalign
The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam
Digital images are taken of the bite and sent to a dental lab for the fabrication of the aligners
Once aligners are sent to the clinic, the first one will be placed, and the treatment plan discussed
You will be sent home with the remaining aligners and will check in with the clinic every so often to check your progress
Traditional Braces
The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, including x-rays and other necessary imaging
Metal brackets will be cemented to affected teeth and an archwire run through connecting them.
Every few weeks, you will need to come back in to have the archwire tightened.
Food restrictions
Invisalign
None, aligners are removed for eating
Traditional Braces
Nothing sticky, hard, chewy, tough, or crunchy
Oral hygiene
Invisalign
Easy, aligners are removed for brushing/flossing
Traditional Braces
Complicated, can be difficult to clean around the brackets and wires- requires the use of an interdental brush
Things You Should Know about Invisalign
If you are considering Invisalign treatment for your misalignment, there are a few things you should be aware of:
No age limit
Orthodontic treatment should begin around age 12 or 13. While we do not recommend Invisalign for patients this young due to the compliance/responsibility factor, it can be done. There is no upper age limit for Invisalign treatment- as long as you have all of your natural teeth.
Must be worn most of the day
While the aligners can be removed for eating and for brushing and flossing teeth, they must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. The longer they are worn, the more effective they will be- and the faster treatment will be.
Teeth must be healthy
Issues such as cavities, gum disease, and others must be treated before you can begin Invisalign treatment. If you have artificial teeth, you do not qualify for Invisalign.
No special care considerations
Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed for eating and for oral hygiene purposes, which means you don’t have to deal with any special care considerations. Simply brush and floss your teeth like you normally would.
Takes some adjustment
When you first start treatment, the aligners may feel bulky, and you may develop a speech impediment. However, once you get adjusted to them, they will feel natural- you won’t even notice them.
Invisalign Options
Invisalign treatment offers several different options, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion, as well as age.
Invisalign Teen:
designed for teens, aligners have blue dots that fade over time if the aligners are being worn as directed. This helps parents ensure that their teen is compliant.
Invisalign Express:
two levels of express treatment- 5 or 7 aligners, primarily designed for very mild cases
Invisalign Lite:
offers up to 14 aligners, for mild to mild/moderate cases
Invisalign Moderate:
offers up to 20 aligners, for mild/moderate to moderate cases
Invisalign Comprehensive:
offers unlimited aligners, designed for moderate to moderate/severe cases
Patients with very severe cases of malocclusion may require traditional braces, extractions, or surgery to correct their misalignment.
Choose Prime Family Dentistry for Your Malocclusion Treatment
If your teeth are misaligned and you are interested in learning more about your options, schedule your consultation with Prime Family Dentistry today. Dr. Sue has served clients in the DC metro area for more than 20 years. She strives to keep up with the latest advancements in dentistry to ensure the best care possible for her patients. We offer a variety of general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services for the entire family.
We are located on Pinebrook Road in Stone Ridge, VA. Our office hours are Monday and Friday from 7:30 to 3:30 PM, Thursday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
