For better or worse, we are all judged by the way we look on a daily basis—by the people we meet, our colleagues, and even our peers. Knowing you don’t have to hide your smile can make you feel more confident in social situations and, generally, make you feel better about yourself.
Whether you plan on getting orthodontic teeth straightening treatment for yourself or your child, this guide on treatments such as Invisalign orthodontics and clear braces can help you. It goes through all the pros and cons of Invisalign type methods and traditional clear braces and what to expect with each one. This way, you can make an informed choice and get the smile you have always dreamed of.
What is Invisalign and How Does It Work?
Invisalign type aligners are a minimally visible method for fixing crooked teeth without bands, wires, or brackets. The Invisalign therapy consists of a series of clear aligners that you need to wear to gradually move your teeth.
Invisalign orthodontics consists of custom-made thermoformed medical polycarbonate aligners or trays. These trays are compatible with human saliva.
You need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day for a period of two weeks totaling over 300 hours. This leaves you with two hours for eating and brushing.
Your cosmetic dentist will replace the aligners every few weeks to allow gentle tooth movement and ensure that the teeth are moving in accordance with the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Invisalign Vs Braces: Pros and Cons
Pros of Invisalign
- Comfortable—unlike metal braces, which have sharp edges and metal brackets, custom thermoformed medical polycarbonate retainers do not irritate your gums and cheeks.
- Appearance: Metal braces are bulky and can be seen when you smile. Invisalign won’t stop you from smiling, as people won’t even notice you are wearing them.
- Easier to Clean: There is a reason why people with braces often have bad breath! Metal braces and brackets trap food, which is harder to clean. You can only get them cleaned with the help of a dentist. You cannot floss when wearing braces. With the removable Invisalign orthodontic treatment, you need not worry about oral hygiene. You can easily clean the trays yourself. You can also brush and floss as usual.
- No Limits on Eating/Drinking: Metal braces mean that you need to avoid certain foods (hard, chewy, crunchy), as these foods can loosen or damage the braces. Invisalign does not limit what you eat or drink. You can even chew gum while wearing your aligners!
Cons of Invisalign
- Not For Younger Kids—Invisalign is only recommended for kids once their adult teeth have come in—around 12 or 13 years old. It is not recommended for growing kids.
- Does not Correct All Kinds of Oral Issues—Invisalign cannot correct all types of dental issues like Class I and Class II malocclusions. Moreover, the retainers only correct front/anterior teeth best and not molars.
- Inconvenient: while still more comfortable than braces, you need to wear the aligners full-time to be effective.
- They Can Intrude the Teeth Over a Period of Time—the retainers can deepen the bite.
- Not for Patients with TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Inflammation: Invisalign can be uncomfortable for TMJ patients. It could even worsen some TMJ symptoms like clicking or difficulty opening/closing normally.
Invisalign Treatment: Is It Right For You?
Invisalign treatment can be a great option for you if your orthodontic issues are mild to moderate. It is also a great, less visible alternative to uncomfortable metal braces.
Invisalign can help with dental crowding, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. When you get your aligners from an experienced dentist, you will only face mild discomfort. This usually subsides after a few days. Your dentist will also provide you with Invisalign discomfort solutions.
Benefits of Invisalign For Adults
- Improved Self-Confidence: This world is influenced by social media and celebrities. With Invisalign, you won’t have to hide your smile anymore. This can help you have a more positive self-image and boost your self-confidence.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: When your teeth are not overlapping or crowded, you can have better access in between the teeth for cleaning. This can greatly improve your oral health and prevent cavities, gingivitis, halitosis, and gum loss.
- Reduced Wear and Tear of Teeth—once your teeth are better aligned, they will not grind or brush against each other. This can reduce wear and tear. In the long term, this will prevent costly crowns and prosthetic replacements or implants.
- Improved Bite, Improved Digestion—straight, well-aligned teeth mean improved bite and maximum chewing efficiency. This improves the longevity of your teeth and also your digestive health.
- Reduced Aging: proper positioning of the front teeth can enhance lip thickness and your profile. This could minimize the effects of aging on the teeth and make you look more youthful.
Invisalign Duration and Cost
There is a wide variety in the range of Invisalign products. Here are their durations and costs:
- Express package: this consists of 7 consecutive aligners with one set of additional seven aligners to compensate for the lack of tracking. The duration of this treatment is about one year.
- Lite package: this consists of 14 consecutive aligners with two additional sets of 14 aligners to compensate for the lack of tracking. This treatment lasts 2 years.
- Moderate package: this consists of 20 consecutive aligners with two additional sets of up to 20 aligners. The duration of this treatment is 2 years.
- Comprehensive package: this can contain as many aligners as needed for targeted results. The treatment duration is 5 years.
Invisalign cost comparison: the cost of the aligners can vary based on the number of aligners you need and the complexity of the case. It also depends on the geographic location and the orthodontist’s skills.
How to Care for Invisalign Trays?
Follow a regular soaking, rinsing, and brushing routine to maintain your Invisalign aligners. Never soak the trays in mouthwash or hot water. Gently brush the trays with a soft-bristled brush.
Rinse your mouth after eating and drinking before wearing the aligners. When not using your trays, place them in a clean container. Replace broken aligners right away.
Contact Us for Your Invisalign Consultation
Ready to get Invisalign for crooked teeth? Contact us today for a consultation to learn how Invisalign can give you the smile you have always dreamed of!
Invisalign vs Braces FAQs
1. What is the main difference between Invisalign and traditional braces?
Invisalign uses clear aligners to gradually move teeth, while traditional braces use metal brackets and wires for adjustment. Invisalign is more discreet and removable.
2. How long do I need to wear Invisalign aligners each day?
For optimal results, Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours daily, only removing them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
3. Are there food restrictions with Invisalign?
No, you can eat and drink as you like with Invisalign, as the aligners are removable. However, always remove them before meals to avoid damage or staining.
4. How often do Invisalign aligners need to be replaced?
Aligners are typically replaced every 1-2 weeks, as prescribed by your dentist, to continue moving the teeth according to your treatment plan.
5. Can Invisalign treat all types of dental misalignment?
Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate issues like crowding and spacing. Severe misalignments or bite issues may require traditional braces.
6. Is Invisalign suitable for children?
Invisalign is generally recommended for teenagers and adults. Children usually need to wait until all their permanent teeth are in before beginning treatment.
7. Does Invisalign hurt?
There may be mild discomfort initially as the teeth adjust, but it is usually less painful than traditional braces, which can cause more irritation to gums and cheeks.
8. How much does Invisalign treatment typically cost?
Invisalign costs vary based on the complexity of the case and geographic location. Packages range from Express (around 1 year) to Comprehensive (up to 5 years).
9. Can I drink coffee or tea while wearing Invisalign?
No, it’s best to avoid drinking anything but water while wearing Invisalign to prevent staining and damage to the aligners.
10. How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?
Clean aligners daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid soaking them in mouthwash or hot water, which could damage them.
