Orthodontics LA

3 Common Misconceptions of Invisalign

Posted on March 27, 2020

Orthodontics LA

Invisalign works to realign teeth that need minor to moderate adjustments. After a consultation with our orthodontist, a custom treatment plan will be developed based on your individual needs. Then, custom clear aligners are created specifically to achieve specific treatment goals that are determined by you and our orthodontist.

Invisalign is an excellent option for people that want something that’s effective, easy to care for, and removable. Of course, the fact that these aligners are practically invisible braces is also a major perk. One common cause for someone to need braces is an issue with their bite. Millions of kids and adults have chosen Invisalign over traditional metal braces to correct their bite and straighten their teeth. As technology advances, Invisalign develops new ways to correct issues that they were not able to correct before. They’re able to do this with additions to their aligners and attachments.

While Invisalign is popular, there are some common misconceptions about this alternative to metal braces. Some of these misconceptions are due to Invisalign being relatively new to the world of orthodontic treatment. Did you know some of the very first metal braces were used in the early 1800s? There are a few of these old braces located in museums around the world. They are quite archaic and scary-looking! Still, people grew up with metal braces being the norm.

Thankfully, due to the advancements in technology, Invisalign came onto the scene in 1997, providing another option for people to realign their teeth. Let’s go through a couple of the most common misconceptions.

MISCONCEPTION: Invisible Aligners Aren’t Effective

Many people believe Invisalign braces are less effective and the results are not as permanent as traditional metal braces. In most cases, Invisalign is as effective as metal braces — and sometimes can even be more effective. Just because these aligners don’t look like traditional metal braces doesn’t mean they’re incapable of solving your dental issues.

MISCONCEPTION: They’re Too Costly

Probably the biggest misconception on this list is the expense. Many people believe Invisalign isn’t covered by their insurance or it’s more than two or three times the cost of metal braces. It is true that not every insurance plan will cover Invisalign, but many insurance plans do! There are many factors in determining the cost of Invisalign that your orthodontist will go over with you at your initial consultation. Invisalign is generally comparable in price to metal braces. In cases where invisible aligners are more expensive, most patients agree that the ease of use and aesthetic appeal make the cost worthwhile.

MISCONCEPTION: Only Adults Can Use Invisalign

Invisalign offers options for adults, teens and kids. While most professionals recommend that only children who are mature and responsible enough to wear and take care of their aligners be fitted for Invisalign, anyone above age 7 can be approved for these invisible braces. With proper treatment, misalignments of any age can often be corrected. Having good alignment is important for a multitude of reasons including better digestion and jaw health. Having proper tooth alignment allows for greater efficacy in chewing.

If you’re considering Invisalign, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist. Please give us a call today so we can get you started on your journey to having a smile you love!