Pros and Cons of Invisalign You Should Be Aware Of

Invisalign is a transparent aligner for teeth. It can help straighten crooked teeth and cope with many other dental issues. If you want to improve the look of your smile, you can choose between braces and Invisalign. In this article, we have gathered the pros and cons of Invisalign you should be aware of.

Pros of Invisalign

1. Invisalign is almost invisible

One of the main advantages of Invisalign is that this aligner is almost invisible. Invisalign is a great alternative for people who don't like the look of metal or ceramic braces. Invisalign can straighten your teeth and it is almost unnoticeable. You should know that many celebrities and public figures have used Invisalign to fix their teeth. Invisalign helps movie stars, professional athletes, singers, and even royalty straighten their teeth without drawing attention.

2. You can eat whatever you want

If you or someone you know has had braces, then you probably know that there is a long list of foods that you have to avoid while wearing braces. For example, you can’t eat popcorn, bread with a hard crust, apples, candy, chewing gum, and any other crunchy or sticky foods. But if you get Invisalign, you can eat all the food you want. You just need to take it off before eating.

3. You can easily brush and floss your teeth

Many people who wear braces have problems with tooth brushing and flossing. But you should understand that poor oral hygiene can contribute to the development of tooth decay, swollen gums, and permanent white scars on the teeth. The point is that tooth brushing and flossing your teeth with braces is more difficult than regular brushing.

But if you use Invisalign, there are wires to capture food. That’s why people with Invisalign usually have fewer problems with poor oral hygiene and its consequences. Additionally, it is much easier and less time-consuming to floss and brush your teeth with Invisalign than with braces.

4. Fewer dental check-ups

Braces require a lot of manual work and constant care by the orthodontist. Braces also require very frequent inspections and even repairs, like bonding staples, replacing wires, placement of rubber bands, and connecting springs. You can easily avoid these time-consuming procedures if you choose Invisalign treatment. For example, a visit to examine braces usually takes 20-40 minutes, while an average visit with Invisalign takes up to 10 minutes. Braces should be checked 6-8 weeks while people with Invisalign should visit the dentist’s office every 10-12 weeks.

5. Invisalign doesn’t cause significant discomfort and irritation

People who get braces usually need some time getting used to them. Until your cheeks adjust and “get stronger,” there is usually some discomfort from the new braces and wires in your mouth. After braces are installed, your teeth can also ache for several days. Unfortunately, this is part of the process and toothache happens to almost everyone. Due to the fact that Invisalign doesn’t contain any wires or other metal parts, it doesn’t cause irritation or severe discomfort.

Cons of Invisalign

1. You need to wear Invisalign almost all the day

If you want to improve your smile and get straight teeth with the help of Invisalign, you should be motivated and disciplined. Since aligners are easy to put on and take off, some people may forget to wear them regularly or even lose them. You should understand that Invisalign aligners should be worn for about 21-22 hours a day. This means that you need to wear aligners all the time except for eating and tooth brushing.

People who don’t wear Invisalign properly may experience toothache and discomfort. But the main thing is that the final result of the treatment can be unsatisfactory even if it costs you a significant amount of money. You should also know that some oral issues can’t be treated if you don’t wear Invisalign as directed.

2. You can’t snack often

It is essential to understand that Invisalign aligners should be removed to eat or drink anything other than water. Invisalign can accumulate food particles and pigments from foods and drinks. This can result in discolored aligners and even lead to the development of tooth decay or gum disease.

After eating or drinking, you need to brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners. This means that if you tend to drink coffee during the day or have frequent snacks between meals, Invisalign can be an uncomfortable option for you.

3. Speaking with aligners needs time and practice

People who try to wear Invisalign aligners may find it difficult to pronounce some sounds and speak in general. Even though the conversation may seem a little uncomfortable, it is not a reason for disappointment. In most cases, you will be able to get used to Invisalign within a few days and most speech problems disappear throughout a week or so. There is no reason to keep silent when you wear aligners. On the contrary, it is better to speak more to train your tongue.

4. Invisalign can’t cope with some bite and dental issues

There are certain problems with bite and teeth that can’t be treated with the help of Invisalign. In these cases, it is better to use braces to achieve the desired results. Nevertheless, you need to visit a dentist for a thorough examination. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth and bite and will advise the best treatment option.