Invisalign® Alternatives in Petoskey, MI
Do You Need an Invisalign Alternative?
Sometimes, Invisalign isn’t right for you, due to costs or the complexity of your alignment issues. No need to fret if Invisalign treatment isn’t what your smile needs. There are various Invisalign alternatives that our dentist may recommend.
At your consultation with our Petoskey, MI dentist, they’ll evaluate your oral health and recommend the best orthodontic treatment option. While we provide Invisalign at Northwood Dental, we may refer you to an orthodontist if braces or another form of orthodontics is the best for you. Call (231) 347-2188 to learn more.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative to braces, using clear, removable aligners to gradually shift teeth into place. An orthodontist or Invisalign provider creates a custom treatment plan using 3D images of the patient’s teeth, and a series of aligners are produced for consistent wear.
Patients wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks, making slight adjustments to tooth position, and only remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. The average treatment time varies between 12 and 18 months and can fix mild to moderate orthodontic problems.
Best Invisalign Alternatives
There are many alternatives to Invisalign clear aligners. You and your orthodontist or Invisalign provider will go more in-depth about your options and treatment plan at your consultation.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments. They consist of brackets attached to the teeth that are connected by wires. An orthodontist adjusts these wires over time to gradually straighten the teeth. While they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, they’re effective for correcting dental issues, such as severely misaligned teeth.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but the brackets and wires are attached to the back of the teeth rather than the front. This makes them virtually invisible from the front, but they can be more difficult to clean and adjust than metal braces.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces, or clear braces, are used to straighten and align teeth, similar to traditional metal braces. The primary difference is the material from which they’re made. Ceramic braces are made from a clear or tooth-colored ceramic material, which makes them less noticeable than their metal counterparts.
The brackets of ceramic braces are bonded to the front of the teeth and are connected by a wire. This wire is gradually tightened over time, applying pressure to the teeth and guiding them into the desired positions.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are similar to metal braces but use a special clip or bracket that holds the wire in place, eliminating the need for elastic bands. This can make them more comfortable and reduce the number of appointments needed for adjustments.
Retainers
While retainers aren’t typically used for severe orthodontic issues, they’re recommended after treatment. Their primary function is to hold teeth in their current positions for optimal dental health.
Other Types of Clear Aligners
If Invisalign aligners aren’t an option, other clear aligner systems may work. These alternatives to Invisalign include:
- ClearCorrect: This system is similar to Invisalign clear aligners in many ways, providing a series of clear, custom-fitted trays that gradually move the teeth into their desired position. They’re almost invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning.
- Byte: Byte offers at-home aligners. They claim to provide quicker results than many other clear aligner systems due to a device they include called the HyperByte, which is a High-Frequency Vibration device that’s intended to help seat the aligners better and speed up treatment.
- SureSmile: SureSmile uses a robotic system to custom-bend a special shape-memory alloy wire to your unique prescription, ensuring efficient and effective treatment.
- Candid: This company also provides custom aligners directly to the consumer’s home. Candid works with orthodontists (not general dentists) to create a treatment plan and monitor progress.
- Orthly: Orthly offers clear aligners that are monitored by dental professionals through a mobile app.
Which Treatment is Best for You?
When determining what orthodontic treatment plan is best for you, you and your dental professional will discuss the following:
- Effectiveness: The most important factor is whether the treatment will effectively correct your dental issues. Our Petoskey, MI dentist can evaluate your teeth and recommend the best alignment method for your needs.
- Aesthetics: Invisalign clear aligners and lingual braces are more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces but may not be as effective for correcting severe dental issues. Consider your personal preferences and lifestyle when choosing a treatment.
- Cost: Dental alignment treatments can vary in cost, so consider your budget when making a decision. Your dental insurance may cover some or all of the costs of certain devices, so check with your provider.
- Convenience: Invisalign can be removed for eating and cleaning, making them a convenient option for many patients. However, they require a certain level of responsibility and commitment to wearing them consistently. They can only correct mild to moderate dental issues, so you may not qualify for Invisalign.
What Do Invisalign Alternatives Treat?
Invisalign alternatives can treat various dental issues, including:
- Tooth Crowding
- Spacing
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open Bites
- Rotations
- Severely Crooked Teeth
- Intrusion and Extrusions
