Research shows that very few people are completely happy with the appearance of their smile. The primary reason that they are unhappy with it is because of a malocclusion, or bad bite. In fact, approximately 60% of the population has some type of malocclusion.
The good news is, many people can live with their malocclusion. However, there are some who have severe misalignment that requires orthodontic treatment.
For many years, these issues were treated with traditional braces or, in the case of overcrowding, tooth extraction- until Invisalign clear aligners were introduced to the market.
Now, the most popular choice for orthodontic treatment at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights is Invisalign. Here’s what you need to know about getting the perfect smile with Invisalign.
Invisalign is a system of clear aligners designed as an alternative to traditional metal braces. The aligners are made of plastic and are custom-fitted to put even pressure along the entire arch. The pressure pushes the teeth into their appropriate position within the jaw.
The average treatment time is about 12 to 18 months but may be shorter or longer depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion.
Both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces are viable options for treating a variety of malocclusions by putting pressure on the teeth to shift them into place. However, many people choose Invisalign for a variety of reasons:
When Invisalign was first introduced to the market, the cost was higher than that of traditional braces. However, now the price is about the same. The primary difference is that many dental insurance providers will still not cover Invisalign, while most of them will cover traditional braces. However, there are financing options available for those who need it. Our office staff can explain these options.
Invisalign aligners are made of transparent plastic, making them virtually invisible. They look a lot like a retainer and are made to fit snugly against teeth.
Traditional braces usually consist of brackets and a metal wire. The brackets may be made of metal, plaster, ceramic, or other material and may be silver, tooth-colored, or any other color you can think of. These are attached to the front of your teeth in the case of traditional braces.
Another option for traditional braces is lingual braces, which are attached to the backs of teeth. This makes them less obvious than traditional braces but still not as aesthetically pleasing as aligners. Â
Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable, especially when just getting started with treatment or after having braces adjusted. Plus, the brackets and wires are known to scrape the soft tissues of the lips, cheeks, and tongue, causing mouth sores.
Invisalign clear aligners are made of soft plastic, which means that there is no concern about mouth sores. However, there may be some minor concerns with the pressure being put on teeth. In some cases, patients experience mild discomfort, especially when starting treatment or when switching to a new aligner.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners for treating malocclusion.
Invisalign clear aligners are most appropriate for mild to moderate malocclusion, while traditional braces are preferable in more complex cases such as severe crowding, large gaps, or rotated teeth.
Typically, Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months, while traditional braces typically take 12 to 24 months. In the case of very mild malocclusion, Invisalign may take as little as 6 months. However, it is important to note that there are several factors that determine your treatment time. You should consult with the dentist to find out more about what you can expect.
Traditional braces require patients to give up certain foods that could damage the brackets and wires. This includes hard foods like carrots, nuts, popcorn, pears, and apples. In addition, patients with traditional braces must give up sticky candy and gum.
One of the primary advantages of Invisalign clear aligners is that you don’t have to give up these foods because the aligners are removable. Any time you eat or drink anything besides water, it’s important to take out your aligners. On the other hand, it’s just as important to take the time to clean your mouth every time you eat/drink to avoid damaging or staining your aligners and to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
When you have traditional braces, the best way to avoid tooth decay is to brush your teeth after every meal/snack and floss at least once daily. While an interdental brush can get into all of the crevices, cleaning teeth with traditional braces can be a challenge. Â
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, oral hygiene is just like normal. In fact, research indicates that patients who use Invisalign to straighten their teeth experience less tooth decay and gum problems than those who use traditional braces.
Both treatment plans start with a comprehensive exam and imaging. In addition, the dentist will ask about your goals for treatment and your current oral and overall health as well as your oral hygiene habits. These will be used to help determine which option is best.
If you choose traditional braces, the brackets will be cemented to your teeth and an archwire is used to connect them. Every few weeks, the archwire will be tightened to put added pressure on the teeth.
If you choose Invisalign, the digital images of your teeth are sent to the dental lab for the fabrication of your aligners. Each aligner is designed to slightly shift the teeth. While removable, the aligners should be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. You will be sent home with the entire system and instructed to change them out every few weeks.
The first step is the initial consultation. During this visit, the dentist will examine your mouth and determine if you qualify for Invisalign. If so, digital images will be taken of your bite and sent to the dental lab.
The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against your teeth, placing even pressure across the entire arch. The pressure gradually pushes teeth into alignment.
Aligners are designed to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and should be switched every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on your personal treatment plan.
The cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from around $1,500 to $8,000. The primary reason there is such a broad range is because there is a broad range of malocclusions. The type and severity of your malocclusion determines the treatment plan.
Some patients only need 5 aligners and a retainer, while others may need 20 or more aligners followed by a retainer.
Another factor in the cost of Invisalign treatment is dental insurance coverage. Many dental insurance providers consider Invisalign treatment to be a cosmetic treatment, so it is not covered. On the other hand, some insurance providers will cover a portion of the treatment. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine your coverage limits.
There are several reasons why you should choose DentalOne Care in Sterling Heights, MI for your orthodontic- and other dental- needs. We have decades of experience in orthodontics, including Invisalign clear aligners.
We are located on Metro Parkway in Sterling Heights. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Our extended hours allow patients who are unable to take time off work to get the treatments that they need. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about your options for resolving your mild to moderate malocclusion.
Dental 1 Care
Dental 1 Care offers a wide range of dental services to meet your needs. We offer single implants, implant-supported dentures, root canals, dentures, and sedation Dentistry. We are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and we will work with you to make sure you are comfortable and informed about your treatment options.