As you may know, Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment method that uses clear aligners to shift teeth into the desired position. It is the most popular brand for being a less invasive, more comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing option compared to traditional metal braces. And following its success, many types of clear Invisalign alternative have emerged.

In general, Invisalign is a great alternative to braces and can offer excellent results. If you don’t prefer brackets and wires, clear aligners are your best bet. Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth and comfortable plastic that won’t irritate your gums or cheeks, so you won’t have to worry about the same risks associated with metal braces. In this blog, Our Orthodontist in Methuen will tell you about 4 Important factors to consider regarding Invisalign Alternative.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN INVISALIGN AND INVISALIGN ALTERNATIVE

Aligner brands become different from Invisalign, or others based on several characteristics. When considering them, make sure to factor in these features to pick the best orthodontic treatment for your needs. These include:

• Availability
• In-office or remote monitoring only
• Orthodontist vs. dentist as a provider
• Treatment span
• Cost

There are things that set the different aligner brands apart. If any of these are your concerns when it comes to treatment, you need to be informed before making a decision.

#1 – Availability

Being the most popular brand, Invisalign is the most readily available clear aligner system. It’s an orthodontic service available all over the country as well as in many other countries. According to Invisalign, there are over 200,000 Invisalign-trained providers worldwide.

Other brands vary in availability depending on the region. In the US, most clear aligner companies require patients to have a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist in order to get started. Sometimes, consultations can be done remotely. In Europe and other regions, the availability of Invisalign alternatives may vary depending on the brand.

#2 – In-office or remote monitoring only

There are Invisalign alternative systems that let you do the treatment completely at home. In this mode, you can take impressions at home and order the aligners online. Then you go through the treatment process at home using remote monitoring. Some may have office locations but others don’t.

Although this is comfortable and convenient, any self-treatment system poses risks. These include not having the full benefit of professional guidance and not being able to fully spot issues early on. With an in-office orthodontist, you are guaranteed that they can recognize any changes in your teeth or treatment that need to be addressed.

With Invisalign, it’s an in-office treatment that requires regular check-in with your orthodontist. In some cases, Invisalign may offer remote monitoring but it’s best to discuss this with your orthodontist before committing to Invisalign.

#3 – Orthodontist vs. dentist as a provider of Invisalign or Invisalign alternative

What makes a dentist and an orthodontist different? A dentist is a general practitioner, and an orthodontist typically has additional education and experience in the field of orthodontics. An orthodontist is more trained in recognizing teeth and jaw movement and can be better at providing teeth alignment treatment.

There are some dentists that offer braces or an Invisalign alternative, but they may not offer more than that. Orthodontists usually provide a wider choice of treatments such as different brace types and orthognathic surgery. There may be times when a patient needs hybrid treatment, and an orthodontist is more equipped to do that.

When it comes to Invisalign, it’s best to get Invisalign treatment from an Invisalign-certified orthodontist. Invisalign treatment involves taking impressions at the office, and orthodontists can submit these impressions to Invisalign. In contrast, Invisalign alternative treatments may allow either a dentist or an orthodontist to provide the treatment.

Overall, it’s important to factor in who is providing your Invisalign or Invisalign alternative treatment when you’re making your decision. In general, an orthodontist is more likely to provide the best diagnosis and treatment plan for your needs.

#4 – Treatment span

The duration of Invisalign or Invisalign alternative treatment varies from patient to patient. In general, Invisalign treatment is estimated to take 12-18 months but can vary depending on the severity of the issue.

In comparison, Invisalign alternative treatments may offer varied treatment time spans. Depending on the many factors involved such as the misalignment issue, provider experience, and type of Invisalign alternative chosen, the treatment may take anywhere from 8-16 weeks.

#5 – Cost of Invisalign or Invisalign alternative

Since more and more brands are competing in the market, you can imagine that they offer cost differences from Invisalign. Invisalign comes with an average cost range of $3,500-$8,000, depending on the severity of your issue and the Invisalign plan you choose.

Invisalign alternative treatments can cost around the same range, but some may cost lower if they’re at-home treatments while others may be higher for added features. Nevertheless, deciding on a treatment based on cost alone can be tricky, so it’s best to speak with your provider when considering Invisalign or its alternatives.

Consult BOP Braces in Methuen, MA to Experience the Invisalign Difference

At BOP Braces, we highly recommend Invisalign for the many benefits it offers such as comfort and convenience. Invisalign is the most popular choice of treatment due to its effectiveness in realigning teeth and improving oral health.

At our practice, we are experienced in providing Invisalign to patients who are ready to take the next step in improving their oral health. Our Invisalign treatment plans are customized to each patient’s individual needs and goals.

If you want to experience Invisalign in Methuen, MA, schedule an appointment with us today. Our orthodontist will get an impression of your teeth and create a plan for your misalignment case. This can help you decide if Invisalign is the best option for you.

In addition, we also provide all types of braces such as metal, ceramic, and lingual braces. In this way, we can provide you with the most suitable treatment for your needs. Our office is located at 413 Broadway Suite D, Methuen, MA.

Contact us at (978) 806-2038 to learn more and book a consultation. Feel free to visit our website too! We look forward to helping you get your smile back.