636-332-5550
636-442-0446
1139 Wentzville Pkwy.
(636) 242-5349
636-442-0446
1335 Queens Ct.
It’s not unusual for new orthodontic patients to be unsure about what lies ahead during the weeks and months of the orthodontic treatment process. If you’ve recently learned that you or your child need treatment to correct orthodontic issues, you may be picturing a mouth full of metal braces. The good news is, today’s braces are far more subtle, comfortable, and effective than they’ve ever been! That said, many of our teen and adult patients are still on the fence about using them to achieve a straighter smile. Fortunately, there are now a number of alternatives to metal braces available!
Here at Humphrey Orthodontics, these options include clear braces and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. Dr. Humphrey will work with your unique smile to create a personalized treatment plan guaranteed to give you the best results. We know that there’s no “one size fits all” treatment and what works for one patient may not work for another. Because of this, we will always take several different factors into account when choosing the best treatment for you and your smile. These factors include:
Your diagnosis
Your treatment objectives
How much work needs to be done
Your lifestyle
Your goals
Your personal preference
Your budget
Invisalign is currently the most popular alternative to braces, and it’s not hard to see why! Clear aligner therapy can be used to effectively treat a multitude of orthodontic issues at a cost that is comparable to traditional treatment methods. To learn more about what Invisalign really is and how treatment can benefit your smile, keep reading below.
Invisalign clear aligners were developed by a company called Align Technology in 1998, but similar trays had actually been used for decades before that as post-treatment retainers. The Invisalign system developed software and technology that would allow orthodontists like Dr. Humphrey to successfully straighten crooked and misaligned teeth in stages using customized aligners. At the end of each stage, patients will replace their current aligner with the next in the series to adjust to the shifting of the teeth. This generally occurs every 1-2 weeks, depending on their personalized treatment plan.
At first, Invisalign was only used to treat simple spacing issues or very mild crowding. However, as orthodontists became more aware of its potential, the innovative system began to grow in popularity and the design was improved dramatically. When used as directed, Invisalign can now be just as effective as traditional braces for many mild to moderate cases.
As we mentioned before, Invisalign was initially used to correct only very simple spacing issues or mild crowding when it first became a treatment option. Thanks to today’s technology, Invisalign can now be used to treat the following conditions just as effectively as traditional braces:
gaps between teeth
crowding
deep overbite
open bite
crossbite
excessive overjet or protruding teeth
This is great news for patients in Wentzville, Saint Peters, and the surrounding communities who want to improve their oral health and smile, but don’t want the hassle of metal braces.
Orthodontic treatment of any kind requires a commitment from patients in order to be successful. This compliance is especially important with Invisalign aligners, however! Since braces are fixed to the surface of the teeth, much of the hard work is done without too much effort from the patient. Aligners, on the other hand, are a removable appliance and must be worn for 22-23 hours a day for the treatment to be successful. Failure to do so can result in longer treatment times or subpar results.
Every case is different and each patient responds to treatment in their own way, so there’s no universal answer as to how long a patient will need to be in braces or aligners.
Treatment with Invisalign was considered quite expensive when it first entered the orthodontic market. As it became more popular and readily available over the years, that cost decreased. While there are several factors associated with the overall cost of any orthodontic treatment, aligners tend to cost just about the same as traditional braces these days.
Dr. Humphrey is committed to providing affordable, high-quality orthodontic care that fits every budget! We have a variety of payment options available for your convenience and we accept many major insurance plans as well. Our team will even verify your orthodontic benefits and process your insurance forms for you!
As exciting as Invisalign is, it may not be the best fit for every patient. In general, the aligners tend to be most successful for adult and teen patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Cases that are particularly complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner is able to achieve.
When you schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Humphrey in our Wentzville or Saint Peters office, he’ll examine your smile and determine if Invisalign clear aligner therapy would be a good fit for your unique needs. If he feels a different treatment option would be better suited to your case, we’ll walk you through what’s available. You can trust us to only recommend the treatment we believe to be best for your smile!
During your first visit with us, we’ll also outline the investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn more about our payment options and insurance coverage. Once you have all the right information, you’ll be able to weigh your treatment options more effectively. Knowing there’s a subtle alternative to braces that’s comfortable, flexible, and just as efficient can make your orthodontic experience more something to be excited for!
If you’re ready to learn more about how the Invisalign system can transform your smile, our team is here for you! Get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Humphrey.