Invisalign: Fact or Fiction

Your orthodontic treatment not fitting into your budget or your current lifestyle is a distant thing of the past. Not only have traditional metal braces become much easier to wear, but we have had many high-quality advancements in the possibilities of achieving your perfect smile pretty close to your preferred terms. These advancements make it easier than ever to reach your goals 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 just right for you. This unique method uses a series of clear aligners to discreetly and gradually adjust the position of your teeth. Here at Central Virginia Orthodontics, our doctors have a lot of experience treating patients with Invisalign, and we’re excited to offer this technology to our Lynchburg area braces patients. If this is sounding 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 called trays date back decades to when they were used for post braces retainers. But Invisalign’s unique software and technology can move crooked and misaligned teeth in stages using a series of customized aligners. Each retainer will be worn for about one to two weeks, 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. 

Invisalign was initially used to correct simple spacing concerns and crowding, but it’s proven to be capable of much more, from overbites to crossbites and then some. The key is to determine the severity of the issues you are needing to adjust and work with your Orthodontist to determine if this is the right treatment plan 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 metal brackets and wire, ask our expert team at Central Virginia Orthodontics if this treatment is proper for you!

One of the most noted facts about Invisalign is seeing the changes in your smile quickly and clearly since there are no brackets and wires to hide it all while it happens. Due to the cutting-edge technology and the weekly to biweekly series of aligners that make constant minor adjustments, you will begin to notice significant changes in your smile within about three months. And while we are talking about the timeline and facts of Invisalign, another benefit of the removable aligner system is that you are able to take them out to eat, brush your teeth, or even for a photo. To be most effective, they need to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day, but you won’t get that flexibility with traditional braces.

Our entire team at Central Virginia 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 close to the amount you’d pay for traditional metal braces. Often, insurance will even cover much of the cost as they would for those traditional 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, the myth that you are limited to what you can eat while using the Invisalign system started circulating. That can’t be further from factual. It’s common knowledge that you should avoid chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods with traditional braces, or you run the risk of breaking something or food getting stuck in complicated places. But with Invisalign clear aligners, you just take them out before you eat or drink anything more than water, but nothing is off the table. Just remember to clean your teeth before putting them back in to avoid staining the retainer or having food trapped between the retainer and your teeth. 

The last common myth about using Invisalign clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is remembering to wear the trays regularly. While this may seem like it would be a lot to remember, it’s not much different than wearing contact lenses. Between the Invisalign technology itself and our custom treatment plan, you’ll quickly get into the habit of wearing your retainers to your healthiest and straightest smile.

Fact beats Fiction, and the choice is clear with Invisalign and Central Virginia Orthodontics

When you lay it all out, there’s a lot that goes into deciding whether or not Invisalign is right for you. Still, our talented and experienced team at Central Virginia Orthodontics hopes to shed some light on what to expect from this popular option. This treatment continues to change the lives and smiles of many of our Lynchburg area patients. If you wonder if this might be the best path to your brightest smile, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation. There’s never been a better time!