Would you be surprised to know that more than one person in three in the United States is unhappy with the appearance of their teeth?
That fact is that small things like excessive gaps between teeth, a single crooked tooth, or even a moderate overbite or underbite can make people horribly self-conscious when they smile.
And when the “things” aren’t that small, the impact on people’s daily lives is even greater. In fact, a poor smile can have serious effects on your social life and even on your success in business. A 2012 study found that over three-fourths of women view crooked teeth as being worse than a receding hairline in men they’re considering as a romantic partner. And over three-fourths of adults think that people with crooked teeth are unsuccessful.
So there are practical reasons as well as self-esteem reasons for wanting a straight, beautiful smile.
If you’re one of those who wish they could do something about their smile, Invisalign® might be the answer.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Braces have been around for many decades. Practically everybody knows someone who has worn braces. Quite of few of us have worn them, usually during childhood or adolescence. Adults who think about wearing braces to realign their teeth often shudder when they remember how their braces-wearing peers were treated.
Invisalign is different. The clear, hard plastic aligners are almost undetectable. Instead of a mouthful of wires and metal brackets, the aligners simply slip over your teeth, gently and gradually encouraging them to shift toward the desired position.
Think about that: no social stigma from a mouthful of hardware. And, no irritated or cut cheeks or gums from braces that need adjustment. And, think about you smiling broadly and comfortably without embarrassment.
While not right for everybody, Invisalign is the answer to many people’s prayers.
How It Works
Invisalign aligners are worn for 22-24 hours every day to achieve the fastest results. They’re taken out to eat and to allow you to brush and floss, and then replaced. After about two weeks with the same aligner, the next aligner in your customized series takes over the moving duties. In a relatively short period of time, your smile can be beautifully straight. Any unsightly gaps can be closed. Or your overbite or underbite can be minimized.
Invisalign works with a wide variety of dental issues: overbite or underbite; crooked or protruding teeth; teeth that are crowded together in the mouth; misaligned teeth that cause crossbite; and many others. There are some more severe conditions that are best served by traditional metal braces. Only after a thorough examination and evaluation can any dentists tell you which option is right for you.
What does Invisalign cost?
Like everything, the cost of Invisalign varies depending on where you live, the extent of you the changes to your smile, how many follow-up appointments you’ll need, and how much your insurance will cover for orthodontic treatment. It’s safe to say that Invisalign costs about the same as traditional braces.
The good new is that many insurance companies do cover Invisalign for orthodontic treatment. And, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) through your job, you can use that money to help pay for Invisalign.
With Invisalign, you get the social confidence of knowing that your aligners are almost invisible. You also avoid the usual problems with that people experience with braces:
- An irritated, sore mouth
- Broken rubber bands (elastics)
- More-frequent brushing and flossing
- Tooth decay under the braces
- Having to avoid sticky or high sugar content foods
- Frequent adjustments as treatment proceeds
- Social embarrassment when smiling
We’re Honolulu’s Elite Choice For Cosmetic Dentistry
We can tell you whether Invisalign is the right choice for you. We also offer a wide array of services to help you get the smile you want: traditional braces for more complex issues.
When you’re considering cosmetic dentistry for a more beautiful smile and a healthier mouth, A Downtown Dental Practice should be first on your list. Our decades of combined experience are your guarantee of complete satisfaction.
What are You Waiting For?
A Downtown Dental Group is proud to offer Invisalign to our Honolulu patients to help them get the smile of their dreams. The first step toward a more beautiful, confident smile begins with a consultation appointment. Schedule an appointment online or by calling us today at 808-797-3680. We look forward to seeing you soon!