Invisalign: Top 3 Pros and Cons
There are many options in modern orthodontics to achieve the perfect smile and straight teeth. Often, the most trusted and most frequently used way are the traditional braces. People shy away from Invisalign because they are not sure how they work, who offers them, and if they work as well as normal braces.
Just like any other choice in life there are pros and cons of choosing Invisalign over other orthodontic treatments. We want you to be well informed before you choose your route to a straight and sparkling smile. Here are some of the top positives and negatives of choosing Invisalign!
3 Pros of Invisalign
Comfort
Invisalign consists of two plastic trays that cover your top and bottom teeth. There are no brackets, wires, rubber bands, and other things that can scratch, poke, and tear your mouth up. You can also easily take the trays out during the day to eat and properly brush your teeth. This means you do not have to worry about tooth discoloration from where the brackets were. They are also clear! Smiling at people while straightening your teeth has never been easier, however you do have to keep the aligners in your mouth for them to work.
Hygiene
As we mentioned above you are able to take the aligners out to brush and floss your teeth as normal. This diminishes the chances of plaque buildup, cavities, yellow spots, and gum disease which can lead to many other severe issues. People who wear Invisalign are more likely to continue with their regular brushing and flossing. You can also easily wash your trays if they get a little dirty over time!
Simple Straightening to Bigger Fixes
Of course Invisalign aligners are able to simply straighten your teeth, but can they fix other orthodontic problems too? The answer is yes. In most cases the aligners can fix overbites, underbites, crossbites, gapped teeth, open bites, crowded teeth, and there are even treatment plans for a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. We can give you a more comprehensive treatment plan on a case by case basis to see if Invisalign is right for you!
3 Cons of Invisalign
Cost
Invisalign tends to be more on the expensive side of treatments to straighten teeth. The national average for Invisalign ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 dollars. There are ways to mitigate the cost like checking to see if your insurance covers any of your treatment, pay with pre-tax dollars from your HSA or FSA account, and checking to see if your doctor allows payment plans.
Removability Gone Wrong
Although the removability was already listed in the pros, this can also lead to a few problems. Removing the aligners allows you to eat whatever you want when you want, however you are supposed to keep the trays in for at least 22 hours a day. This means that you still have to have them in for work, school, meetings, parties, and any other plans you have throughout the day. The American Association of Orthodontics also recommends that individuals with clear aligners stay away from soda, sports drinks, or any liquid with acid/sugar that can seep into your aligners and cause decay. They also recommend your teeth and aligners be spotless each time they go into your mouth. Lastly, there is the possibility of losing or breaking the aligners which will result in more money and time spent straightening your teeth.
Attachments
You may go into the Invisalign process thinking that the trays are the only appliances you need to give you the perfect smile. This may be the case, but in some instances you will receive bracket-like attachments that will help move your teeth more effectively. These attachments are enamel colored and will blend into the aligners and your teeth, but many people have issues with these attachments staining or changing color. If you can drink your coffee and tea in moderation or give your teeth a quick brush afterwards you should be just fine!
What now?
Are you ready to move forward with Invisalign, have more questions, or would like to know more about other options to take you on your smile journey? Come visit us at any of our locations for a comprehensive consultation.
Together we can choose the most effective treatment plan for you and your smile! At Bennion Lambourne your orthodontic care experience and providing you with an excellent result are our top priorities.