We live in an age of impressive technological advances – and that includes every aspect of our lives, including dental care.

From teeth whitening to, yes, even lasers, modern dentistry offers so many effective treatments that are also painlessly applied that it seems almost crazy that when people think of teeth straightening, many still conjure images of a technology first developed in the 19th century.

Braces first made their appearance in 1843 and developed throughout the 1900s – until advances in dental adhesive made them a widespread option – and almost a rite of passage for adolescence – in the 1970s. But as the technology boom accelerated in the 1990s, it took dentistry with it, and Invisalign burst onto the scene. Utilizing 3D technology with modern plastics, and imaging, Invisialign allows you to straighten your teeth without the clunky, obnoxious presence of brackets or wires.

“Hang on, there must be a catch,” we can almost hear you say. “I still see plenty of braces on kids these days and a few adults. So, if this new teeth straightening technology is so great, why wouldn’t everyone choose it?” It’s a fair question and one that we will attempt to answer here, and help you understand why some patients choose Invisialign treatment over other alternatives. 

Braces technology has also advanced over the years, and there are now competitors on the market to Invisialign itself. So, there are now plenty of options for those interested in a better smile. But let’s look at what sets the original clear aligners apart from other choices.

Question: Is Invisialign as effective as traditional braces?

Answer: Yes. Thanks to the design and implementation of these aligners, they can straighten teeth effectively, as well as help correct underbites, overbite, overcrowding, and gaps. Because of the way that Invisialign works – including several different expertly-fitted retainers that you will swap out over time – you can rest easy that you will see real and lasting results.

Q: How obvious is Invisialign?

A: The clue is in the name. They are practically invisible. Unlike traditional braces or other types of retainers, Invisialign’s clear plastic construction will allow you to go through life with a complete lack of self-consciousness and no concerns that people are looking at your dental work rather than your smile. And you will not have to worry about the rub and annoyance of metal brackets against your gums and mouth tissue. Those of us who had braces remember just how sensitive they could make the skin inside your mouth. And being able to keep them from being a focal point of your face – and their removability – are big pluses for Invisialign.

Q: Are you restricted from eating certain things?

A: No. The great news is that, unlike with braces, Invisialign allows you to eat practically anything you want. Because you can remove Invisialign, you can choose the diet you want – that includes popcorn, candy, or other tasty things like apples, raw carrots, etc.

Q: How long does Invisialign need to correct teeth?

A: The typical treatment takes between 10 and 24 weeks, depending upon the needs of the patient.

Q: How often do I need to see a dentist for adjustments?

A: Adult Invisalign patients typically visit the dentist every six weeks. However, these trips are usually very short – typically shorter than appointments in which braces are adjusted.

Q: Is using Invisalign painful?

A: Invisalign offers the lowest amount of discomfort and annoyance possible for the best results possible. The good news is that it can also help you avoid grinding your teeth (especially while you sleep), as it acts as a type of mouthguard. Also, (as we said before) its smooth surfaces help you avoid skin irritation.

Q: How easy is it to keep your teeth clean with Invisalign?

A: This is another huge plus for Invisalign. Because you can remove the retainers, it makes it very easy to clean your teeth – while avoiding the crazy types of brushes and extra time that it takes to brush your teeth while wearing braces. This also means your hygienist/cleaning visits will be shorter, as you can more easily get to the spaces between your teeth.

Q: How expensive is Invisalign?

A: This is the big question for a lot of people. The good news is that Invisalign can often be covered by your dental insurance policy. However, even without insurance, the average cost of Invisalign is not exorbitant, as an average, full treatment costs $4,000. This is a cost right in line with the average cost of braces, which can run between $1,700 to $13,000 depending upon your needs.

As you can see there are numerous reasons to look further into Invisalign. So, if you are contemplating a straighter smile, better bite, and better overall oral health, please consult your dentist about Invisalign today. 

If you are in north Georgia and interested in learning more, the professional, cutting-edge dentists at BGW are happy to talk with you about Invisalign and see if it would be the best choice for your needs. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff offers you three locations – Braselton, Dahlonega, and Gainesville – to allow you a better convenience. And our friendly and attentive service will ensure that you get the information you want and the oral health that you and your family needs. Contact us today at any one of our locations:

Braselton – 470-310-8662

Dahlonega – 706-864-1275

Gainesville – 678-944-8295