Invisalign-Part 2
Myths and Truths About Orthodontics: “Invisalign; A Replacement for Braces? Part 2: The Rest of the Story
The Myth: Invisalign is a Complete Replacement for Braces To Straighten Your Teeth.
The Truth: Many times But Not Every time. In fact, it has been my experience, after being involved with many Invisalign patients, Invisalign does not give me the same results as consistently as what I have come to expect from those treated with traditional braces do. That does NOT mean I do not use Invisalign but rather I use it as a tool like everything else in orthodontics. The many, many tools which have been developed in orthodontics all work…just not on everyone and not every time.
In Part 1 of this article, I presented some of the challenges we face with Invisalign as a complete substitute for braces.
I personally see two other issues with Invisalign which does not effect the actual treatment but you should at least consider: Time and Cost. Both are usually Greater than traditional braces.
Time
I have found that because Invisalign pre-constructed progressively adjusted Aligners with straighter and straighter teeth positions in them. Whole process is determined before you ever receive your first Aligner. There are very few ways to change the course of treatment or speed it up once determined. Also, the fact that nothing is actually attached to your teeth, we are not able to modify the pressures on your teeth to optimize the speed they will or could move.
Cost
Fees will vary between orthodontic offices but I think is generally accepted that Invisalign treatment is associated with higher fees. My thought is always: Is it worth such an increase in your orthodontic fee just to hide the braces, particularly with the availability of the clear ceramic braces. Most people have better things to do with that much money.
Teenagers and Invisalign
I have agreed to treat only a few teenagers with Invisalign and have never successfully completed one of them. The primary reason I believe Invisalign was not successful was compliance and not wanting braces in the first place. Even great kids do not see the true value of your money. They typically do not wear the Aligners full-time and very frequently lose them. Invisalign will not work if the Aligners are worn only part-time. You are risking the Invisalign fee and then incurring a cost for braces anyway.
You may or may not be aware that to offer and even be able to get Invisalign, the Doctor providing it to you must be “Certified” by Invisalign. Most Orthodontic Specialists (orthodontists) are certified to work with Invisalign, as are many Family Dentists as well. There are no American Dental Association accredited orthodontic training requirements on who qualify to become certified by Invisalign to offer Invisalign treatment, except of course to be a licensed dental professional.
Invisalign Certification
Something you should know about Invisalign’s Certification; Invisalign Company, who does this certification, does not claim or attempt to teach “orthodontics”. Invisalign instruct certification candidates on how to submit the proper information and mouth molds for Aligner construction. How to insert and change the Aligners as Invisalign has found they work best. The certification class is a one to two day course. An Orthodontic Specialist who has graduated from an accredited orthodontic training program receives 2 to 3 years of training at a university School of Dentistry and is certified in all aspects of orthodontics. We have all the “tools” and techniques at our fingertips. If Invisalign is not achieving the results we expect, many other methods of successful results are available to us. This is not a criticism of the Family Dentist providing Invisalign treatment. This is strictly intended to be information that may be helpful in deciding which dental provider would best suit your family’s overall orthodontic needs.
Do I use Invisalign?
Absolutely, but I use it as a “tool” or part of overall orthodontic care. Sometimes Invisalign will in fact straighten your teeth perfectly. If not, I view Invisalign as a way to do almost all of an adult’s orthodontics without braces. If there are still a few very slightly crooked teeth and Invisalign has reached its limit, an Orthodontic Specials can, if you want, finish the “job” with braces. Most adults find that “it is worth it” to them to get most of the treatment done without braces and then if needed wear braces for only a few short months at the end to achieve perfection.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for our Complimentary No Obligation Consultation; call us, Douglas County Orthodontics, serving the Orthodontic needs for your whole family in Highlands Ranch at 303-427-6300 or visit us on the Web at HYPERLINK “http://www.bracesrcool.com/” www.bracesRcool.com. Your time won’t be wasted; you’ll get the truth about Orthodontics.