Are you considering orthodontic work for you or your child? Getting straighter teeth is exciting! You can be proud of your movie star smile, but what should you know ahead of time? Are you still on the fence about visiting your Payson orthodontics professional or Spanish Fork orthodontist for help? It’s a big investment and a huge decision, so that makes sense! Are you choosing braces or Invisalign in Utah? How do the two compare, and what is the process like?
We want to keep you informed so you can make the right decision about your oral health (as well as the oral health of your child). Before you go hunting for “braces near me,” keep reading to learn all about why Invisalign might be the best option.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the most popular clear aligner system. Clear aligners work like braces to move your teeth into a better position. Invisalign was popularized in the early 2000s, but it’s made major advancements since then.
Invisalign is a good alternative to metal and ceramic braces for anyone who feels self-conscious about their teeth. Many people (primarily people orthodontics for adults) love Invisalign because it’s subtle, and most people won’t notice the aligners in photos or from a reasonable distance.
Invisalign is not invisible, but it’s the least visible option as far as common orthodontic treatments go.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
While people used to be dubious of Invisalign and its effectiveness, there’s no need to worry. Invisalign can handle most dental issues (although it’s always helpful to talk to your orthodontist first about whether or not you or your child are a good candidate).
Invisalign can handle gaps, crowding, and even jaw misalignment. They can often work faster than braces (especially for minor issues).
How Does The Process Work?
When you visit the orthodontist in Payson or Spanish Fork, they’ll first have a consultation with you to determine which option is best. Whether you’re getting your kid’s braces or braces for yourself, you want to know that you’re getting the right orthodontic treatment for your situation.
Your orthodontist will take x-rays of you or your child. You’ll be able to see these x-rays on a screen while your orthodontist goes over what you need to fix.
Formerly, orthodontists would have to take a physical mold of your mouth. Now, however, they can do a simple scan.
They’ll send the scan to Invisalign professionals to start developing your treatment plan and creating your custom aligners. After several weeks, your orthodontist will give you your aligners.
You may have to get “attachments” and “buttons” to help your teeth move. Rest assured that these are still less visible than metal braces.
Benefits of Invisalign
Let’s talk about why you might want to choose Invisalign over other orthodontic options.
Invisalign is often the quickest option (depending on the condition that it’s treating). Some treatment periods are only a matter of weeks, though this is unusual. Either way, though, the timelines for braces and clear aligners are almost identical in many cases.
When you have Invisalign, you don’t have to deal with painful and obvious wires. This can be great for self-esteem. You may feel as though your aligners are obvious, but most people will never see them.
You can also keep eating most of your favorite foods when you have Invisalign as long as you take your aligners out for meals. You will, however, want to avoid foods or drinks that could stain your attachments.
Factors to Consider
With all of this in mind, you must consider a few factors before getting Invisalign for yourself or your child. Your family orthodontics professional will go over these things with you, but it’s helpful to keep them in mind (especially when you’re considering aligners for your child).
Age
Your orthodontist knows how old your child should be before starting orthodontic treatment. While you should take your child to the orthodontist before you think they’re ready, most orthodontists won’t start treatment until a child is old enough to have all of their adult teeth and discuss treatment methods.
For yourself, always remember that orthodontic treatment is more difficult as you get older. That said, Invisalign is the most popular option for adults.
Responsibility
Age and responsibility don’t always go together (but they often do).
One of the benefits of braces for children is that the child can’t remove them without significant effort. Aside from the occasional broken wire, they stay in place until treatment is over.
With Invisalign, you have to take them out to clean them and to eat or drink. Because children eat at school, they may be more prone to losing their aligners (which will disrupt their treatment).
Your child also has to remember to keep their aligners in for the correct amount of time. Aligners need to stay in place for between 20 and 22 hours.
Anyone, adult or child, who isn’t responsible may not do well with Invisalign.
Dental Hygiene and Health
Before you or your child starts orthodontics in Spanish Fork or Payson, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve had a dental check-up. You don’t want to have cavities or gum problems (and Invisalign can make cavities more likely if you’re not careful).
You also want to make sure that your oral hygiene is in check. This is particularly troublesome for young children who may resist brushing and flossing on a normal schedule.
If your child wants Invisalign, make sure that they have a good oral hygiene routine first.
Is It Time to Get Invisalign in Utah?
If we’ve convinced you, why not start seeking out Invisalign in Utah today? You can schedule a consultation in no time for you or your child and start the process right away!
It’s time for you and your child to get smiles that you’ll love to show off! Search for an “orthodontist near me” today!
If you’re ready to start your journey toward a straighter smile, our professionals at Red Rock Orthodontics want to meet you. Contact us today.