If you’ve been looking for a flexible way to straighten your smile, Invisalign clear aligners can be a fantastic solution. Kovacs Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign clear aligners to our Billings and Miles City patients. Many adult patients want to straighten their smiles but don’t want the appearance of metal braces. Thankfully, more discreet options are available to give you a smile you love.
Invisalign clear aligners are the most popular alternative to traditional braces we have, and it’s easy to see why. This innovative system offers exceptional results as braces but doesn’t require any brackets, wires, or bands to shift the teeth. While Invisalign has been around for about twenty years, there are still some misconceptions about what clear aligners are and how they work. We will separate the fact from fiction below, so keep reading to learn the truth about Invisalign!
Fiction #1: Invisalign takes longer to work than traditional braces
Understanding the basics of orthodontic appliances will clarify why this common belief is false. In general, appliances are either fixed or removable. Traditional braces are fixed appliances, with the brackets attached directly to the front of the teeth.
Invisalign aligners are removable appliances, so no part is affixed to the tooth surface. This removability is one of the system’s most desirable features. The aligners are designed to be removed any time you eat and brush your teeth, so there’s a bit more flexibility than you’d have with braces.
It’s also important to understand that orthodontic treatment of any kind requires patient compliance, but it is essential for success with the Invisalign system. Because the aligners are removable, it’s up to you to wear them as directed by Dr. Kovacs. That means keeping the aligners in for 20-22 hours daily throughout the treatment process.
You are also in charge of switching the aligners out every week to the next in the series. This allows the aligners to keep up with the movements of your teeth. If these guidelines aren’t followed, it can result in longer treatment times and may even affect the overall results.
One of the questions we frequently hear from patients is how long treatment will take. Whether you’re in braces or Invisalign, there’s no concrete answer for that! Every case is unique, and all patients will respond to treatment differently.
On average, however, the total treatment time for most compliant Invisalign patients at Kovacs Orthodontics will be about 6-18 months. This means that the treatment time for Invisalign can even be faster than it is with traditional braces!
Fiction #2: The Invisalign system is more difficult to maintain than braces
Fiction #2: The Invisalign system is more difficult to maintain than bracesNow that you know why patient compliance is integral to any orthodontic journey let’s talk about oral hygiene during treatment.
A good dental hygiene routine is essential for everyone, but it can come with a bit of a learning curve for those in braces, especially at first. Learning how to navigate the brackets and wires can take some time, which creates pockets that are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. You never have to worry about that with Invisalign, though!
Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before you brush and floss, then replaced once you’re done. We recommend brushing thoroughly after every meal and flossing every night before bed for the best results. You’ll also need to take good care of your aligners by gently brushing them with water and a soft toothbrush. Special kits are also available for cleaning them if you prefer a more ready-made solution.
Food restrictions are also a thing of the past with Invisalign! Since crunchy and chewy foods can damage brackets and wires, patients need to avoid braces throughout the orthodontic process. But Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before eating, so you’re free to eat all the things you usually would!
Invisalign can be helpful in ways you might not normally consider, too. Because you can take them out for short periods, they can be an excellent option for athletes, musicians who play specific instruments, and any special occasion when you want your natural smile to shine through, like senior photos, weddings, and prom.
Fiction #3: Treatment with Invisalign costs more than traditional braces
Compared to braces, which have been around for centuries in one form or another, the Invisalign system is relatively new. When clear aligners first hit the market, they were pretty pricey. But as the treatment became more popular and accessible, the cost decreased accordingly. Dr. Kovacs considers several factors when determining the overall cost of your treatment, but Invisalign typically costs about the same as braces in our Billings and Miles City offices.
Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with Dr. Kovacs, we’ll walk you through your payment options. In addition to accepting most major Montana insurance plans, we offer convenient financing with no down payment. It’s our goal to keep your treatment affordable and efficient! We’ll work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget.
Fact: you’ll find your best smile with Kovacs Orthodontics
Fact: you’ll find your best smile with Kovacs OrthodonticsDr. Kovacs has successfully treated hundreds of patients with Invisalign in Billings, Miles City, and the surrounding communities. This expertise allows him to use Invisalign to treat a wider variety of patients of all ages!
When you schedule a FREE consultation with us, Dr. Kovacs will examine your mouth and determine which treatment would be the best fit for your unique smile. If you’d like to learn more about how the Invisalign clear aligner system could transform your smile, get in touch today to schedule a visit with our Billings or Miles City office!