If you’ve recently learned that you or your child needs orthodontic treatment, you may imagine a mouthful of metal braces in your future. Although traditional metal braces have made some significant improvements over the years, many people are still on the fence about using them to straighten their teeth and get the smile of their dreams. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available today, including clear braces and Invisalign clear aligners.

Here at Bluebird Orthodontics, we work with each patient’s unique smile to create a completely customized treatment plan. We know that what works for one patient may not work for another, so we consider several factors when deciding on a treatment plan that’s best for you. These include:

  • your diagnosis
  • how much work you need done
  • your lifestyle
  • your goals
  • your preference
  • your budget

Invisalign continues to be our most popular alternative to traditional braces and it is comparable in price to conventional metal braces because, at our Commack office, the fee is the same. After all, we genuinely want you to choose what will fit your lifestyle best. Keep reading below to find out why Dr. Frank and the team at Bluebird Orthodontics believe Invisalign aligners can be a substantial investment for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues!

Invisalign offers a more discreet treatment option

One of the most attractive features of Invisalign aligners is that they’re made from a clear plastic that is almost entirely unnoticeable. For patients who are worried about orthodontic treatment, drawing attention to their smile, Invisalign is a welcome alternative! Since you can remove the aligners for short periods, they’re also an excellent option if you have special events coming up, such as a wedding or prom.  

Invisalign gives patients extra freedom and flexibility

Patients who choose Invisalign enjoy freedom and flexibility that more traditional treatment options just can’t match! Food restrictions are a splendid example. Braces patients have to avoid any sticky or crunchy foods to protect their appliances, which often eliminates several of the most popular foods and snacks. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about this! Since you can remove your aligners, you can continue to enjoy any foods you’d like. Just take your aligners out before eating and put them back in after your meal or snack. Not having to worry about food restrictions makes orthodontic treatment a lot more manageable (and more fun!)

Invisalign makes maintaining good oral hygiene a breeze

Everyone needs to have a good oral hygiene routine, but it’s essential for orthodontic patients! Brushing and flossing around the brackets and bands of traditional braces can be time-consuming and frustrating. Not to mention all the different places for food to hide! Simply take Invisalign aligners out before brushing and flossing as usual. Caring for the aligners is also incredibly easy! There are special kits designed to clean them, or you can gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.

Invisalign can sometimes straighten your teeth in less time than braces

Every case is unique, and each patient will respond to treatment in their way. With Invisalign, patient compliance is an integral part of the process. Patients wear aligners for 20-22 hours per day and switch out their aligners for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to allow them to keep up with your teeth’ movements and keep your treatment on track. The total treatment time can be anywhere from 6 to 18 months for fully compliant patients, which is slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!

Invisalign can work for a wide range of orthodontic issues

When it first came on the scene, they mostly used Invisalign for simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. However, as orthodontists realized the system’s potential, Invisalign grew in popularity and improved the design to move teeth more efficiently. Invisalign can now treat the following conditions successfully:

  • gaps between teeth
  • crowding
  • deep overbite
  • open bite
  • crossbite
  • excessive overjet

Invisalign clear aligners can be just as effective as traditional metal braces when directed by an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Frank. Just ask the 7 million patients worldwide who have achieved healthier, straighter smiles thanks to Invisalign!

Invisalign Teen offers unique features for teenage patients

While the treatment benefits and underlying technology of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same, the latter was designed with teenage patients’ needs in mind. Invisalign Teen includes unique features that meet the needs of teens, including: 

Compliance indicators

As noted above, patient compliance is a crucial element of success with Invisalign. You must wear the aligners as directed by Dr. Frank for them to achieve the maximum results. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fade from blue to clear, providing parents and orthodontists with a visual approximation of wear, so they’ll know if teams are doing their part for their smile. 

Eruption tabs

This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for un-erupted teeth and making it possible to treat a broader range of conditions with Invisalign.

Replacement aligners

It is not uncommon for our teen patients to lose or break an aligner. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, there’s no need to worry if this occurs! Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.    

Invest in a beautiful smile with Invisalign and Bluebird Orthodontics

The Invisalign system can have many benefits for many orthodontic patients, but it isn’t for everyone! Aligners work best for adult and teenage patients with mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues. If your case is incredibly complex or severe, it may require more precise tooth control than aligners can provide.

At your FREE consultation with Dr. Frank, she’ll be able to determine if you’re a good fit for treatment with Invisalign clear aligners and discuss the plan for their use in your treatment. During your consultation, we’ll also go over the total investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn more about our convenient payment options and insurance coverage. Once you have all the right information, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more clearly.

If you’re ready to learn more about the Invisalign clear aligner system and the amazing things it can do for your unique smile, contact our office today and schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Frank! With Invisalign and our expert team on your side, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime!