When I meet a new patient, I spend a great deal of time diagnosing their dental risks and identifying problem areas. We also discuss their goals for their dental health, which typically include straightening and whitening their teeth. Today, Invisalign has become the gold standard for adult orthodontic treatment and can help most patients achieve this goal.
When discussing orthodontic treatment, which is considered a C priority in our ABCs of dental health, the question of Invisalign vs. braces or Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club often comes up. Having been on the market for more than 20 years, I can tell you that Invisalign has a track record of success. There are also several other advantages of Invisalign.
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Invisalign is more discreet than braces
Before Invisalign, many adults avoided orthodontic treatment because they did not want traditional braces with metal brackets. We would often reach a compromise, but this came at a price. This changed when clear braces entered the market, and again when Invisalign was developed
Invisalign’s clear aligners now offer adults one of the best orthodontic treatment options without the unsightly look of traditional braces. Aligners are almost unnoticeable at a conversation distance, giving patients the option to straighten their teeth more discreetly.
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Invisalign is more effective than Smile Direct Club
When Invisalign entered the market in 1997, many people believed it was too good to be true. At-home orthodontic treatments like Smile Direct Club received the same welcome. However, unlike Invisalign, they are too good to be true.
The problem with at-home orthodontics is that without the watchful eye of a dentist, the aligners can create subtle bite issues, which may contribute to temporomandibular dysfunction, or TMD, excessive tooth wear or loosening. Patients are also more likely to relapse because of the subtle bite problems. I would strongly advise against these options and recommend anyone looking for orthodontic treatment consult their dentist.
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Invisalign technology continues to improve
Over the last 20 years, the technology behind Invisalign has continued to improve. Each case adds to the growing body of work, which allows the company to improve its algorithms and treat more orthodontic cases. Part of the technology is the plastic that creates the aligners, and the other is the software that dentists use to develop the treatment plan.
Models are also done digitally now, rather than with a mold, which is more accurate and easier for the patient. Combined, these technological advancements have allowed the company to provide high-quality orthodontic treatment in a shorter amount of time. In fact, many cases can be done in less than a year.
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Invisalign can fix most orthodontic issues
Many people think that Invisalign can only treat minor orthodontic issues, like a relapse from braces. However, because of the advancements in the technology, Invisalign can now treat 75% of orthodontic cases – from crowding to an overbite, and even TMJ issues.
Using the Invisalign software, your dentist can enter your goals – such widening the upper arch, straightening the teeth, or bringing the top four teeth down – and design your new smile with your input. The outcome is sustainable and aesthetic and creates the best position for your teeth to avoid malocclusions, chipping, excessive wear, gum recession and jaw issues.
Interested in Straightening your Teeth?
If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth with Invisalign or an Invisalign alternative, I cannot recommend the original enough. After years of treating patients with Invisalign, I can safely say that there are no clear disadvantages, and I am confident in the results that you will see.
To start your treatment plan, schedule an appointment with our dentist office in Brandon, FL. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and start designing your new smile.
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