Think Invisalign is the Best for Correcting Crooked Teeth? Think Again

KENILWORTH and EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – The marketing machine behind Invisalign has a growing number of patients asking for this treatment by name when they visit Stosich Consulting. Reviews of this treatment run the gamut, however.

Some dentists and orthodontists swear by it, while others believe there are more effective treatment methods. Still others- like Dr. Michael Stosich- see Invisalign as a good option in limited cases.

While in his orthodontic residency at Temple University, the leading digital orthodontic institution in the world, Dr. Stosich received specialized Invisalign training. This training resulted in him acquiring master level knowledge of the treatment modality.

Invisalign can be a good option for correcting crooked teeth and other mild alignment issues, says Dr. Stosich, a Grayslake and Gurnee orthodontics expert. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually guide teeth into their proper placement. The aligners have long been touted as an “invisible” way of straightening your teeth because they are clear initially. But once worn by the patient, they stain considerably as do the required Invisalign attachment, resulting in a less than cosmetic appearance, Dr. Stosich says. This is in contrast to clear braces that do not stain and are tooth colored.

They are removable, so the patient needs to take them out every time they eat or drink. And to work properly, Invisalign needs to be worn at least 22 of 24 hours every day. Since they are void of wires and brackets common to orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene is easier for some patients. However, the trays need to be thoroughly cleansed daily by the patient, as they can become a source of decay.

“When patients come in for an evaluation, I create a treatment plan that considers the patient’s desires as well as the final outcome,” Dr. Stosich says.

When he sees a patient who wants Invisalign, he tells them he can offer it, but he shares the entire treatment picture. He also informs them that Invisalign treatment takes two to three times as long as SureSmile with clear braces.

“Needless to say, patients usually go with the braces for the cosmetic benefits and shorter treatment time” he says.

For those who will not be swayed, he reminds patients that it is important to choose a specialist who is best equipped to provide optimum treatment. A growing number of dentists offer Invisalign, so what difference does it make if you are treated by your dentist or your orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists addresses this question on its website with these points:

• An orthodontist must graduate dental school at the top of his/her class to be accepted into an orthodontic residency.
• While completing a two- to three-year orthodontic residency, orthodontists receive extensive training in how to best enable teeth, jaws and facial muscles to work together for optimum speech, bite and chew function.
• Your bite is complex, and a healthy bite is an orthodontist’s goal. An orthodontist possesses intricate knowledge of the role that teeth, jaws, soft tissue and facial muscles play in creating a proper bite.
• Orthodontists have a comprehensive understanding of the wide array of treatment options available today, and they can create a treatment plan that considers all of your specific needs.

If you’re interested in learning whether you can be treated with Invisalign, SureSmile or other affordable braces, Evanston and Kenilworth orthodontist Dr. Stosich offers free evaluations. Call us today for an appointment.