Invisalign is the new alternative to old braces, and the main difference is that they do not need to be placed by orthodontists; almost every dental office nowadays offers this treatment.
They are called Invisalign because they are clear and because they move teeth into proper alignment. However, you can get Invisalign from your trusted dentist, of course, but the question is, should you? Is there really a big difference if it is placed by an orthodontist or a dentist?
When it comes to deciding between the dentist and an orthodontist for performing Invisalign treatment, the only factor that you must take into consideration is experience.
Dentists and orthodontists must complete training in order to be able to provide Invisalign. But you should look for a doctor who not only completed the required training but who has used his knowledge to successfully treat a larger number of patients.
How Invisalign Works?
The first step towards Invisalign is a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist so they can evaluate the teeth and determine whether or not you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment. Meaning that some patients can’t benefit from Invisalign since they won’t be able to correct their teeth.
Invisalign is a great method for smile correction, but it’s not intended for correcting major bite issues and serious issues with teeth alignment. For these issues, the only cure is braces and additional surgical treatments. Those treatments should always be performed by a qualified orthodontist.
Anyhow before talking about Invisalign treatment, your doctor will take X-Rays and photographs of your teeth and mouth to help make the decision.
If you are an adequate candidate, a digital scan of the teeth must be taken. Then according to the scan, a thorough plan will be made by the doctor to align the teeth using a series of clear aligners. Designing the aligners for optimal tooth movement is done by using Invisalign software.
After that, you will get your aligners and all the necessary attachments placed and will be instructed how to wear them for the best possible results. If you’ve been looking for a way to straighten your teeth, the Invisalign could work for you since it can successfully treat a wide variety of dental issues, such as:
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
The entire process usually takes from 6 to 18 months, depending on how much the teeth must be moved.
It is recommended that this assessment is done by an orthodontist since they are trained to do this process, and if you are not an ideal candidate for Invisalign treatment, an orthodontist can explain to you why and what outcome to expect. The orthodontist is an expert specialized in tooth movement, so he can discuss with you different treatment options and therapy to get you the results you want if the Invisalign treatment can’t help you.
Why Should I Choose An Orthodontist Over A Dentist For Invisalign Treatment?
An orthodontist has advanced education in the alignment and correction of the teeth, and he will be able to recognize if this treatment will help you or not. An orthodontist focuses on moving teeth, while a dentist is more focused on the repair and care of teeth, and he does not have so much experience in the tooth moving field, and he can only offer you basic Invisalign treatment.
On the other hand, an orthodontist can use many methods to align teeth and understands each method’s strengths and the outcome, so it is better to choose an orthodontist for any teeth alignment issue since he will be able to provide better care and results.
Final Verdict
Picking the right person who will create your new smile is crucial to ensure that you get the best result possible, so carefully choose the provider. Nothing beats pearly white teeth and a perfect smile, so take some time and do thorough research.
The quality of care that you would get with an orthodontist is undeniable, but if you’re looking to pay a bit less or you only need to correct small misalignment choosing a dentist for Invisalign can be the best option.
The choice of what is the best for you depends only on what you’re looking to get out of the Invisalign treatment. The decision is only yours to make. Once you are aware of what exactly you expect and want, the decision will be easy to make.