Invisalign is one of the most well known technologies in orthodontics today. That being said, my new patients seeking Invisalign treatment usually dont know much about it. Therefore, for this blog, I have compiled some commonly asked questions and their answers.

Why should I go to an orthodontist for my Invisalign treatment?

Just like traditional braces, Invisalign is a tool in a practitioners armamentarium used to straighten teeth. An orthodontist has had advanced training and experience in tooth movement and occlusion, and is most qualified to provide successful orthodontic treatment.

Does Invisalign cost a lot more than regular braces?

Although in some orthodontic practices there is a big difference between the price of Invisalign and traditional braces, here at L&M we try to make Invisalign available to those that want it, and our prices are very comparable.

Can Invisalign be used for every orthodontic case?

In the past, we had to turn away many of our patients seeking Invisalign treatment due to the difficulty of their case. However, many improvements to the technology have been made over the last few years, including specialized attachments to allow previously unattainable movements, and aligners made of a new material that provides more reliable corrections with greater patient comfort. Although there are still some cases in which traditional braces are necessary, chances are we can achieve a similar result using Invisalign.

Is Invisalign treatment faster than treatment with traditional braces?

The biology of tooth movement is the same when using either aligners or traditional braces. Tooth movement occurs at the same speed regardless, and treatment times are ultimately the same. Invisalign cases are often misconceived as being shorter in length than traditional cases because most dental professionals only use Invisalign for easier cases. However, here at L&M, we are well versed in Invisalign and its uses. Our doctors can use Invisalign in most cases, even those of greater difficulty.

Does Invisalign hurt more or less than traditional braces?

The tenderness experienced during orthodontic treatment is due to pressure and tension being placed on the ligaments surrounding the teeth. That being said, the teeth cannot tell whether the pressure being provided comes from plastic aligners or metal wires and brackets. As mentioned before, the biology implemented is the same either way. Therefore, patients experience initial periods of discomfort whenever the orthodontist moves a tooth. Over-the-counter pain meds, such as Tylenol or Advil, and a softer diet, usually suffice to allay this discomfort for its duration. Invisalign often is described as more comfortable than traditional braces, because the lips and cheeks are more comfortable against smooth aligners than metal appliances.

Dr. Lee and I really have come to enjoy the use of Invisalign in our orthodontic practice.

The technology allows our office to provide an esthetic alternative for our patients to traditional braces. Schedule an initial evaluation, so we can determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you.