Aug 29, 2022 | Clear Aligners
9 out of every 10 people have some type of dental problem such as crooked teeth. Crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, and impacted wisdom teeth are just some of these. In short, everyone needs some type of work. It may be scary to go to a dentist but know that you’re not the only one struggling with your case.
One of the most sought-after treatments is for achieving straight and beautiful teeth. Compared to previous years, more and more young teens and adults are engaging in a form of the teeth alignment procedure. One of these treatments is Invisalign.
Invisalign is a brand that provides treatment to straighten teeth by using custom design plastic aligners. These aligners are clear trays that fit over the patient’s teeth. An orthodontist will analyze the patient’s case and design a proper treatment plan. The set of clear aligners is replaced with a new one as the teeth move in the desired direction and alignment. Many adults prefer Invisalign to fix their dental issues because they are hardly noticeable. However, just as Invisalign has advantages, there are also downsides to getting this treatment. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Invisalign before you pay for your treatment.
There are several advantages to getting an Invisalign treatment or any clear aligner treatment.
These aligners are clear and are hardly noticeable when worn. They also feel more natural compared to metal brackets and wires. Since they are less visible, especially from afar, people will hardly know that you’re getting any type of treatment. You don’t need to worry about the metal brackets catching the attention of someone you’re talking to.
Anyone who’s had traditional braces will tell you how painful they are especially for the first few months. The metal brackets rub against the insides of the cheek and can cause painful sores. With Invisalign aligners, there are no wires or brackets that can cause pain and discomfort when eating or drinking. Invisalign aligners have a smooth surface that minimizes irritation. They are almost comparable to mouth guards minus the sharp edges.
Invisalign clear aligners are easy to use. Because the plastic trays have a smooth surface, they will not hurt the insides of the cheek. It’s pretty easy to wear them all day and take them off when eating or brushing.
Clear aligners require less effort in terms of maintenance. As long as they are cleaned regularly according to instructions, they will remain natural looking. There are ways to make them look good as new again but make sure you consult with your dentist first.
Clear aligners can be removed, unlike traditional braces. You don’t need to go to a dentist to remove them or put them back on. The ability to take them off and really clean them prevents bad smells and oral infections and promotes better oral hygiene.
Now let’s look at some of the downsides of Invisalign treatment. It’s essential to learn about these so you can weigh them against the plus factors.
Just because they’re made of plastic doesn’t make them any cheaper. Metal braces and Invisalign have almost the same price range. Sometimes, Invisalign even costs more depending on the provider.
Some treatment plans will require you to add attachments to achieve better progress. These ridges are made of enamel and look similar to brackets for metal braces. The attachments help the clear aligners move your teeth to the correct position. Having attachments can make the clear aligners more visible.
Invisalign aligners need to be worn for almost the whole day. The minimum amount of time required is 22 hours. The trays can be removed when eating, drinking, or brushing.
For some people, taking off the aligners when they need to eat or drink can be a source of inconvenience. You’ll also need to find a discreet location when there are a lot of people around. You also need to brush your teeth after eating before you wear the aligners again.
When you first wear the new set of aligners, there is some discomfort to be felt. Anything that puts pressure on the teeth will cause this. This pressure is what makes your teeth shift to the desired alignment. Just like metal braces, it is an inevitable part of the treatment.