Is Invisalign My Only Option?

Posted on by .

Hi,

I want to get Invisalign, but am wondering if there is an alternative. I have seen advertisements for kits they send you in the mail for smile aligners, such as Candid. They say they can bill your insurance and do not seem like a scam. Is there an alternative to Invisalign or is that my only option?

Tara, from Saratoga Springs, New York

 

Hi Tara,

Invisalign has been around since 1997, and has been developing its product and system since then. Candid and companies like them are more recent.

While a remote company like Candid can bill insurance, some insurance companies are having trouble with them.Remote dentistry has only recently become billable, but most insurances require dentistry to be performed in-office by a licensed dentist. This makes Invisalign a better option than Candid or a different remote dentistry company.

Another issue with using a remote dentistry company is that dentistry such as Invisalign requires maintenance, observation, and follow-up appointments. With Invisalign, your dentist will see you every 6-8 weeks, if not more. Aligners like Invisalign can cause teeth to become stressed and experience trauma, and will need to be seen by a dentist immediately. Without a dentist to monitor the teeth, you may lose them.

Candid may be cheaper in some cases, but with Invisalign you do not need to worry about complaining to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or worry about your insurance not covering your aligners. Invisalign is a long-time, consumer trusted product, so if you are a candidate, you should look into it for your smile makeover.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge Invisalign provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

 

How Long Does It Take to See Results with Invisalign?

Posted on by .

Invisalign® starts an exciting journey to straight teeth. Aligned teeth make a memorable first impression and help you smile with confidence. No doubt, you’re anxious to see results. How long will it take before you notice them?

When Will You See Changes?

Although it depends on the position of your teeth and the complexity of your case, most patients in Invisalign or ClearCorrect® (Dr. Brooksher’s preferred invisible aligners) treatment notice changes in about three months. Each patient’s teeth are moved strategically and with precision, so don’t compare your results with others. Halfway through the treatment, the results are clearly noticeable.  And you’ll feel your bite changing as your back teeth are moved to the correct position.

Digital Transformation

Three verticle photos of a woman progressivly putting Invisalign trays on her teeth.

For progressive results, wear Invisalign 20-22 hours

Your dentist will show you an animated 3-D preview of your teeth as they are moved. The preview includes a timeline to predict when you will see specific changes.

Your Compliance

Although Invisalign and other types of invisible aligners can align your teeth up to 50 percent faster than traditional braces, they don’t work unless you’re wearing them. You need to wear the aligners 20-22 hours each day to keep the progress moving forward. If you frequently remove your aligners to snack or if you forget to wear them, your treatment time will be prolonged.

Maintaining the Results

Clear aligners work—regardless of the length of your treatment plan. Closely follow your dentist’s instructions throughout orthodontic treatment to get maximum results as quickly as possible for your case.

At the end of your treatment, your dentist will tell you how long and how often you need to wear a retainer. Without a retainer, your teeth will gradually shift back into their original position. If your teeth shift and you wait too long to see your dentist, you will need to wear a series of trays again to realign your teeth.

Schedule a Consultation

You don’t have to commit right away. Providers of Invisalign or other clear braces offer consultations. During the consultation, you’ll receive more information on the results you can expect and an estimate of the length of your treatment plan. After your dentist takes 3-D images of your teeth, you’ll see a digital version of how and when your tooth movement will progress.

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Brooksher previously used Invisalign, but he prefers ClearCorrect. Read our Invisalign page to see why he made the switch.

Which Should I Get – Porcelain Veneers or Invisalign?

Posted on by .

Hi there,

I want a whiter and brighter smile. I was interested in porcelain veneers, but my dentist suggested getting Invisalign first. My teeth aren’t that crooked, so I didn’t think I needed braces. I asked about Lumineers, but he doesn’t do them because they look too bulky. Invisalign would delay me getting porcelain veneers by about a year, and would increase the cost. What should I do?

Thank you,

Ada, from Wisconsin

 

Hi Ada,

Cosmetic dentists usually suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign, but suggesting both is uncommon. If you have bite problems or crowding in your mouth, that could be one reason for getting both.

One thing you can do is get a completely blind second opinion from another cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA, but are a segment of dentists that have pursued additional training in aesthetics and restoration. If they agree, then you can choose which dentist you prefer to do your work. If you dislike the size or shape of your teeth, covering them with porcelain veneers is a good treatment. You also won’t have to wait until your teeth are straight to start, either.

Invisalign bracers are faster than traditional metal braces, and will make sure your teeth are straight and aligned. If you want to brighten your smile, you can get an in-office teeth whitening treatment, or a take-home whitening kit. Your Invisalign bracers can even be used as custom bleaching trays. If you don’t want to rush into treatment, Invisalign is a good option for you.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge Invisalign provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher.