Every week I am asked to explain what is "Invisalign" and is my teenager a candidate for this type of treatment. First, Invisalign treatment consists of a series of customized, virtually invisible aligners that gradually move teeth. Are they as effective as braces? Yes and No. In order for aligner treatment to be effective, teens need to have a high degree of compliance, meaning they need to wear the aligners 22 hours per day. With braces that are fixed to the teeth, compliance is taken care of.
Second, is my teenager a candidate for this type of treatment? Not all cases can be treated with Invisalign alone. Sometimes a combination of braces and aligners are needed for complete orthodontic correction. When it comes down to cooperation, parents know best whether their child will be compliant or not.
The advantages of wearing aligners are cosmetic - No one knows you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. They can be removed for sports or to play a musical instrument. Also, no emergency visits due to poking wires or loose brackets.
On average, aligner treatment takes about as long as traditional braces and fees are comparable. Only a qualified Orthodontic Specialist can determine which cases can be successfully treated with Invisalign.
With my new iOC scanner, a patient does not even have to have impressions taken for Invisalign!
It is a very exciting time to be involved in Orthodontics! ~ Dr. T
Second, is my teenager a candidate for this type of treatment? Not all cases can be treated with Invisalign alone. Sometimes a combination of braces and aligners are needed for complete orthodontic correction. When it comes down to cooperation, parents know best whether their child will be compliant or not.
The advantages of wearing aligners are cosmetic - No one knows you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. They can be removed for sports or to play a musical instrument. Also, no emergency visits due to poking wires or loose brackets.
On average, aligner treatment takes about as long as traditional braces and fees are comparable. Only a qualified Orthodontic Specialist can determine which cases can be successfully treated with Invisalign.
With my new iOC scanner, a patient does not even have to have impressions taken for Invisalign!
It is a very exciting time to be involved in Orthodontics! ~ Dr. T
