Invisalign: 5 Things You MUST know before starting Invisalign Clear Braces

1. Invisalign aligners look great…nearly invisible!

Honestly, one of the most common reasons why the wonderful people of Rochester, MN and surrounding communities do not want to straighten their teeth is because they do not want to wear traditional metal braces and wires. The great news is that, because of Invisalign, you no longer have to! Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually straighten your teeth over time, and unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires! You don’t need to change anything about your current lifestyle! With Invisalign you can continue participating in day-to-day activities without changing a thing. Invisalign is great for professionals, athletes, brides, and parents. Most people will not even be able to tell you are getting your teeth straightened!

2. Invisalign is a tool, not a substitute for orthodontic knowledge

Just like braces, Invisalign is simply a “tool” used by orthodontists to straighten your teeth. Also just like braces, the skill and orthodontic knowledge of your doctor has a much greater effect on your final outcome than the “tools” in which your doctor uses. The first step in choosing your Invisalign provider is to find an expert in straightening teeth (i.e. an “orthodontist”). An orthodontist is a specialist that receives an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school in order to learn the most effective, efficient, and proper way to align misaligned teeth. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6% of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists will focus all efforts of continuing education only within the specialty of orthodontics, ensuring that you are receiving the best and most specialized care possible. In order to see if the doctor is a specialist, look for the seal of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Only orthodontic specialists can be members of the AAO.

3. Most people are great candidates for Invisalign

From our experience at Collins Orthodontics, the great majority of patients are great Invisalign candidates. Although there are a few exceptions, we have found that Invisalign is an excellent tool to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

4. Compliance is not optional

One of the greatest features of Invisalign is that you can remove the clear aligners in order to enjoy the foods you love and easily brush and floss your teeth (also reducing your risk of cavities and staining compared to traditional braces). At the same time, if you do not wear your aligners a minimum of 22 hours per day, then the Invisalign will not work. Your overall outcome with Invisalign is very much dependent on your commitment to wearing the aligners!

5. Invisalign reduces the risk of cavities compared to braces

Since you can remove the Invisalign aligners, it makes cleaning your teeth simple! With traditional braces and wires, it is very difficult to keep your teeth clean, where food can easily get caught between the teeth. When food is allowed to sit in your mouth, your risk of cavities increases significantly. With Invisalign, that risk is completely eliminated! It’s a great treatment to keep your teeth healthy and clean, even during treatment!