Pros and Cons of Invisalign® for Straighter Teeth
If you have misaligned teeth that you want to fix – but you don’t like the idea of wearing braces – Invisalign clear aligners could be an appealing alternative. Unlike braces, these transparent aligners are almost invisible on the teeth, and they can be taken out when you eat and when you brush your teeth.
However, not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign treatment, and sometimes an alternative like tooth-coloured braces may be more suitable. Read this overview of the pros and cons of Invisalign aligners and book a consultation with our dentists to find out what your options are.
Does Invisalign work?
Invisalign aligners can be an effective alternative to traditional braces for minor to moderate orthodontic conditions, such as:
- overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite
- crowded teeth
- spacing between teeth
Our experienced dentists can also treat some more complex cases using Invisalign aligners, but in other cases, we may recommend braces.
For Invisalign treatment to be effective, it’s important that you wear your aligners for the recommended minimum of 20–22 hours daily, only taking them out when necessary. It’s also important to clean your aligners and care for your oral hygiene to avoid developing problems that could interrupt your treatment.
Advantages of Invisalign
Popular reasons to consider Invisalign include:
- Virtually invisible: The aligners are made from a clear plastic that makes them hard to detect on your teeth and much less visible than the brackets and wires of most braces.
- Removable: Unlike fixes braces, Invisalign aligners can be taken out when you need to eat and clean your teeth. This makes brushing and flossing easier, which could also lower your oral health risks.
- Comfort: You’ll still feel some pressure on your teeth with aligners, but patients find they’re generally more comfortable than braces, especially for avoiding friction from brackets and injuries from loose wires.
- Flexibility: While it’s important to wear your aligners for the recommended time each day, they can be removed when necessary.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
Factors that could make Invisalign less suitable include:
- Eligibility: You may not be a candidate if you have a more complex orthodontic issue.
- Compliance: You must be committed and self-reliant in wearing your aligners for 20–22 hours every day.
- Cost: Invisalign may cost more than other aligner brands or orthodontic options overall, depending on your treatment plan.
Invisalign vs. other aligner brands
Invisalign has been the leading name in clear aligners since it launched more than 25 years ago, and the system has continually developed and improved since. It remains the most widely used and recommended option by dental professionals, and there have consequently been more clinical studies demonstrating its effectiveness compared to lesser-known alternatives.
Is Invisalign right for me?
If you’re considering Invisalign clear aligners to help correct a bite problem or enhance your smile, book a consultation with our dentists at Mosman 3D Dental. We’ll examine your mouth to tell you whether you’re eligible and can give you all the information you need about Invisalign prices, alternatives and other considerations so you can decide what’s best for you.
Call us today on (02) 9969 8610 or contact us with any questions.
*Invisalign® aligners are a registered medical device. Always read the label and follow and instructions for use from your dentist.