“I heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend that..” When getting information can sound more like song lyrics than sound logic, it’s easy to get swept up in the opinions of our family and friends. We also happen to live in a time where just about everything can be customized and personalized, which means not all the experiences you hear will apply to your specific situation.
There are many ways to achieve your ideal smile, and now it’s easier than ever to fit orthodontic treatment into your current lifestyle! Not only have traditional metal and clear braces become easier to wear, but advances in esthetic treatment options may better suit your specific needs and preferences. These advancements make reaching your goals easy without significant sacrifices to your bank account or daily life.
The brackets and wires of traditional braces aren’t for everyone. Thankfully, the Invisalign clear aligner system is one of these cutting-edge advancements that may be right for you. This unique method uses a series of clear aligners to discreetly and gradually adjust the position of your teeth. Here at Sturgill Orthodontics, Dr. Sturgill, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Harper have years of experience treating patients with Invisalign, and we’re excited to offer this technology to our Johnson City and Norton patients. If this sounds like your solution, make sure you keep reading to find some clarity on the facts and fiction around Invisalign, and reach out to get started on your own journey to a delightful smile!
The Facts
Aligners like Invisalign have been around for many years, and earlier versions date back decades to when patients used them for post-braces retainers. However, Invisalign’s unique software and technology can now move crooked and misaligned teeth using a series of customized aligners. Each aligner will be worn for about one week, and then you will swap to the next aligner in your series. This constant but slight change allows for precise adjustments based on your customized treatment plan.
Patients initially used Invisalign to correct simple spacing and crowding concerns, but it’s proven to be capable of much more, including overbites and crossbites. An orthodontist will determine the severity of your case to see if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. Invisalign is an excellent choice at any age, so whether you want to avoid having braces in your yearbook photo or you feel you’re too old to sport brackets and wires, ask our expert team at Sturgill Orthodontics if this treatment is right for you!
One of the great advantages of Invisalign treatment is seeing the changes in your smile quickly and clearly since there are no brackets and wires to hide everything. Cutting-edge technology and weekly aligner changes make it possible to see significant improvements in your smile within three months. Another benefit of the removable aligner system is that you can take them out while eating, brushing, or even taking a photo! To be most effective, they need to be worn for approximately 18-22 hours a day, giving to be most effective you more flexibility than traditional braces.
Our entire team at Sturgill Orthodontics is passionate about creating a lifelong smile for you and your family, so now that we’ve gotten some facts ironed out, let’s take a look at some of the fiction floating around about Invisalign.
Not So Factual
These days, advertisements like to throw around words like “cutting-edge technology” and “new and improved” to catch your attention, and often those words also mean the price is steep, likely making it out of reach. Let’s go ahead and call fiction on that now. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised to find out that, in most cases, Invisalign can cost the same or even less than the amount you’d pay for traditional metal braces. Often, insurance will cover much of the cost as they would for those conventional braces. Our team is also committed to making the insurance process as easy as possible, so we will take care of your insurance coverage research and help you complete the required forms and documents once treatment begins.
Somewhere along the lines, a myth started circulating about certain foods to avoid while you’re using Invisalign. That can’t be further from the truth. It’s common knowledge that you should avoid chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods with traditional braces to prevent bracket breakage. However, with Invisalign, you just take out the aligners before you eat or drink anything (other than water), making all types of foods fair game! Just remember to clean your teeth before putting the aligner back in to avoid staining and plaque buildup.
The last common myth about using Invisalign for orthodontic treatment is that it’s difficult to wear the aligners regularly. While this may seem like it would be a lot to remember, it’s not much different than wearing contact lenses. For our Invisalign Teen patients, there’s even a color-changing dot inconspicuously placed on the back of the trays to help keep them accountable for their usage and help them know when it is time to move to the next tray. Your teen will also receive a few extra allotted aligners because keeping up with things not permanently attached can be a challenge for some. Between the Invisalign technology itself and our custom treatment plan, you’ll quickly get into the habit of wearing your aligners to achieve your healthiest and straightest smile.
When you need the facts, you can trust the experts at Sturgill Orthodontics!
When you lay it all out, there is a lot that goes into deciding if Invisalign is right for you. Our talented and experienced team at Sturgill Orthodontics will determine how to achieve the best results for your specific needs! Invisalign treatment continues to change the lives and smiles of many of our patients looking for alternatives to traditional braces.
If you are wondering if Invisalign might be the best path to your brightest smile, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation. Excellent orthodontic care is only a few minutes from your home, work, or school, with offices in Johnson City, TN, and Norton, VA. At Sturgill Orthodontics, you’ll enjoy a great experience and a great smile!