What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Invisalign Treatment?

Written by:

Dr. Justin Soon

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What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Invisalign Treatment?

Having straight teeth is important for many reasons. Not only does it make your smile more attractive, but it also helps keep your oral health in check. Every year, more and more people are undergoing orthodontic treatment to achieve straighter teeth.

Long ago, traditional metal braces are the only viable teeth straightening option. But with the advent of technology, Invisalign has come into the picture. It has changed the way people straighten their teeth.

Invisalign is a teeth straightening treatment that has become popular in recent years. It uses clear aligners to slowly straighten teeth and is much more discreet than traditional braces.

Invisalign has many advantages over traditional braces. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider before deciding whether or not to undergo Invisalign treatment.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of Invisalign. This can help you make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you. Keep reading to learn more!

Advantages of Invisalign Treatment

While traditional orthodontic treatments are effective, there are several advantages of Invisalign treatment that make it an appealing choice for many patients. These include the following:

  1. Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. Most people won’t even know you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment.

  2. You can remove the aligners to eat, brush, and floss as usual. There’s no need to change your diet or oral hygiene routine.

  3. You’ll only need to visit the orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to check on your progress, as opposed to every 4-6 weeks for traditional braces.

  4. Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is typically faster than traditional braces, with the average treatment time being about 12-18 months.

  5. Since the aligners are removable, you can easily see how your teeth are progressing throughout treatment.

  6. Invisalign treatment can be an excellent alternative for adults who don’t want to wear braces for aesthetic reasons.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, ask your orthodontist if Invisalign might be right for you!

Disadvantages of Invisalign Treatment

Despite the many advantages of Invisalign, there are several disadvantages to this type of treatment that patients should be aware of before making a decision, such as:

  1. Invisalign costs more than conventional braces. The treatment plan is customised for each patient, so the aligners are made to order and can be quite expensive.

  2. The aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to be effective. This can be difficult for some people, especially teens and young adults who are active and have busy schedules.

  3. The aligners can cause discomfort, particularly when they are first put in and tightened after each adjustment.

  4. Invisalign may not be as effective as braces for people with complex orthodontic problems or needing significant tooth movement. For example, the aligner trays do not work as well as traditional metal braces for severely crowded teeth and severe overbites and underbites.

  5. If you do not wear the aligners as directed, treatment will take longer or may not be successful.

  6. Because they are removable, it’s easy to misplace or lose the invisible aligners.

How Much Does Invisalign Treatment Cost?

Invisalign can be a great way to achieve a beautiful smile, but it’s important to consider the cost before you commit.

Invisalign treatment typically costs between $6,000 and $9,000. The treatment plan is customised for each patient, so the cost can vary depending on several factors.

Some of the main factors that affect the cost of Invisalign treatment include the following:

  • The severity of the orthodontic condition:
    In general, the more complex the orthodontic problem, the more expensive the dental treatment will be.

  • The length of the treatment:
    The length of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the orthodontic problem being managed. In general, treatment for simpler cases can be completed in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases may require up to 18 months.

  • The number of aligners:
    The number of aligners required for treatment will also vary depending on the case. More complex cases may require up to 30 or 40 aligners, while simpler cases may only require 10 or 15.

  • The location of the orthodontist:
    Orthodontists in major metropolitan areas typically charge more for their services than orthodontists in smaller towns or rural areas.

Patients may need to pay for additional services such as whitening or replacement aligners. However, many dental clinics offer financing options to make treatment more manageable.

Is Invisalign Worth It?

While it’s true that Invisalign does not come cheap, most patients feel that the price is worth it for the many benefits offered by this treatment.

If you’re looking for comfort and a discreet way of straightening your teeth, Invisalign is for you. However, if you’re concerned about cost or have a complex orthodontic issue, you may want to explore alternative options such as metal braces.

Ultimately, Invisalign’s worthiness depends on your specific needs and treatment goals.

Final Thoughts

Invisalign is a popular teeth straightening treatment that many people choose because it is less visible than traditional braces. However, like all dental procedures, Invisalign has both advantages and disadvantages.

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons. This will help you make an informed decision about whether this option is right for you.

At Karrinyup Dental Centre, we offer teeth straightening consultations to help you explore other orthodontic treatment options and decide what’s most suited for your teeth. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about Invisalign or any of our other services – give us a call or visit our website!

Frequently Asked Questions

Eating during Invisalign treatment is different from eating without orthodontic treatment. The good news is, it’s not difficult to get used to. The removable aligners make it easy to take them out when it’s time to eat. Some orthodontic treatments require dietary restrictions. With Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want!

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Remove your aligners before eating and drinking anything other than water.
  • Avoid hard and sticky foods that can cause the aligners to become dislodged or damage them.
  • Brush your teeth after eating to remove stuck food particles and avoid staining the plastic aligners.
  • Make sure to put the aligners back in as soon as you’re done eating.

Following these simple tips will help you enjoy your orthodontic treatment while still being able to eat all your favourite foods.

Invisalign aligners are custom-made for each patient based on a detailed treatment plan created by a dentist. The treatment plan is created using photos and X-rays of the patient’s teeth.

The aligners are worn for 20-22 hours per day and are replaced every two weeks. Each aligner in the series is slightly different, gradually moving your teeth into the optimal position.

As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to their final position. Most people achieve their desired results within 12-18 months.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Good candidates for Invisalign treatment are people who:

  • Have mild to moderate dental issues such as crooked teeth.
  • Have misaligned teeth and wants to move teeth into their proper position.
  • Have gaps between the teeth that they want to close.
  • Have good oral health (i.e., no tooth decay or active gum disease).
  • Are willing to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day.
  • Are compliant with regular appointments with the dentist and follow-up care.
  • Don’t smoke tobacco or use other substances that could stain the aligners.

You may be a good candidate for Invisalign treatment if you meet the above criteria. Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist in your area to find out.

In most cases, the results of Invisalign treatment last for many years, with the right care. You will be given retainers to use after your treatment is complete to help maintain your aligned teeth. However, certain factors can affect the longevity of your results, such as:

  • The severity of your misalignment:
    The more severe your tooth alignment issues are, the longer treatment will take and the greater your chance of relapsing.

  • Your age:
    Bones continue to grow and shift until you reach your early 20s. Teenagers may require Invisalign for a longer period of time than adults. Additionally, teens are more likely to relapse after treatment.

  • How well you follow the treatment plan:
    It’s important to wear your aligners and retainers as directed. Attend all your follow-up appointments.

  • Good oral hygiene:
    You must brush and floss regularly. This is to keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.

You’ll need to follow your dentist’s instructions and stick to the treatment plan for treatment to succeed.

Dr. Justin Soon

Author

Dr. Justin Soon

Dr. Justin completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Western Australia. Dr Justin completed his surgical implant training under the mentorship of Dr. Glen Liddelow, Dr. Graham Carmichael, and Dr. Brent Allan at the Branemark Centre.

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