For over 20 years, invisible aligners have been the number one choice of orthodontic patients around the world. Unlike traditional treatments, this method doesn’t require many lifestyle changes, and it doesn’t impact the way the patient looks. At Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics in Destin, FL, we offer Invisalign as an alternative to metal braces for all eligible patients.
Invisible aligners come with many benefits. The most important one is that they are clear, so most people won’t even know that you are wearing them. It’s also worth noting that you won’t have to have as many appointments at the clinic because the trays can be sent to your home once treatment has started. Since the aligners are removable, you can eat as usual, and you don’t have to change your diet.
If you’re scared of going to the dentist, or you’ve had a bad experience with braces in the past, invisible aligners could be an excellent choice because the pain is minimal and because you can clean your teeth as usual, which reduces the risk of cavities and other complications. Almost everyone is eligible, and a wide range of orthodontic conditions can be treated with this easy-to-use method.
One of the reasons why many people resist getting braces is that this changes their appearance. Teenagers are worried about being teased by their peers, and adults are concerned that they will no longer be viewed as professionals in their workplace if they wear metal braces. With invisible aligners, this is no longer a concern.
The trays are completely see-through, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. Because the aligners are easy to clean, and you get new ones sent to you every two weeks, it’s highly unlikely that they will get stained or damaged.
Getting invisible aligners is quick and easy. You’ll start by coming to the clinic and speaking to us about your orthodontic issue. We might take an x-ray of your teeth to see more clearly what’s going on inside your mouth. Then, we will tell you whether invisible aligners are a good fit for you. If so, we’ll take a digital mold of your mouth, which is sent to the manufacturers.
A short while later, your first trays will get sent to us. You’ll come to the clinic to pick them up and have them fitted. However, subsequent trays will be sent directly to your house, so you only need to visit your dentist once every eight to ten weeks. The entire process might take six to eighteen months, depending on the extent of your orthopedic issue and the kind of correction you’re looking for.
One of the best things about invisible aligners is that they are removable. You’ll only have to wear the trays for 20-22 hours a day, and whenever you’re eating or practicing sports, you can take them out. This is a great advantage because it allows you to stick to your regular diet, so you don’t have to stop eating nuts, chewy fruit, crunchy fruit and vegetables, and chewy breads like bagels.
Students and professionals in particular appreciate this Invisalign feature because they can remove their trays when they have an important presentation or meeting. This allows them to remain professional while finally achieving the smile they’ve always dreamed of.
People who get traditional braces have to get used to cleaning their teeth in a different way. Although there are special devices designed to access the spaces between the braces and the teeth, the process is time-consuming and difficult to get right, so the risk of dental issues like cavities increases.
With invisible aligners, it’s much easier to maintain good oral hygiene. You simply take out the aligners whenever you eat, clean your teeth once you’re done, and replace the trays. The aligners themselves can be cleaned with clean water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and gentle soap. Ask your dentist about appropriate cleaning products.
Some dental treatments are very specific and only suitable for a certain group of people, but invisible aligners aren’t like that. A wide range of orthodontic concerns can be addressed with aligners, including crooked teeth, large spaces between the teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite, cross bite, and even crowded teeth.
If you have a severe issue, we might recommend another intervention, such as metal braces, alongside the invisible aligners. However, most people can use Invisalign exclusively and see excellent results. Because each patient has unique trays made just for them, it’s possible to fully customize this treatment method.
Did you know that around 36% of American adults are afraid of going to the dentist? Many of them have had a bad experience before, often in childhood. If you’re worried about getting dental treatments, invisible aligners could be better for you than braces because they are less invasive. Your dentist won’t have to attach them to your teeth, and you can insert and remove them on your own.
When you first put in a new set of trays, you might feel some pressure on the teeth that are being adjusted. However, the process is very gradual, and each tray is only subtly different from the one that came before it. That’s why it’s much easier for people to adjust to invisible aligners.
Most people over the age of 12 can have invisible aligners, but we will thoroughly examine your teeth before making a decision. You might need to get a different treatment if you have rotated teeth, a problem with your jaw, some of your teeth are very small, or your orthodontic problem is very severe.
It’s also worth considering your level of commitment and how easily you stick to a routine. Traditional braces are fixed inside your mouth, so you can’t influence your result. However, invisible aligners can be removed, and you have to be very diligent about wearing them. If you believe that you’ll forget to replace them after taking them out, you might not be a good candidate.
As mentioned, many people don’t go to the dentist when they’re in their teens or early twenties, either because they’re afraid or because they don’t have the money at that point in their lives. But it’s never too late to get your teeth straightened out. If you’re wondering whether this is worth it, think about how your orthodontic issue is affecting your life.
Do you avoid smiling because you’re worried about the appearance of your teeth? Do your teeth detract from the natural beauty of your face? If so, it’s likely that your social interactions, and therefore your private and professional success, are affected by the orthodontic problem. Treatment could help you to improve your social life and your performance at work.
The cost of invisible aligners depends on the number of trays you need and the complexity of your issue. Some people might only have to spend $2,000, while others need to pay $10,000. At your initial consultation, we will tell you more about your payment options.
People who have dental insurance might be covered, so they’ll only have to cover a portion of their treatment. Because we understand that many people are currently worried about their financial situation, we are flexible about payment. You can either pay for your invisible aligners right away or take advantage of our financing options.
After six to eighteen months, you won’t need invisible aligners anymore, but it’s likely that we’ll ask you to wear retainers for a while. These devices are designed to keep your teeth in their new position.
Most likely, you’ll use your first set full-time and then gradually reduce the number of hours you need to wear them. Eventually, you’ll only put them on at night, and after six to twelve months, your teeth will have adjusted to the new position, so you can stop wearing retainers altogether.
Millions of Americans are scared to smile because of the way their teeth look. But there’s no reason why you have to suffer because Invisalign is easy, convenient, and fast. Get in touch with us at Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics in Destin, FL, to ask us about invisible aligners. We will diagnose your orthodontic condition and let you know whether you’re a good candidate.
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