When undergoing orthodontic treatment, and can be a difficult choice as to whether Invisalign or traditional braces would be a better fit. In this article, our Langley orthodontists share some of the pros and cons of Invisalign clear aligner treatment to help you make a more informed decision.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
If you are looking to straighten your teeth with orthodontic treatment, you have two main options: traditional braces and clear aligners. Both are effective, however, Invisalign clear aligners use digital technology for increased precision.
This allows your treatment to be completely tailored to you, and the technology used to take impressions of your teeth will allow you to see the final results before treatment begins. Additionally, if your treatment isn't quite going as planned, the program will allow your orthodontist to adjust your aligner designs during treatment.
Pros & Cons of Invisalign
While Invisalign uses technology to help provide you with an easier Invisalign treatment process, like with anything, there are pros and cons to the treatment process. Our team of orthodontists would like to share these pros and cons to help you understand what you can expect while undergoing this orthodontic procedure.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Below are the benefits of Invisalign over traditional metal braces and why you may want to consider this treatment option.
Invisalign Offers a Better Appearance
The biggest and most obvious benefit of Invisalign is that the retainers are virtually invisible. The main benefits of Invisalign for adults are that colleagues and clients can’t tell that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. This is a key benefit for self-conscious teens to use Invisalign as well.
With Invisalign, you don’t go through a period of people commenting on your new braces, nor will you have to hesitate to smile in photos and throughout your day. All people will see is the progress of your smile as it gets better throughout treatment.
The Convenience of Removable Invisalign Aligners for Daily Life
Patients often wonder if they have to wear their aligners all the time. For the best results, Invisalign needs to be worn for 20 - 22 hours each day. This means that you should only take your invisible aligners out when you are eating or brushing your teeth. Luckily, this means that you don’t have to change anything about your diet throughout treatment.
As well as when eating and drinking, you’ll also remove your Invisalign aligners to brush and floss your teeth. With nothing in the way of your teeth, you can continue brushing and flossing as usual.
Invisalign Is More Comfortable
Repositioning your teeth with Invisalign can be uncomfortable, just like traditional braces. However, you should experience less pain and discomfort with Invisalign, as well as fewer mouth and gum problems.
Invisalign retainers are made of special plastic and custom-fitted to each patient's mouth. Because of this, there are typically no cuts on the inside cheeks or salt washes to deal with as you would likely encounter with traditional braces.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
Below are some cons of Invisalign treatment to consider before deciding on your treatment options.
The Importance of Discipline with Invisalign Treatment
Having the ability to remove your aligners is both a pro and a con. If a patient is not disciplined about putting their removable aligners back in their mouth after eating or brushing, they won't likely wear them for the required 22 hours per day. This can cause the treatment process to be extended by a significant amount of time.
Your treatment also may not produce the best results if the aligners aren’t worn as often as needed. The main reason for Invisalign treatment failing primarily is caused by a patient's lack of consistency when it comes to wearing their aligners.
Taking Your Aligners In & Out Can Be an Inconvenience
Aligners must be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. When you are out in public, it can be tricky to remove your aligners discreetly, and it is not uncommon for them to get lost if you are not careful.
Before putting your aligners back in, you have to brush your teeth. Food particles can stop your teeth from moving and can also stain your teeth and your aligners. This can also increase the chances of cavities and bad breath.
Investing in Your Smile: Understanding Invisalign Costs
Due to advances in technology and the specialized material used in making the aligners, the cost of Invisalign can be similar to that of braces. Depending on the specific problem, some treatment is difficult, if not impossible to achieve with Invisalign alone.
Your Orthodontist may discuss the possibility of finalising the tooth positions with a short round of braces which could result in a more expensive treatment than originally planned.