Learning that orthodontic treatment is on the horizon for you or your child can be an overwhelming experience. There’s a lot of information to take in, and you likely have a number of questions and concerns about what treatment options are available, how effective they will be, and which will be the most affordable. Traditional metal braces are a classic orthodontic appliance with an excellent track record for straightening smiles, and the modern versions are more comfortable and lightweight than ever before, yet many patients are still hesitant about them. As a fixed appliance, braces do have some limitations and restrictions. If you want a healthier, more aligned smile, but aren’t sure about using traditional braces to achieve it, we have another option that could be a perfect fit for you!
Clauss Orthodontics is proud to offer the InvisalignⓇ clear aligner system to patients in Watertown, Woodbury, and the surrounding communities. The Invisalign system consists of removable plastic trays, or aligners, that are custom-made to fit over your teeth. Aligners are changed out every 1-2 weeks for the next in the series, and gently move your teeth into the desired positions over time. Invisalign is able to give patients a beautifully aligned and fully functional smile, as well as an optimized bite pattern. This makes the teeth healthier, more attractive, and more effective. Let’s take a look at some of the other reasons our patients love Invisalign!
1.Treats smiles as successfully as traditional braces
Invisalign is at its most efficient when treating mild to moderate cases of underbite, overbite, overcrowding, and gaps between the teeth, but it does depend on patient compliance to achieve successful results. This means you will need to wear your aligners exactly as directed by Dr. Clauss in order to get the smile you desire! As long as you keep your aligners in the recommended 20-22 hours a day, Invisalign can be just as successful as traditional braces at treating many of the most common dental issues.
2. Comparable cost
One of the concerns we hear most often from patients and parents is how much an alternative to traditional braces will cost. The good news is that Invisalign costs just about the same as traditional braces! The even better news is that many dental insurance policies will cover orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Prior to beginning treatment, our financial coordinator will collect your information and contact the insurance company on your behalf to verify benefits. We can then calculate your coverage as part of your overall treatment plan. If there are any out of pocket costs or your insurance doesn’t cover treatment, we offer affordable 0% interest monthly financing, and a number of other options, including:
- Monthly auto draft from your bank or credit card
- 5% discount for paid in full treatment
- No pre-approvals needed
- Family and sibling courtesy discount
3. Flexibility
3. FlexibilityAll orthodontic treatment options take some getting used to, but with traditional braces, the food restrictions can be one of the steepest learning curves. Having a fixed appliance means that patients need to avoid anything that is crunchy or sticky, putting a lot of foods on the back burner until treatment is complete. By contrast, Invisalign aligners are removable and designed to be taken out at mealtimes, so you’re able to eat just about anything you normally would! That said, you should still be vigilant about brushing and flossing after eating to prevent any bacteria and plaque from being trapped against the teeth. Fortunately, keeping your teeth clean is a cinch with Invisalign. The aligners are removed before your regular dental hygiene routine, so there are no nooks and crannies to navigate. You’re able to simply brush, floss, and go!
4. The invisibility factor
When you have crooked teeth or other dental issues affecting your smile, it can really do a number on your self-confidence. While traditional braces are an excellent long-term solution for malocclusions, you might worry that they will make you stand out more during treatment, increasing how self-conscious you may already be. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, and many people won’t even know you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment while you’re wearing them! This makes them the perfect choice for teens and adults who are concerned about how traditional braces will affect their appearance and their lifestyle.
5. Less time in the chair, more time for you
We have to pack more into our schedules now than ever before, and it can be chaotic trying to fit in work, school, sports, and other extracurriculars, let alone orthodontist appointments! When compared to traditional braces, our Invisalign patients will tend to require less frequent visits overall, since there aren’t any adjustments to make, or broken wires and brackets that need attending to. After the initial appointment, patients can expect follow-up appointments every eight weeks or so.
Invisalign is the clear winner in Woodbury and Watertown
Are you ready to take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted, but don’t feel like traditional braces are for you? We would love to welcome you to either of our office locations for a free initial consultation! Dr. Clauss has been providing Invisalign treatments to families in our community for over a decade, and is committed to giving each patient individualized, high-quality orthodontic care. Our team work hard to create a comfortable, stress-free, and relaxing experience from the first time you walk through our door. With two convenient locations in Woodbury and Watertown, as well as select Saturday hours, we make it easy to get started on your very best smile, so call or click here to schedule your consultation now!