Pros and Cons of Invisalign

There are a few options when it comes to correcting the alignment of a smile. One of the most popular of these options is Invisalign. Invisalign is a clear aligner apparatus made from flexible thermoplastic material. It has become well-known for its ability to make orthodontic treatments less obvious to the naked eye.

Invisalign aligners are adjusted to fit perfectly and tightly over each individual smile. They are fantastic at camouflaging with the teeth which has turned them into a favorite option amongst orthodontic patients. Essentially, Invisalign aligners have the ability to do the same job as traditional braces with the added bonus of not having the wires or brackets.

These aligners are often used to treat overbite, underbite, and crossbite issues. They also work great at fixing gap teeth and crowded teeth. Many of our patients prefer Invisalign over other methods when it comes to treating these issues and other more specific situations that they are dealing with. Having said that, there are pros and cons to choosing Invisalign aligners and we wanted to discuss those below.

Choosing the right teeth aligner option can make the world of a difference for a patient. We understand that these are long term treatments and being comfortable with your choice will keep you committed to the end result. Invisalign is a fantastic option for teeth alignment due to the following perks:

Aesthetic Factor: Many of our patients feel a sense of relief with Invisalign because the outside world does not have to see the wires and brackets of traditional braces. This gives them confidence to smile while their treatment is very much in progress.

Removable: Invisalign aligners can be taken off and put back on at any time during the day. You can remove them to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. If there are other instances when you feel that you want to take them off, you are able to do so.

Teeth Cleaning Made Easy: Traditional braces can cause havoc when it comes to teeth cleaning. All the wires and brackets can make it very difficult to get in the nitty gritty spots in the mouth where food particles like get stuck. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, teeth cleaning is as easy and smooth as it’s always been. You can get into all those spaces with your toothbrush and floss. Invisalign aligners certainly get bonus points for making sure that your oral health stays intact!

Potentially Less Issues: There are many anecdotes about traditional braces. Some of our patients have experienced brackets falling out or wires breaking. This often results in emergency visits to our clinic. While we are always happy to see our patients, we understand this can be disruptive to their schedule. Thankfully, Invisalign doesn’t pose those types of issues.

There are several benefits to using Invisalign. As is the case with most medical treatments, there are also some shortcomings. We wanted to note them here for your reference.

Less Adequate for More Complicated Diagnoses: Invisalign is great at resolving different bite issues, fixing gaps between the teeth, and creating spaces amongst teeth that are crowded. However, there are instances when patients have more complex issues. These issues might require traditional braces as Invisalign’s capabilities might not be able to resolve them. If you are uncertain about whether Invisalign aligners are right for you or not, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to assess your situation and provide you with the right solution for your specific needs.

Requires Commitment: Invisalign aligners need to be worn for a minimum of 20 hours per day. This is very important in order to see results. If you feel that you might be tempted to remove them for more than 4 hours per day, this solution is not the best option for you.

Must be Removed When Eating and Drinking: Earlier we pointed this out as a benefit but we also wanted to show the other side of the coin. It is great that you can remove the aligners while eating and drinking but more than that, it is crucial that you remove them during these activities. If you fail to remove the Invisalign aligners during your meals and drinks, food and drink particles will get stuck there. This can cause bacteria to grow and potentially turn into cavities. Removal of the aligners when feasting even on little snacks is very important.

Less Food Options: It is not uncommon to experience tooth soreness upon removing the aligners. In order to make this less intense, it is recommended that hard foods are avoided.

Invisalign aligners are a great option for correcting misaligned smiles. Our patients have very positive things to say about their experience with these aligners. The results speak volumes when the aligners are used correctly. We noted here some of the cons of the aligners because we know that choosing the right tool to align your teeth is a major decision.

We are happy to continue this conversation and assess your specific situation. If you are looking for options to perfect your smile, please contact us. We are here to help you find the right solution and get the best results!