Pros and Cons of Using Invisalign to Straighten Your Teeth

When it comes to straightening teeth, there are a few more options now than there used to be. One of the newer options is Invisalign, an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth and aligns the bite using clear plastic retainer-like trays that are worn over the teeth. 

If you’re considering Invisalign for yourself or your child, it may help to read about the pros and cons in order to decide if this is the best treatment option. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign treatment. 

Pros of Invisalign 

There are many benefits of Invisalign, including: 

• Discreet. The aligners are virtually invisible on your teeth, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly. 

• Comfortable. The aligners are made of smooth, flexible plastic that shifts your teeth gradually and won’t irritate the soft tissues of your mouth. 

• Convenient. You can take your aligners out to eat and to brush and floss your teeth. There are no eating restrictions or special tools required to care for your teeth. 

• Fast. Invisalign treatment is relatively short. It usually takes between 6 and 18 months to complete, depending on the extent of the corrections that need to be made. 

• Covered by most dental insurance plans. If your dental insurance includes coverage for orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is typically an approved option. 

• Fewer appointments. Invisalign does require regular monitoring appointments, but they are typically further apart than with other orthodontic treatments. 

• Lower risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Since you don’t eat while wearing Invisalign, there is less chance of food getting trapped and causing tooth decay and gum disease. 

Cons of Invisalign 

There are a few disadvantages of Invisalign, such as: 

• Not all patients are candidates. Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate orthodontic cases. If you are in need of significant corrections, Invisalign may not be effective for you. 

• Aligners can be lost. Since they are removable, it is easy to lose your aligners if you don’t store them in the provided case. 

• Compliance is required for success. For Invisalign to be effective, patients must wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day. This can be difficult for children and teens who may be more likely to forget to wear their aligners. 

• Cost is sometimes higher than braces. The cost of Invisalign may be comparable to braces in some cases, but there are situations where it could cost more. 

Am I a Candidate For Invisalign? 

If you think you may be interested in Invisalign, the first step is to find out whether or not you are a candidate. A brief evaluation by your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether or not Invisalign treatment is an option for you. Invisalign is not capable of correcting severe bite misalignment, rotating teeth more than 20 degrees, moving teeth up or down in the socket, or closing large gaps between the teeth. If you are in need of any of these types of corrections, braces may be a better orthodontic treatment option for you. 

Start Invisalign Treatment Today 

Are you ready to straighten your teeth with Invisalign? Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge is a certified Invisalign provider. You don’t need a referral to an orthodontist to get this highly desired teeth straightening treatment. Start your smile transformation today. 

Call 770-389-0389 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.