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When it comes to orthodontic issues or achieving an aesthetically pleasing smile with straight teeth, choosing between traditional braces and clear invisible aligners like Invisalign+ can be a big decision. Invisalign+ offers a discreet teeth straightener option, but there are cons of Invisalign to consider before deciding if it’s the right choice. While it is less noticeable and allows for easier cleaning your teeth compared to expensive traditional braces. Like any other treatment, it has its benefits and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll highlight the key points to assist you in making an informed decision about whether Invisalign+ orthodontic treatment is the right choice for you!
About Invisalign+ Vs Conventional braces
Invisalign+ is a series of special plastic retainers that are made from your teeth scan with the help of 3D imaging technology. These plastic aligners help align your teeth stepwise with each set change. Invisalign's treatment process is similar to that of other clear aligner brands. Invisalign+ generally help align mild to slightly complex crooked teeth into a straight, beautiful smile.
Conventional/ traditional metal braces also help in aligning your teeth. They are a fixed option compared to our current and popular option. These braces are available in various types, providing patients with flexible options rather than just a single, fixed choice. In addition to traditional metal brackets and wire, invisible or aesthetically pleasing options are available for those seeking a more discreet orthodontic treatment. Ceramic brackets or lingual braces are other alternative treatment options to metal braces.
A proper consultation for an orthodontic treatment plan is ideal before going for any of these options! Let's learn more about Invisalign+ and how it might be a suitable treatment method for you!
What are the Benefits of Invisalign+?
1) Nearly Invisible Appearance
One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign+ is its clear aligners, which are nearly invisible when worn. This is especially appealing for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without the noticeable look of metal dental braces. No one will be able to tell whether you're wearing them or not!
2) No Food Or Dietary Restrictions
With dental braces, wires and elastics in your mouth there are few food restrictions such as eating hard and sticky food. Invisalign+ aligners can be easily removed, allowing you to take them out while eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. This means you won’t have to sacrifice your favorite foods!
3) Ease in Brushing and Flossing
With dental braces, brackets, wires, and elastics, food particles stick between them, making brushing and flossing difficult. On the other hand, Invisalign+ being a removable option makes brushing and flossing between teeth easier without the hindrance of wires and brackets. This makes maintaining oral hygiene much easier compared to traditional braces.
4) Comfortable
Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign+ aligners are a more comfortable experience than metal dental braces. They don’t have sharp edges or wires that can poke or irritate the inside of your mouth.
5) Shorter Treatment Duration Time
Invisalign+ typically requires fewer and shorter visits to the dentist than braces, as no adjustments are needed for wires or brackets. Instead, you'll be given several aligners to change at home, making the treatment process smoother and less time-consuming.
6) Effective for a Variety of Issues
Invisalign+ can treat many dental issues, from mild crowding to complex bite problems. Advanced technology in Invisalign+ makes it practical for cases that previously required braces.
7) Customised Treatment Plan
With the 3D scan of your teeth, our dental professional will curate a dental plan on our Invisalign website, showing the number of sets of aligners needed and the duration of the entire treatment.
Dental insurance may cover part of the cost, but it’s essential to confirm the extent of coverage before proceeding.
What are the Disadvantages of Invisalign+?
1) Requires Self Motivation and Discipline
To be effective, Invisalign+ aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day. Due to their removable nature, the success of the treatment depends heavily on the patient's compliance. When wearing these aligners, your teeth might initially feel sore; some tend to remove them once uncomfortable. Progress could be delayed if aligners are not worn for certain hours per day.
2) Inconvenient for Frequent Munchers
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign+ does have a disadvantage when it comes to its removable nature. Some individuals often snack frequently, which requires them to remove and reinsert their aligners multiple times, resulting in less than the ideal daily wear time. This increases their overall treatment duration.
3) Not Always Suitable for Severe Cases
While Invisalign+ is adequate for most dental issues, it may not be suitable for complex cases like severe malocclusion cases requiring extensive jaw realignment. Traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments may be more effective in such cases.
4) Possible Speech Difficulties
Although Invisalign+ is generally more comfortable than braces, some patients may experience temporary speech difficulties when starting their treatment compared to other orthodontic appliances. These aligners can create a hindrance between the teeth and tongue causing patients to lisp when articulating certain sounds, such as 'S', 'Ch', and 'Sh'.
This is temporary, as patients typically adjust to it within a few days.
5)Staining of the Aligners
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign+ aligners tend to take on stains from food and drinks or smoking habit. Some patients find it inconvenient to constantly take the aligners out and put them back in especially while drinking coffee throughout the day.
6)Tendency of Getting Lost or Crack/Break
These removable aligners tend to get lost or cracked if appropriately handled. It is essential to keep them safely in their respective containers instead of wrapping them up in tissue. It is also necessary to remove these aligners carefully using both sides. Otherwise, they might break/crack.
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Conclusion
Invisalign+ offers a highly effective, discreet, and comfortable option for many people seeking orthodontic treatment. Its clear aligners provide excellent aesthetics and ease of use, making it a popular choice for those who want to improve their smile without the appearance of metal braces. However, it’s important to consider the disadvantages, such as the cost and the need for discipline to wear the aligners consistently.
If you're considering Invisalign+, consult our Invisalign-certified dentist to see if it’s the proper treatment for your needs. Understanding both the benefits and disadvantages of Invisalign+ will help you decide on your orthodontic journey. If you’re interested in learning more, drop us a message here, and we will get back to you!
References
- MANUEL O. LAGRAVÈRE, CARLOS FLORES-MIR, The treatment effects of Invisalign orthodontic aligners: A systematic review, The Journal of the American Dental Association,
Volume 136, Issue 12, 2005, Pages 1724-1729, ISSN 0002-8177, https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2005.0117.