Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment that allows patients to change the appearance of their smile without having to wear traditional metal braces. While they have become increasingly popular, there are many pros and cons to seeking this Invisalign treatment.
At Bailey Orthodontics, we understand how appealing Invisalign treatment can be for a variety of patients. However, it is important that you understand the benefits and drawbacks of relying on this treatment for changes in your smile. If you have been considering seeking Invisalign but aren’t sure if it is the right treatment for you, keep reading to learn more.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment involves the use of a set of aligners that can straighten your teeth. Your aligners are custom-made to fit your current dental state and are adjusted every one to two weeks. Each tray will make minor adjustments to your teeth, much like braces. Once you begin your Invisalign treatment, you may begin to notice distinct changes in your teeth in a few weeks.
However, the treatment may take anywhere from nine months to a year and a half, depending on your current dental state. They are a great option if you want to avoid the traditional bracket-and-wire hardware that comes with traditional metal braces. Invisalign is an especially popular orthodontic option among teenagers who don’t want to alter the appearance of their smile with metal braces.
While you may think Invisalign treatment is your best orthodontic option, there are many pros and cons to consider before making the leap.
The Pros of Invisalign Treatment
Removable
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign treatment allows you to remove the trays at any time you would like. With the ability to remove the trays, you can eat more of the foods you want, practice good oral hygiene, and feel more comfortable while adjusting to a new tray. Cleaning the trays is also much easier than keeping your braces, as lingering food particles are easier to remove.
More Comfortable to Wear
Braces can be relatively uncomfortable to wear. With poking wires and bulky brackets, you may run into nicks and cuts that make the experience unpleasant immediately after getting them. However, by wearing Invisalign trays, you can avoid the discomfort that accompanies braces. If you’ve ever worn a mouthguard, wearing Invisalign trays is more similar to this experience.
Aesthetic Appeal
If your orthodontist has recently recommended your child get braces, they may be concerned about their aesthetic appearance. With Invisalign, you don’t need to worry about any aesthetic changes to your smile. Wearing clear trays won’t change the appearance of your smile and can help you or your child maintain smile confidence during treatment.
Fewer Dietary Restrictions
When you get traditional braces, your orthodontist will recommend removing several foods from your diet. However, when you get Invisalign, you won’t have to worry about making any dietary changes. Because your Invisalign is removed before eating, you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying that it will cause damage to the trays.
The Cons of Invisalign Treatment
Only Effective for Some Bite Issues
While Invisalign treatment is a great option for many orthodontic patients, some bite issues are too severe for this treatment to be effective. Some orthodontic discrepancies like large gaps, overbites and underbites, and crowded teeth require more intense orthodontic treatment than Invisalign can provide.
Expensive Investment
While braces are a costly investment, Invisalign is even more expensive. In addition to its more expensive upfront cost, these treatments may not be covered by your insurance. If this is the case, you may be required to pay for the full treatment on your own, which can set you back several thousand dollars.
Attachments May Be Necessary
While the benefit of getting Invisalign is the lack of visible brackets and wires, some treatments may require attachments. While these attachments are designed to match your teeth, they do protrude and may be more visible than you realize. This may mean your smile experiences some unexpected aesthetic changes.
Speech Impairment
Immediately following the insertion of your Invisalign trays, you may experience some speech impairment. While you adjust to wearing your trays, you might notice difficulty speaking and the development of a lisp. This should go away over time but may be frustrating to deal with while you adjust.
Are Traditional Braces a Better Option for You?
While you may believe Invisalign treatment is a reliable orthodontic treatment for you, that may not be the case. For some, traditional braces are capable of making more significant changes to your smile. If you are experiencing any of the following dental problems, traditional braces are a more reliable option for you:
- Crowded Teeth
- Small Dental Arch
- Large Gaps
- Intrusions and Extrusions
A Variety of Orthodontic Options from Bailey Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is a substantial investment, both in your time and money. Whether Invisalign treatment or traditional braces are a better option for you, our team at Bailey Orthodontics provides them all to ensure you get the best orthodontic treatment possible. In addition to providing a variety of orthodontic treatments, we provide our patients with a variety of online resources to ensure they can properly care for their teeth during treatment.
Bailey Orthodontics recently reopened its Farmington, Utah location, and our team can’t wait to see you in the office again. Whether you’ve been seeing our team for a while or you’re just about to start your orthodontic journey, our new state-of-the-art facility is the perfect place for you to seek treatment. If you want to schedule an appointment to speak with our orthodontic team about beginning Invisalign treatment or you would like to speak to them about our financing options, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
