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It’s never too late to straighten your teeth: All the things you wondered, but never knew, about those clear braces

Have you heard of these clear aligners? (Photo provided by Epic Smile Centers)

While there are many options out there for people looking to straighten their teeth, for adults especially, it seems many flock to the idea of Invisalign®, those clear aligners that are free of brackets and wires.

People typically aren’t even able to notice that you’re wearing anything over your teeth.

For many, they find Invisalign® clear aligners fit your life — they don’t interrupt it. And at every stage, you’ll be able to see your progress and enjoy your smile as it transforms.

Plus, the aligners take less time and are likely more affordable than you might have imagined.

Epic Smile Centers only uses Invisalign®, which is thought by many to be the gold standard of clear-aligner orthodontic treatments.

We asked the experts from Epic Smile what else people might not know about these modern-day braces.


1.) The aligners are so comfortable.

Invisalign® allows you to work, eat and participate in social situations worry free. The aligners are comfy, flexible and you’ll probably forget you’re even wearing them. The trays are made of smooth plastic, making Invisalign® much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. There are no sharp or extruding edges, and they’re custom-made to fit your teeth and mouth.

2.) You’ll see an experienced Invisalign®-certified doctor.

At Epic Smile Centers, for example, the company has a whole team of orthodontists and dentists, one of whom will be designing and delivering your case. Those on-site doctors will conduct a full dental check, get your dental history and complete an intra-oral exam with the use of X-rays and Itero 3D scanners. Needless to say, a lot of work goes into making sure these are customized just right for your mouth.

It starts with a high-tech digital scan of your current smile. (Photo used with permission from Epic Smile Centers)

Having a doctor directly involved eliminates the risks that come with some of the “do-it-yourself” online aligner companies.

3.) The appearance really is practically invisible.

Although we touched on this earlier, it’s worth noting: The trays are completely clear so they don’t detract from your face or smile. This is an especially great option for adults, teens, and young adults who want to live life without the wires associated with traditional braces.

4.) The price is right.

In fact, Epic Smile Centers said it provides Invisalign® at 60% of what you would pay at your local orthodontist or dentist. The centers offer affordable payment plans beginning at $49 a month, which is likely less than the cost of your monthly cellphone bill.

5.) They’re really easy to clean.

Invisalign® trays are removable – meaning, when you’re ready to brush and floss your teeth, just remove the trays, clean your teeth, then pop them back in. Also, you only wear each aligner for one week.

The trays themselves can also be cleaned. To make sure there is no build-up, just remove the aligners and rinse or brush them with your toothbrush. A clean mouth is a healthy mouth. It’s important to have healthy teeth and gums while straightening your teeth, so you’ll have the best smile possible at the end of the process.

6.) The whole treatment plan will save you time.

With Invisalign®, you’ll be able to spend less time at the orthodontist or dentist’s office. On average, you only need to visit the office to check on your progress once every 16 weeks.

Other teeth straightening options can take much more time and many more appointments, according to the experts at Epic Smile Centers.

7.) They’re really safe.

Is your teen involved in sports, music or choir? Invisalign® allows for a more comfortable experience without the scrapes other orthodontic options can cause. Invisalign® trays are also removable, as mentioned, which makes brushing your teeth, eating, and everyday life more convenient than some of the other options.

8.) You can eat whatever you want.

Food restrictions are one of the worst parts about teeth straightening with many orthodontic options. Some of your favorite foods -- anything too hard, chewy or sticky -- are off-limits, which can really ruin a special celebration.

These issues are not a problem with Invisalign®. You can remove the trays and eat what you’d like.

9.) They lead to better dental health.

Straight teeth are better for your gums and dental health, the experts at Epic Smile Centers said.

If you eliminate crowding and gaps, it makes it easier to care for your teeth, and better dental health leads to better overall health, the experts added.


The results speak for themselves: Straight teeth and a beautiful smile.

Epic Smile Centers provides Invisalign® treatment at two locations in Southeastern Michigan.