Today, many dentists in our local area promote clear aligner treatment. While these professionals receive extensive training in clear aligner techniques and can produce attractive results, you may wish to think twice before entrusting orthodontic treatment to a general dentist.
Here are our four top reasons why an orthodontist is your best choice for Invisalign:
Reason #1: Orthodontists Study Tooth Movement In Depth
Orthodontists are specialists who complete up to 3 additional years of study beyond dental school. This in-depth education enables an orthodontist to understand how teeth move naturally and how to alter their positions while preserving the patient’s oral health.
Reason #2: Orthodontists Have Additional Options
When you sit down with an orthodontist for a treatment consultation, they will share all of the methods that would work best for your smile. If Invisalign is not the optimal choice for you, an orthodontist will present you with a range of options beyond clear aligners. A general dentist may be more eager to try their clear aligner skills even if an orthodontist would choose braces instead.
Reason #3: Orthodontists Treat More Challenging Issues with Clear Aligners
A general dentist can prescribe Invisalign treatment for most patients with simple cases, including gaps, misalignment, and mild to moderate bite issues. However, a qualified orthodontist can correct more severe issues using advanced techniques.
Using Invisalign, orthodontists often treat more complex alignment issues. These expert doctors can correct complex dental bite problems with clear aligners, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Using traditional orthodontic techniques and clear aligner best practices, your orthodontist can bring you an even smile with an expert touch.
Reason #4: Orthodontists Focus on Retention for Lasting Results
Your general dentist should prescribe a retainer to complete your clear aligner treatment. Still, they may not always have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide long-term retention follow-up. Ideally, orthodontic patients wear retainers in some capacity for a lifetime. A general dentist may not reinforce retainer wear, and your teeth may drift back to their original positions over time.
Change Your Smile, Change Your Life
While most dentists provide quality Invisalign treatment, seeing an orthodontist for this process will give you better, longer-lasting results. We look forward to helping you take pride in your smile and learn to share it with the world around you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
On average, Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months. Simple cases may not take a full year to complete, while more complex, multi-step treatments could take longer.
Will anyone know I’m wearing clear aligners?
One of the greatest advantages of clear aligners is discretion. Unless you inform someone you are undergoing treatment with Invisalign, they are unlikely to notice. Many busy adults and teens prefer privacy when undergoing orthodontic treatment, and clear aligners are unlikely to draw unwanted attention.
For how long each day should I wear my aligners?
You will need to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, and care for your oral hygiene. If you forget to wear your aligners, you will experience treatment setbacks. Wearing the aligners overnight is a crucial step in repositioning your teeth.
Can I eat and drink with my aligners in?
Remove your aligners unless you are sipping only cool water. Eating and drinking with your aligners in place could damage or stain them. Warm beverages can also warp the plastic, rendering your aligner unusable. Eating or drinking with aligners inserted can also raise your risk of cavities and gum disease, since they could trap food and bacteria against your teeth.
After you eat a meal, snack, or drink, immediately place your aligners in their original case and keep the case nearby. Wrapping the aligners in a napkin or paper towel often results in loss.
Are clear aligners appropriate for teens?
We offer Invisalign Teen, which provides additional features and convenience for young patients seeking the same level of comfort and discretion as adults. When considering whether your teen is ready for clear aligners, you should discuss whether they are prepared to change their daily routine and assume responsibility for their oral health. Many teens have no trouble adjusting to Invisalign, but others may need an alternative treatment.
When your smile matters, trust it to a qualified professional. Hass Family Orthodontics provides expert Invisalign treatment for teens and adults. If you would like to schedule a consultation, get in touch with us today!