Breaking Myths About Invisalign: Separating Fact from Fiction
Many people have a preconceived notion that traditional metal braces are the only option for correcting misaligned teeth, and they may be afraid of another popular and effective orthodontic alternative: Invisalign. You may have heard of Invisalign, a popular treatment for teeth straightening. However, despite its growing popularity, many misconceptions still surround Invisalign, most related to misinformation or fear of this new technology.
Picture this: a person is hesitant about getting clear braces. She's worried about how they will look and how long she'll have to wear them, so she wants to know her dentist's opinion. Her dentist in Westlake Village, Dr. Armon Eben, and Dr. David Hakimi, suggested Invisalign, but Emily has heard some concerning myths about this treatment. Just like Emily, many potential patients are held back by misinformation. In this blog post, our dentists in Westlake Village aim to explain Invisalign and debunk some myths.
What's Invisalign?
Let’s begin learning about Invisalign, also known as clear aligners. The aligners are made from an invisible plastic material custom-made for each patient. Getting Invisalign starts with a consultation with our cosmetic dentists at Westlake Smile Design, who are trained and certified in the Invisalign treatment. He will evaluate your teeth and determine whether Invisalign is the right option.
If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, the orthodontist will take digital impressions of your teeth using a 3D scanner. These images will then be used to create a customized treatment plan and a series of aligners specifically designed to fit your teeth.
Common Myths About Invisalign
Myth 1: Invisalign Is Only for Minor Teeth Straightening
One of the most widespread misconceptions is that Invisalign can only treat minor orthodontic issues and that they are the only option for important dental corrections.
Contrary to popular belief, Invisalign is not limited to minor teeth straightening. It can address various orthodontic issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and even complex cases. The technology behind Invisalign has advanced significantly, enabling it to handle a broad spectrum of dental problems effectively.
Our dentists at Westlake Smile Design, Dr. Armon Eben and Dr. David Hakimi suggest using Invisalign to straighten a patient’s teeth effectively. Not only is it a more comfortable option, but it also reduces the pain from traditional braces.
Myth 2: Invisalign Is More Expensive Than Traditional Braces
Cost is always a significant consideration when patients come to our dental office in Westlake Village, believing that Invisalign treatment is significantly more expensive than traditional metal braces, making it less accessible to many people.
When it comes to cost, Invisalign is often comparable to traditional braces. Our Westlake Village smiles design dentists always explain to their patients that the initial investment may seem higher. Still, the Invisalign procedure can save you money in the long run. For example, fewer dental visits and no emergency appointments for broken brackets or wires are required. Our Westlake Village dental office offers flexible payment plans to make Invisalign accessible to everyone.
Myth 3: Invisalign Treatment Takes Longer Than Traditional Braces
Another myth is that Invisalign takes much longer than traditional braces to achieve the desired results. In many cases, Invisalign treatment can be completed in the same amount of time, or even faster, than traditional braces. Our cosmetic dentists in Westlake Village say it can take 9 to 10 months or a little longer, depending on your examination. The custom-made aligners are designed to move your teeth efficiently and effectively, providing excellent results within a reasonable timeframe.
Myth 4: Invisalign Requires More Maintenance Than Traditional Braces
Some think maintaining Invisalign aligners is more cumbersome and time-consuming than caring for traditional braces. They worry about the additional steps involved in cleaning and maintaining the aligners.
Maintaining Invisalign aligners is straightforward and can be less complicated than traditional braces. Simply remove the aligners before eating or drinking and brush them lightly with a toothbrush. In contrast, traditional braces often require meticulous cleaning to avoid getting food stuck and causing plaque buildup.
To sum up, Invisalign offers a modern, effective, and convenient alternative to traditional braces. Let's recap the key myths we've debunked:
- Invisalign can treat many orthodontic issues, not just minor ones.
- Depending on your specific treatment, the cost of Invisalign is often similar to or even less expensive than traditional braces.
- Invisalign treatment time can be similar to or shorter than traditional braces.
- Maintaining Invisalign aligners is straightforward and trouble-free.
If you're considering orthodontic treatment, don't let myths steer you away from exploring Invisalign. Seek professional advice from our experienced cosmetic dentists in Westlake Village, Dr. Armon Eben and Dr. David Hakimi, at our Westlake Village Smile Design dental office. He is here to help you determine the best action to restore your smile.
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June 27, 2024 |
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