Do You Need to See an Orthodontist for Invisalign?

We know what you're thinking. "You're orthodontists! Of course you're going to answer yes to this question!" Well, you're partially right: while you don't need to see an orthodontist for Invisalign because it's a treatment available from general and cosmetic dentists as well, we believe you should see an orthodontist for Invisalign--or any other orthodontic treatment, for that matter.

Are we biased? Maybe a little, but hear us out. Here's why we think you should get Invisalign from our orthodontic practice.

After completing dental school, orthodontists receive advanced training in the science of moving teeth. (Technically it's a science, but we like to consider it an art too.) While your primary concern may be having your teeth evenly spaced and perfectly lined up with each other, we look at the bigger picture: making sure your bite is strong, your jaw aligned, and that they'll stay that way in the long-term.

Although it's very rare, occasionally an Invisalign plan may need to be changed mid-treatment. When teeth aren't moving as they should, an orthodontist is able to spot this right away because that's what they're trained to do.

Invisalign is the only orthodontic treatment general dentists are able to do. If you go to your dentist to ask about straightening your teeth, they'll talk to you about their Invisalign treatments because that's the only option they've received training on.

Ask an orthodontist about straightening teeth and we've got a lot more to talk to you about. We have options! We're educated in all the different solutions for correcting misaligned teeth. And while a lot of our patients have their hearts set on Invisalign, sometimes after hearing about these options, they change their minds and are much happier for it.

This means that instead of sitting in your dentist’s chair for several minutes trying not to gag while a tray of messy impression material oozes down the back of your throat, we’ll take 3D impressions in minutes with our state-of-the-art iTero digital scanner. No impression material necessary and the result is a more accurate computer model of your teeth and jaw, which means your Invisalign treatment will be that much more precise.

Just like any medical procedure, you want to go with someone who performs a treatment often rather than someone who only does it occasionally. When you do something frequently, you perfect your skills. The reverse is true as well--when you don't do something very much, your skills get rusty.

Most orthodontists, including our practice, see dozens of Invisalign cases each week. We know the system in and out. That, combined with our general knowledge of moving teeth, makes orthodontists the ideal choice for Invisalign treatment.

We are thrilled that you're considering us for your Invisalign treatment! Contact us to schedule a consultation at one of our three Minnesota locations.