Invisalign vs. At-Home Aligners: What’s Safer & More Effective?
Have you been thinking about using aligner trays to straighten your smile? Should you go with an at-home option or call your orthodontist in the Asheville, Hendersonville, and Brevard area to sign up for Invisalign? Your dental experts at Blue Ridge Orthodontics have created a brief overview of the pros and cons of each treatment for your information.
Professional In-person Support During and After Treatment
Orthodontists who use Invisalign ensure that every step of the teeth-straightening process is done under their supervision. From creating a treatment plan to taking measurements and deciding when your smile graduates, you enjoy the confidence of their professional guidance. Your orthodontist has the training and years of experience needed for consistent positive outcomes.
If you opt for an at-home aligner, you are wholly responsible for making a mold, uploading results, and interpreting any instructions provided for the treatment. If you are uncertain of its success, you may be left wondering what to do next.
What complications should I worry about using any aligner?
It is possible to encounter some complications during treatment using Invisalign or an at-home model. This can include damage to your gums, creating new bite issues, or even experiencing pain from the aligners.
However, with Invisalign, your orthodontist can spot the problem and take action to stop and reverse the damage. At-home patients may choose to ignore signs of an infection or crowding of existing teeth. That can result in an extended and costly treatment after you think you are done with the aligners.
Getting It Right the First Time
Your at-home aligner kit arrives with a complete set of trays that were printed based on your molds. If you made a mistake creating the molds, the entire treatment plan may be faulty. That could mean having to do it all over again.
More patients who invest in Invisalign trays and their personal orthodontist see better results after the prescribed treatment period. When your doctor says you are finished, you can be confident that your new straight smile will last.
After-treatment: Is it necessary?
Teeth aligners work by basically nudging your teeth into position. The pressure of the trays keeps the teeth in their proper place during treatment. But when you are done, your teeth can retreat back to their original misalignment.
Your orthodontist may prescribe a retainer after you are finished with the Invisalign system. This allows more time for your teeth to cement their proper position.
With an at-home kit, there is no plan or available treatment to follow up on your smile. Some clients notice their teeth becoming crooked again, with no way to work with a professional to prevent it from happening.
Lasting Results that Save You Money
While it is tempting to sign up for an at-home alignment system based on a shorter treatment period and a lower price tag, all of that can vanish when you don’t get the results that you expected. By working with your orthodontist and Invisalign, you can have more left in your bank account upon completion of your initial treatment plan.
Are you ready to sign up for a straighter smile? If the Invisalign system sounds like the better deal for you, give us a call at Blue Ridge Orthodontics for an initial consultation. With offices in Asheville, Brevard, and Hendersonville, there is a location and time that will fit with your schedule.