Invisalign Versus Braces | Straight Talk About Straight Teeth

Invisalign Versus Braces | Straight Talk About Straight Teeth #InvisalignTalk. Post sponsored by Invisalign. All opinions are my own.

Invisalign Versus Braces | Straight Talk About Straight Teeth

My teeth. From afar, they look nice. I’ve been complimented on the whiteness, the smile, the straightness….but I have a little secret. If you look closely at my bottom row, you will in fact find one tooth that is completely sideways. In fact, all of my teeth are not only crooked, but completely overcrowded.

I was supposed to have my teeth straightened as a teenager and never did. I remember begging my parents to not let me have braces through school because I was worried about “How I would look.” To this day, it’s something I have horribly regretted as I now sit in the dentist chair and be told options for my overcrowded and very crooked teeth (oh yes, dentures have been discussed). This is certainly NOT something I want for my children.

This year was my son’s first REAL visit with the dentist. And we are already talking about teeth straightening. Due to my boy’s Korean heritage (yeah, he will thank me for that later), he was born with a very narrow jawline. When we looked at his first dental x-rays, the dentist already pointed out how many teeth will come in crooked and how we will need to look at straightening his teeth in the future. I couldn’t believe how many teeth were so overcrowded below his gum line. Can you believe that? He’s only 5 years old!

Braes are no longer the only option for straightening teeth these days. I have been doing my homework on Invisalign Teen. Available for pre-teens and teens, Invisalign Teen is made just for our kids to straighten teeth safely. Now there’s been a lot of buzz and some misconceptions about Invisalign Teen and how it compares to traditional braces. I’m here to clear some of the fuzziness with some facts for both of us to consider for our children.

Invisalign Versus Braces | Myths Versus Facts

Myth: Invisalign can only treat minor or cosmetic issues.

Setting it Straight: Invisalign effectively treats a wide variety of orthodontic issues including severe bite issues. From underbite to crossbite, deep bite to overbite and overly crowded to widely spaced, advancements to Invisalign’s patented technology be treated.

Myth: Invisalign is more expensive than metal braces.

Setting it Straight: The cost of Invisalign is usually comparable to the cost of traditional braces and many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign just as they would braces.

Myth: I won’t be able to tell if my child is wearing Invisalign often enough for it to be effective.

Setting it Straight: Invisalign Teen aligners are made with small blue dots, officially called compliance indicators, that gradually fade as aligners are worn. It’s a quick visual check for parents and teens to confirm they wearing aligners long enough to get results. In fact, clinical data from orthodontists confirms that teens wear their aligners an average of 21 hours per day, just as recommended.

Myth: If my child loses their aligners, it’s going to cost me an arm and a leg to replace.

Setting it Straight: We know kids lose things, even their aligners! That’s why you get up to six FREE replacement aligners with Invisalign Teen.

Myth: After Invisalign Teen, my child’s teeth may revert back to their original position.

Setting it Straight: Studies show that without retainers straight teeth can gradually shift back towards their initial position. This is a common occurrence with all orthodontic treatment including braces, but is one that can easily be overcome. Ask your doctor. about Vivera retainers from the makers of Invisalign.

Myth: I don’t need to take my child to see an orthodontist until they are a teenager.

Setting it Straight: The American Association of Orthodontics recommends taking children for their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. The American Dental Association says this is because, “Your child’s dentist can spot problems with emerging teeth and jaw primary teeth are present.”

Myth: Invisalign takes longer to complete than braces.

Setting it Straight: The length of Invisalign treatment is comparable to braces. The average Invisalign journey averages about 12 months for adults. The length of treatment time for teens may vary depending on the severity of the case and can only be determined by a doctor.

Myth: If my child’s dentist or orthodontist recommends braces over Invisalign, I should trust their opinion.

Setting it Straight: Not all orthodontists specialize in Invisalign Teen. Visit www.invisalign.com and select “find a doctor” to locate experienced Invisalign and Invisalign Teen doctors in your area. If you are told your teen is not an Invisalign candidate, it may be worth getting a second opinion from more than one orthodontist. Doing so may help ensure that you need to make an educated decision.

Myth: Braces work better than Invisalign.

Setting it Straight: Invisalign Teen was developed with leading orthodontists to correct the most common teeth straightening issues – from severe cases to more minor, cosmetic adjustments. Invisalign Teen’s clear aligners are removable and can straighten teeth without a mouth full of metal and all the disruption and sacrifice that comes with it. With Invisalign, teens look better and feel more confident than they ever could in traditional braces.

Myth: We can’t afford Invisalign.

Setting it Straight: Invisalign Teen is covered by many dental insurance policies just like traditional braces — up to 50% of the cost may be covered by insurance. Even if dental insurance doesn’t apply, many doctors will help parents find options to make straightening their child’s teeth more affordable. Many offer flexible and affordable be as low as $99 per month.

Myth: Braces are a rite of passage.

Setting it Straight: Virtually invisible aligners, mean there is less social awkwardness to impact teen’s confidence and self-esteem during an already vulnerable time. There’s no need for teens to hold back or feel they’re missing out on anything when straightening their teeth with Invisalign.

Myth: Invisalign treatment will disrupt our lives.

Setting it Straight: With Invisalign, Teens can play sports without fear of injury and continue cheerleading, musical instruments, acting and singing with little to no interference. And because its removable, brushing and flossing is easy and no food restrictions to worry about either. Invisalign is much less disruptive for busy moms and dads too. Invisalign Teen eliminates emergency ortho visits for broken wires and brackets and requires fewer appointments since several aligner sets are provided in advance.

Invisalign Teen clear aligners are removable and can straighten teeth without a mouth full of metal and all the disruption and sacrifice that comes with it. With Invisalign, teens look better and feel more confident than they ever could in traditional braces. Take the Invisalign Smile Assessment to find out if Invisalign is right for you or your child.

Staying informed about teeth straightening options is really important to me and my family. As my son gets older, I love knowing that I have Invisalign Teen as an option that provides the benefits he needs and the comfort he wants!

Invisalign versus braces, which would you choose? Did you learn something new about Invisalign?

Disclosure ~ Post sponsored by Invisalign. I received compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own. Be sure to follow Saving Said Simply for more reviews, giveaways and more.

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