As clear, removable aligners, Invisalign® is one of the most popular alternatives to metal braces for straightening crooked teeth and ensuring a healthier alignment for your bite. While an effective and popular orthodontic system for many patients, not every person is a good candidate for Invisalign®. The best teeth-straightening treatment for you relies on your specific dental needs, lifestyle, preferences, and budget. As a cosmetic dentist in Norwood with certification in Invisalign®, Dr. Saad Joulakh offers a brief primer on the pros and cons of Invisalign® clear aligners below.
Invisalign® Benefits: Comfortable, Removable, Effective
Comfort and Aesthetics — Doesn’t Obstruct Smile
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of Invisalign® involves its aesthetic appeal. The clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them attractive to adults and teens who don’t want the self-consciousness that can often come with metal braces. Patients appreciate the ability to smile in photos or on special occasions without having their teeth obstructed by wiring and brackets. This also lends to a more comfortable treatment process — since there are no metal brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks and gums, the smooth plastic trays are generally easier on soft tissue.
Unrestricted Diet
The removable nature of Invisalign® means you can eat whatever you want, avoiding the food restrictions that come with traditional braces. Those undergoing treatment can also eat without worrying about sticky, tough, or chewy foods getting stuck in their braces.
Easier Maintenance
Invisalign® can also make oral hygiene more simple during treatment. There’s no need to floss between metal wiring and braces, allowing patients to remove their aligners and clean their teeth normally. In addition, removing aligners to eat and clean the teeth can avoid the plaque buildup and staining risk that can occur around metal brackets. Many patients also report fewer and shorter orthodontist visits, since check-ins are typically every 6 to 8 weeks rather than the more frequent adjustments and tightening braces require.
Invisalign® Limitations: Cost, Discipline, Acclimation Period
Relatively Pricier
The most significant limitation to Invisalign® is generally described as cost. Invisalign® can cost more than traditional braces and coverage varies widely by insurance plan. That said, rates for Invisalign® treatment in Norwood are generally more economical when compared to pricier areas of the country. In addition, dental financing through CareCredit® for qualified patients can provide flexible payment plans and make Invisalign® more affordable.
Results Rely on Commitment to Aligner-Wear
Discipline is also required as part of the Invisalign® treatment process. Since aligners are removable, results depend heavily on wearing them for 20 to 22 hours a day. It’s easy to underestimate how much willpower this takes, but inconsistent wear can extend your treatment time or compromise results.
Not Every Case is Treatable
Invisalign® also isn’t ideal for every situation. Severe crowding, significant bite misalignment, or cases requiring major tooth rotation or vertical movement are often better addressed with traditional braces or a combination of cosmetic dentistry approaches. Your orthodontist may recommend attachments to help the aligners grip certain teeth, which can be slightly more noticeable than the aligners alone.
May Initially Affect Speech
Finally, there’s also generally an acclimation period as you get used to wearing your aligners. Some patients experience a temporary lisp when they first start wearing their trays, although this should resolve naturally as individuals become more accustomed to their aligners.
At Norwood Dental Cosmetics, Invisalign-certified cosmetic dentist Saad Joulakh, DMD knows that strong patient education is one of the most important factors in achieving a straight, healthy smile as seamlessly as possible. For aesthetic treatment options to straighten your teeth without braces, don’t hesitate to contact our Norwood practice.
