Is Invisalign Treatment Worth It?
By now, you’ve probably heard of Invisalign. The pioneering inventor of clear aligner technology has been drastically enhancing smiles since 1998.
Since then, millions of Americans have used the orthodontic treatment. Even with all of the popularity that Invisalign has enjoyed, it’s fair to ask, “Is Invisalign worth it?”
If you’ve been weighing whether to choose Invisalign or traditional orthodontic treatments, this article is just for you. We’ll cover the pros and cons of teeth straightening using Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign: A Brief Overview
Invisalign treatments deliver the same cosmetic benefits as traditional metal braces, but clear aligners work differently. Traditional metal braces use metal brackets, archwires, and attachments to pull teeth into better alignment. Clear aligners do not use a wire to pull teeth.
Instead, the aligners push on one side of teeth to gently nudge teeth into better alignment through micro-movements. If you see a clear aligner, it looks similar to a very slim mouthguard. Patients who undergo orthodontic treatment using Invisalign treatment must go through several or more clear trays that are worn two weeks at a time.
Each new tray is more straight than the previous tray. The final tray outlines a near-perfect smile.
The treatments can take months or a few years at once to complete. Once the treatment is complete, you will need to wear a set of retainers every night to retain your cosmetic results.
Pros of Using Invisalign
The main benefit of undergoing orthodontic treatment using Invisalign clear aligners (of course) is a beautiful new smile. Clear aligners are every bit as effective as traditional metal braces when it comes to delivering drastic cosmetic results. The benefits of Invisalign have made the treatment a popular alternative to traditional metal braces.
Discreet Treatment
When you wear your clear aligners, few people if any will be able to tell that you have the trays on. The advanced material used by Invisalign is incredibly clear. You’ll need to clean your trays daily using water and a toothbrush to keep them transparent.
Removable Trays
When you receive your aligner trays from orthodontists like Guymon Orthodontics, you can remove the trays as needed. Just be sure to wear the trays for at least 22 hours per day. That way, you do not fall behind on your treatment timeline.
You can remove the trays when eating, taking photos, or making a speech. As long as you meet the 22-hour requirement for daily use, you’ll be fine.
No Dietary Restrictions
One of the biggest drawbacks of undergoing treatment using traditional metal braces is that you have to avoid certain foods. Hard foods can break metal brackets while sticky foods can cling to the hardware.
There are no dietary restrictions associated with Invisalign treatments. As always, use common sense and avoid sugary diets that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
No Age Restrictions
Invisalign treatments are a great option at any age. Braces might be age-appropriate for teens, but few adults want to deal with the hassle of having metal braces as an adult. Invisalign offers a discreet treatment option for adults who want to improve their smile without having bulky metal attachments placed.
Cons of Using Invisalign
Invisalign treatments can address a wide range of tooth alignment issues, but severe cases of misalignment may require traditional metal braces. If you have a very wide gap between your teeth or another complex dental alignment issue, your orthodontists may recommend metal braces.
You Have to Remember to Wear Aligners
Yes, undergoing orthodontic metal braces requires taking more responsibility than traditional metal braces do. Traditional metal braces are not removable, so there is no risk of “forgetting” to wear your metal braces.
Remembering to wear your Invisalign trays isn’t as hard as you might think, though. First of all, you’ll want to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. Secondly, you’ll be motivated to wear your clear aligners because you paid for them.
You Might Misplace Your Clear Aligners
One possible downside to having removable orthodontic treatment is that you might lose the clear aligner if you aren’t careful. Clear aligners are also susceptible to damage by, say, a favorite pet.
One way you can prevent unintended damage to your clear aligners is by keeping them in a mouthguard case when you aren’t using them. The best way to protect your clear aligners is by wearing them for 22 hours a day.
Is Invisalign Worth It?
Enjoying a beautiful smile following Invisalign treatment comes with many benefits. If you are looking to address misaligned teeth, you can straighten your teeth using clear aligners or traditional metal braces.
The next question you’ll have to answer is whether you want to spend several months or longer undergoing that treatment using metal braces or clear aligners. For more than 11 million American adults and teens, Invisalign has proven to be a better treatment option.
Speak with your trusted dentist or orthodontist about which treatment option might be better for you.
Learn More About Your Teeth-Straightening Options
Is Invisalign worth it? That depends on how badly you want to revamp your smile. For millions of Americans, Invisalign was worth the investment.
A beautiful new smile can help you professionally and personally. An attractive smile is often associated with youth and even intelligence. Making orthodontic treatment part of your 2022 makeover plan can open up new possibilities for you.
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