Pros and cons to straightening teeth with Invisalign

Many patients inquire about fixing their teeth with Invisalign® clear aligners. In this article we’ll review the pros and cons of using Invisalign as we set out to answer, “is Invisalign worth it?”

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic corrective treatment in which patients are given a series of custom plastic molds to wear over a period of time. Each mold slowly realigns teeth until they are set into place.

The Pros of Using Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign clear aligners have many benefits to consider when compared to traditional metal braces.

Discretion – The most common reason why patients choose Invisalign is that no one will ever know you’re wearing them. They are clear and molded to fit the shape of your teeth making them mostly invisible. This gives adults and teens confidence, eliminating any fears about how they may appear wearing braces. This fear often stops patients from starting orthodontic treatment, so we see this as an advantage over metal braces for patients who are worried about discrete treatment.

Comfort – Another benefit to wearing Invisalign clear aligners is the fact that they are comfortable to wear. This is can be beneficial for athletic adults and teens. When playing contact sports, you can focus on the game and not your braces.

Convenience – Invisalign clear aligners can be removed at any time. This makes it much easier to brush and floss your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, there are no hard-to-reach areas which means patients are likely to maintain proper oral hygiene habits. And because Invisalign clear aligners are removed when you eat, there are no restrictions to what you can and cannot eat.

Steady treatment process – Each clear aligner is worn for one week before being replaced by the next set. Because aligners are made at the start of your treatment, there is a clear timetable on the entire process and the number of aligners you will have to wear. You will be required to maintain regular appointments to monitor your progress.

The Drawbacks

We reviewed some of the advantages to using Invisalign, but patients must also understand the disadvantages to wearing clear aligners.

Not traditional – Invisalign has only been used in the United States since the 90’s. Since then, it has proven to be an effective treatment method, but it hasn’t been around as long as traditional braces. Some patients prefer time-tested methods and opt for metal braces.

Not suitable for all cases– Despite the fact that aligners continue to advance and have become a leading orthodontic appliance, they currently work best for patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic problems. For severe cases, traditional braces may be a better choice.

Removable – For best outcomes, patients must wear Invisalign consistently for at least 22 hours per day. It’s very easy to choose not to wear it, and few patients may find themselves delaying the progress of their treatment. Additionally, many patients stop by requesting replacements due to losing their Invisalign clear aligners. It’s very common to set the aligners aside and have them accidentally become misplaced or worse, thrown out in the trash!

Have questions about Invisalign?

If you would like to know more about Invisalign, please don’t hesitate to contact us and request your complimentary exam today or visit our Las Vegas orthodontist office. We would love to answer all of your questions! We want to help you live your greatest quality of life—and that has everything to do with your smile!