Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Do you wish you could straighten your teeth without needing traditional metal braces? How about an option where no one knows that you are getting dental treatment? As the name suggests, Invisalign are aligners that are nearly invisible. They move your teeth gradually over time. The result is a more attractive and straighter smile. If you are considering this more modern and easier option to straighten your teeth, you need to know the pros and cons of Invisalign! Keep reading to find out more. 

What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?

Before we dive into the pros and cons of Invisalign, let’s go over how it works! Invisalign involves clear, BPA-free plastic aligners like flexible, thin, see-through mouthguards that slip over your teeth. First, your dental specialists use an intraoral scanner to take a digital impression of your teeth. Next, the team will create a 3D model of your mouth using advanced computer technology. This ensures that every mold and each aligner is specifically designed for the patient’s mouth, unlike metal braces which are a more general treatment option. These aligners move the teeth incrementally into their prescribed positions. 

Lets Explore Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Pro: Minimal Changes to Your Diet 

Patients who have chosen to go with traditional metal braces are required to avoid certain sticky and difficult foods to chew. However, when choosing Invisalign, you won’t have to follow the same restrictions. Since Invisalign consists of aligners, they are removable. Therefore you’ll be able to continue enjoying your favorite foods without worry or complications. However, there are certain things you have to do after eating, like brushing your teeth to avoid staining or damaging your aligner. 

If you choose to go with Invisalign, dental specialists recommend you take a travel toothbrush wherever you go to ensure both your teeth and aligners stay in the best shape. Additionally, you need to ensure your clear aligners are placed in their case whenever you are not wearing them. Putting them on the table next to you or on a napkin increases the risk of breaking or even throwing them out by accident. 

Con: You Have to Wear Invisalign 20 to 22 Hours Per Day

Invisalign clear aligners must be worn a minimum of 22 hours per day. The only time you should take them out of your mouth is when you are brushing, flossing, or eating. If you leave them out for more than what’s recommended, you risk your teeth not aligning correctly, and you will be behind schedule. Your aligners may also continue to feel tighter the next time you put them on if you fall behind. 

Pro: Smile With Confidence

One of the main reasons that patients consider Invisalign is that they don’t want to wear bulky and unattractive metal braces for an extended period. These aligners are just like what it sounds like, virtually invisible, making them one of the most important benefits for most patients. They are clear and molded to your teeth. Therefore anyone around you is unlikely to notice that you have them on. Clear aligners benefit teens and adults by allowing them to continue in their personal and professional lives without feeling like everyone is gawking at their teeth. Additionally, due to the fact braces won’t cover your smile, your confidence will likely be enhanced! 

Con: More Expensive 

One of the biggest disadvantages of Invisalign is that they are expensive. Depending on whether or not your dental insurance covers them, patients who don’t have insurance can expect to pay anywhere between $3000 and $8000 for them. Therefore, if your insurance doesn’t cover the Invisalign aligners and you are on a tight budget, you may want to rethink Invisalign. 

Pro: Enhanced Comfort 

While Invisalign can be a bit uncomfortable at the start as your teeth and mouth get used to the dental aligners, they are generally more comfortable in the long run. Invisalign does not require any brackets or wires. That means you don’t have to worry about any painful cuts or nicks in your mouth. The aligners are similar to a mouthguard; they are molded exactly to your mouth’s shape and have no sharp edges. 

Con: Easier to Lose 

A downfall to the ease and comfort of removable aligners for teeth straightening treatment is that they can easily be lost. Let’s face it; everyone is a bit forgetful and clumsy, but it’s completely normal. However, due to the amount of hours patients are required to keep them in their mouths and the price of the aligners, they are going to have to be extra careful of them. This can be problematic, especially for teenagers. Some added tips for patients are to always carry their case with them so that when they do take the aligners out, they know where they are while protecting them from being damaged. 

Pro: More Convenient 

Visiting the dentist is never anyone’s favorite thing to do. It’s time-consuming and can be stressful for patients. Those with metal braces are required to constantly visit the dentist’s office for check-ups and adjustments. However, with Invisalign clear aligners, you won’t require any adjustments. You simply move through your series of aligners. You will be required to come in for regular appointments so that your specialist can monitor your progress. However, as the treatment goes along, you will be required to visit less and less. 

Invisalign Clear Aligners in Chicago

Metal braces are no longer the only option for patients wanting to correct their smiles; therefore, if you want to break the status quo, choose Invisalign. These aligners will ensure you have a brighter, straighter, and more beautiful smile without the hassle and unattractiveness of metal brackets. Fix your teeth without anyone even noticing, keep on enjoying your favorite foods, and boost your self-confidence. Beautiful Smiles offers Invisalign clear aligners for both teens and adults in the Chicagoland area; find out more by scheduling an appointment today.

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