You’ve likely seen Invisalign in commercials. While they advertise a mail order service, it’s crucial to rely on an orthodontist for any orthodontic needs. The Straight Smiles Orthodontics teams in Shelby Township, Novi, and Rochester Hills are all equipped with Invisalign products. Ergo, here is everything you need to know about Invisalign.
The Invisalign clear aligner has become a household name. They’ve done for orthodontic appliances what Xerox did for copy machines. Just before the turn of the millennium, Invisalign became publicly available for purchase. Orthodontists were initially hesitant to use Invisalign. But over the last two decades, that hesitation has diminished. According to manufacturer Align Technology, Invisalign has helped over 13 million smiles worldwide.
How Does Invisalign Compare With Regular Braces?
Invisalign is indeed an orthodontic appliance. Its purpose is to straighten teeth over a period of time. Like traditional braces, a patient may have to wear Invisalign for an extended period. In those ways, Invisalign is similar to conventional braces. But to call them the same would be inaccurate. Braces, whether metal or clear, have brackets and wires.
Additionally, Dr. Rafaill will likely recommend braces to fix a bad bite. You may hear him use the term “malocclusion.” Braces can work better (and, in many cases, more quickly) on bad bites. That said, patients may eventually transition from braces to Invisalign to help them further hone their smile. Nevertheless, Invisalign and braces are distinctly different for that reason.
If Invisalign Isn’t Braces, What Is It?
We’ve established that Invisalign is not the same as braces. So then, what is it? Invisalign works more like a retainer than braces. When you wear braces, you can’t take them off to eat or brush your teeth. But since Invisalign is a removable retainer, you have the bonus of taking it out when you have a meal or get ready to brush and floss.
Dr. Rafaill designs sets of Invisalign customized acrylic aligners for each specific set of teeth. Each Invisalign aligner is composed of smooth, sleek, and virtually unseeable plastic. At Straight Smiles Orthodontics, we use a digital scanner to analyze your bite, leading to a tailored aligner. We do all this without requiring yucky trays and impressions. Dr. Rafaill then generates a unique plan for your teeth. Next, you’ll receive your complete set of aligners a few weeks later. The entire Invisalign treatment process varies depending on the complexity of a patient’s treatment.
So, Is Invisalign Permanent?
This is a misunderstanding. Braces are affixed to the teeth with glue. The wires and brackets help pull the teeth into position over a while. If Dr. Rafaill did fit you with braces, he might give you a list of food and beverages to abstain from. You might have to temporarily say goodbye to some of your favorite snacks and beverages. But with Invisalign, that’s not the case. Invisalign is definitely not permanent, and Dr. Rafaill does not attach it to you.
Is Invisalign Removable?
Is Invisalign Removable?Yes, absolutely. Using only your fingers, you can apply and take out your Invisalign aligners whenever you please. You might sometimes see results as early as three months after initiating treatment! Another advantage of the removable nature of Invisalign is the ability to eat (and drink) whatever you want!
Craving chicken wings, a big meaty burger, or some crunchy popcorn? Have at it! If you have an oral report or presentation for work or school, you can do away with your aligner for that too. You won’t get that kind of freedom with conventional braces!
However, for Invisalign to be most effective, Dr. Rafaill strongly recommends that the aligners be worn for approximately 22 hours a day.
What About The Price?
Straight Smiles Orthodontics understands budget constraints. In any circumstance, patients come first. Dr. Rafaill will only offer treatment plans a patient will actually benefit from. We don’t believe in surprise charges or hidden fees.
With that in mind, sometimes people are intimidated by anything described as “state-of-the-art.” To many folks, that’s just another word for “expensive.” Dr. Rafaill and his staff will be happy to discuss flexible payments options.
Can I Use My Insurance?
Suppose your insurance provider covers dental and orthodontic interventions. In that case, you can use it to help with either Invisalign or regular braces. The teams at the Straight Smiles Orthodontics offices in Shelby Township, Novi, or Rochester Hills work with most Michigan insurance companies. We’ll check and double-check any benefits you’re entitled to. Furthermore, we’re happy to talk with you about a payment plan that fits your budget.
Check Out Straight Smiles Orthodontics
Check Out Straight Smiles OrthodonticsAt Straight Smiles Orthodontics, we use Invisalign to fix a plethora of bad bites. Invisalign is easy to use. Plus, almost anyone can wear it. It’s super convenient and can fit into even the most modest of budgets. Moreover, it’s less cumbersome than more traditional braces.
Still have questions about how Invisalign fixes overbites? Head over here to schedule an appointment at either our Shelby Township, Novi, or Rochester Hills office.