Pros and Cons of Invisalign and How Does It Impact My Teeth Straightening Options?

pros and cons of Invisalign
Pros and cons of Invisalign can help you decide on your orthodontic options.

When Considering the Pros and Cons of Invisalign, How Do you Determine if Invisalign is Right for You?

There are many pros and cons of Invisalign to consider when determining how to straighten your teeth. Fortunately, this is where your orthodontist can be most helpful by providing the optimal solutions for you based on your dental profile and lifestyle.

Certainly for most people, straightening your teeth can be done by a dental professional in a number of ways. Most individuals, however, choose traditional braces or Invisalign, both of which have unique advantages and disadvantages. Making a decision can prove to be difficult. For that reason, we will offer the pros and cons of Invisalign to help you decide on the best option to achieve your beautiful smile.

pros and cons of Invisalign
Invisalign is the clear alternative for straightening your teeth.

The Top Reason People Choose Invisalign

Simply put, Invisalign looks so much better. When you opt for traditional braces, you are effectively agreeing to spend a period of time with metal into your mouth. Admittedly, even when braces come in pretty colors, they’re not really attractive, are they? Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are nearly invisible. The trays straighten your teeth using a material of clear, custom thermoplastic. Because these aligners are nearly invisible, few people notice them.

If you don’t want others to see that you are straightening your teeth, Invisalign trays, or clear tray options are the way to go.

invisible aligner
There are no true emergencies with invisalign.

The Pros of Invisalign

  • Invisalign is esthetically appealing and removable (great for big events, weddings, etc).
  • Patients don’t have to modify the foods they eat because they eat with the aligners out.
  • Lips and cheeks adapt a lot faster to aligners than to traditional braces.
  • Each adjustment (new aligner) is a very subtle correction (we generally change aligners every two weeks, as opposed to changing wires at every 6-8 weeks) so there is less discomfort/pressure associated with each adjustment.
  • Brushing and flossing can be carried out as usual as aligners from Invisalign OKC can be removed for cleaning.
  • No true emergencies. There are no broken brackets or pokey wires. Lost or broken aligners are easily replaceable.
removable aligner
Invisalign is a true commitment because it must be worn 22 hours a day.

The Cons of Invisalign

  • Treatment outcome is EXTREMELY related to patient cooperation. Aligners must be in the mouth for 22 hours each day to get the expected results.
  • Patients MUST remember to replace the aligners after food, drinks, and brushing.
  • Invisalign presses against the tongue-side of the teeth. For this reason, there is some impact to sounds produced by the tongue.
  • Due to the need to remove Invisalign before eating or drinking, with the exception of water, patients must curb their grazing habit and avoid snacking continuously during the day and night.
  • Can’t perform certain tooth movements; for example, retrieving impacted teeth (i.e., teeth that are stuck in the gums or bone and are not erupting properly on their own).