More than half of American adults feel secure about their teeth. In fact, 57% of Americans cover their mouths when they laugh. About 70% feel self-conscious about their smiles.
Meanwhile, 61% of Americans wish they could change something about their teeth. Their main concerns are receding gums, spaces, and crookedness.
With Invisalign, you can close the gaps in your smile and improve your overall oral health. Is Invisalign worth it, though?
Keep reading to find out! In this guide, we’ll review the pros and cons of getting Invisalign. Then, you can determine if Invisalign is the orthodontic care you need.
Read on to weigh the pros and cons of Invisalign treatment today.
The Pros of Invisalign
Many people assume that traditional metal braces are their only option for orthodontic care. If you want to close the gaps in your smile, Invisalign aligners are effective, too.
Invisalign is ideal for image-conscious patients. You can close the gaps between your teeth with clear, plastic aligners.
Here are a few benefits of getting Invisalign to consider before visiting an orthodontist.
They’re Subtle
Metal braces stand out and affect the appearance of your smile. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are made from clear plastic. You won’t have to worry about people noticing you’re receiving treatment.
In fact, you can even remove your aligners if you want to take a photo. You won’t have that ease and convenience with other options for orthodontic care, though.
When asking yourself, “Is Invisalign worth it,” consider your priorities. Do you want to receive treatment without impacting your appearance? Are you looking for a discrete treatment option?
Consider Invisalign. You won’t have to worry about metal wires or brackets on your teeth.
Once your treatment is over, you can experience lasting Invisalign benefits! For starters, you’ll have a straight, stunning smile.
Your self-confidence can improve as a result.
You can even pair Invisalign with other cosmetic dentistry options. For example, you can schedule a tooth whitening appointment. You’ll have straight, pearly whites and a wow-worthy smile.
Freedom and Flexibility
Invisalign offers more freedom and flexibility than other orthodontic options.
For example, you’ll need to stop eating certain foods if you plan on getting metal braces. Otherwise, sticky candy or chips could get stuck in your brackets and wires. It’s best to avoid these foods during the span of your treatment.
With Invisalign aligners, you won’t have to restrict your diet.
Instead, you’ll take your aligners out each time you eat or drink. Then, you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want!
Remember, you can remove your aligners on your own. You won’t need to visit your orthodontist to have them removed.
Instead, you’ll have ease and convenience while receiving the treatment you need.
Easy Oral Hygiene
Invisalign can make it easier for you to maintain your oral hygiene, too. It’s easy. Simply remove your Invisalign aligners before you eat or drink anything besides water.
Then, brush and floss the way you normally would. You’ll then need to put your aligners back on to make sure there aren’t delays with your treatment.
With metal brackets and wires, it’s sometimes difficult to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth. Leaving food particles trapped in your braces could cause plaque and tartar to form. You could increase your risk of gum disease.
Instead, choose Invisalign!
Potentially Shorter Treatment Time
Every patient requires a different treatment duration. For the most part, however, Invisalign treatment is faster than braces treatment.
You’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. Otherwise, you could delay your treatment.
Your orthodontist will then give you a new set of aligners every week or two weeks. New aligners will ensure your teeth continue moving to close unwanted gaps.
You might find the Invisalign cost is a benefit, too. The national average for Invisalign is between $3,000 and 5,000. Braces, on the other hand, range between $2,000 and $6,000.
The cost can vary based on the severity of your case.
Ideal for a Range of Issues
You can treat a range of different orthodontic issues with Invisalign, including:
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Gaps between your teeth
- Crowding
- Excessive overjet
- Deep overbite
Speak with your orthodontist. They can help you determine if Invisalign is right for you. If you have a more severe case, however, you might require braces.
Potential Cons of Invisalign
Is Invisalign worth it? Now that we’ve reviewed the top Invisalign benefits, let’s discuss the cons. Here are a few inconveniences you might experience.
Eating and Drinking
Remember, you don’t have to wear your Invisalign aligners when you eat. Instead, you’ll need to take them out.
For some patients, this is actually an inconvenience. You’ll need to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Otherwise, you could leave food particles trapped between your teeth and aligners.
Plaque and tartar could form as a result.
Potentially Noticeable
Remember, most people choose Invisalign because it’s discrete. However, the aligners are sometimes more noticeable if you have attachments. They’re also noticeable if you have a gap between your teeth and the aligners.
If you notice a gap, speak with your orthodontist. You might need to resize your aligners.
Your aligners are created after your orthodontist scans your teeth. They should fit perfectly.
Keeping Them Clean
It’s important to keep your aligners clean, too. Otherwise, plaque could form against your aligners. You might notice discoloration as well.
Make sure to brush your aligners after eating or drinking, before you put your aligners back in.
Slight Discomfort
Some patients experience slight discomfort in the first few weeks of treatment. That’s normal. It might take a few days before you grow accustomed to your aligners.
You should only feel a little pain or pressure.
Is Invisalign Worth It?: How to Make Your Choice
To recap, is Invisalign worth it? If you want a discrete, convenient orthodontic option, it probably is! Speak with your orthodontist about this treatment option today.
The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you’ll straighten your teeth.
Want to discuss your orthodontic goals with a professional? We’re here to help. Start a virtual consult with a member of our team today.
