Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment For Teens & Adults
From Miami Lakes to Pembroke Pines, more often than not, when people think of braces, they now also think of Invisalign. Invisalign is a manufacturer of clear orthodontic aligners that offer an alternative to conventional braces. Treatment consists of a series of clear aligners, often referred to as trays, which progressively force teeth to move into the correct position over time. Although Invisalign is an alternative solution to braces, it is not for everyone, as many dentists may have you believe.
When it comes to Invisalign, braces, or any other orthodontic procedure, your average family dentist typically lacks the proper training to correctly diagnose, plan and treat your orthodontic issues. Your family dentist serves a similar purpose to your family doctor. They are there to help you with your general needs, such as check-ups, cleanings, etc., but they should refer you to a specialist if you need a dental procedure that is outside of their training, such as oral surgery or orthodontics. This is very similar to going to your family doctor for a checkup and being diagnosed with a heart issue. Family doctors wouldn’t perform your heart surgery themselves! They would refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist) who would then give you the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
While orthodontists and dentists help patients improve their oral health, they do this differently. A dentist is a professional who studies the medical specialty dealing with the teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw. On the other hand, an orthodontist is a dentist with specialized training who focuses on the alignment of teeth, correcting bites, and occlusion. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists!
At Miami Lakes Orthodontics, we are a Miami Lakes orthodontic specialist dealing exclusively with correcting bites, occlusion, and the straightness of teeth. Dr. Carmen Briceño Crespi is also the only board-certified orthodontist specialist (https://www.americanboardortho.com) between Doral and Pembroke Pines. As a Miami board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Briceño Crespi has taken hundreds of additional hours of education, which makes her the most qualified specialist with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide you with the highest level of patient care.
We are also Invisalign Preferred Providers, which means that we have achieved significant experience in treating patients with Invisalign treatment options. The Invisalign system now offers three types of treatment plans which can be tailored to your specific needs:
Invisalign
Also known as Invisalign complete, it is the most popular prescription for individuals who have never had orthodontic treatment. This is available for initial submission, mid-course correction, and refinement. On average this type of case takes about 12 months for adults. However, an orthodontic specialist can only determine the actual treatment length.
Invisalign Teen
Many teenagers that require Invisalign treatment are very self-conscious about their appearance. Invisalign Teen is a treatment option that offers an almost invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth without the restrictions and less-than-appealing look that come with metal braces.
Vivera Retainers (formerly Invisalign Express)
Not everyone has vast gaps, underbites, and/or other severe cases. For this type of patient, Invisalign has developed Invisalign Express, now rebranded as Vivera Retainers. Invisalign Express (Vivera Retainers) treats simple cases in 4-6 months with as little as 5 to 10 aligners. Invisalign Express can also be used as a phase II treatment after conventional braces to ensure your teeth will not migrate back to their old positions. Invisalign Express treats simple cases in 4-6 months with as little as 5 to 10 aligners. Invisalign Express can also be used as a phase II treatment after conventional braces to ensure your teeth will not migrate back to their old positions.
So, whether it appears or you think that you need orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign, the easiest way to find out is to make a free no, obligation consultation with the award-winning, board-certified Miami Lakes Invisalign orthodontist for teens and adults, Dr. Carmen Briceño Crespi. Call us at (305) 820-6800 or fill out the form below, and one of our smile specialists will contact you as indicated.
Here’s More Information Related to Invisalign in My Area
The Truth Behind Lingual Braces
With all of the technological advances in orthodontics, patients have more treatment options today than ever. Nowadays, if you want to straighten your teeth, you can choose from clear braces, metal braces, braces with colors, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign 5, Invisalign Express, etc., etc., etc.
Even braces are placed behind the teeth instead of on the front of the teeth! That’s right; Lingual Braces are braces used to straighten your teeth that go behind the teeth (on the side of your tongue and palate) instead of on the front of the teeth like traditional braces. Although there is an aesthetic advantage to not showing your braces on the front of your teeth, there are some significant concerns with lingual braces.
Top 5 concerns with lingual braces:
- Pain and discomfort
Having braces and wires behind your teeth can be very painful as your tongue constantly moves behind your teeth when you speak. This can cause your language to become irritated and even blister in severe cases.
- Difficulties speaking
Your tongue is a significant factor in our speech. It may become more challenging to speak and annunciate your words with braces and wires behind your teeth.
- Oral Hygiene
Many people have trouble taking care of their teeth with braces on the front of their teeth where they can see them with a mirror. Imagine the difficulty of adequately brushing and flossing your teeth with braces behind your teeth!
- Cost of treatment
The cost of lingual braces is typically almost double that of traditional braces. This can range from $8,000 to $10,000 for treatment, and they are no faster than conventional braces.
- Clear braces and Invisalign treatment are less expensive and painful than lingual braces.
Most people considering lingual braces as a treatment option are doing so for aesthetic reasons (they don’t want to show that they have braces). There are now several new styles of braces that are far less noticeable (clear/invisible braces or ceramic braces) and several products from Invisalign that allow patients to fix their teeth and not go through the pain or additional cost of lingual braces.
If you have any questions or concerns about your or your child’s smile, you should find a board-certified dentist near you and schedule a consultation. The easiest way to find a local orthodontist is to visit the American Board Of Orthodontics website and use their orthodontist locator tool, which can help locate an orthodontist near you.