If you find yourself debating whether Invisalign is right for you or not, you’re not alone. There are lots of orthodontic treatments available today and with at least a 6-month commitment depending on your case, it requires a lot of consideration. One of the most popular orthodontic treatments is Invisalign. Most patients consider the pros to outweigh the cons of Invisalign. At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, we want our patients to feel happy with their orthodontic treatment decision. While we offer both Invisalign and traditional braces, it’s completely up to you which one you get (assuming you’re a candidate for both). Weigh the pros and cons of Invisalign in Spokane to make your choice.
The Pros of Invisalign
There are several advantages of Invisalign you won’t find with traditional metal braces. Here are some of the pros of Invisalign clear aligners.
Comfort – Invisalign is significantly more comfortable to wear in comparison to traditional braces. The smooth plastic rests comfortably against your cheeks, tongue, and lips and never cuts you. You won’t experience any cuts in your mouth for the duration of your treatment.
Discreet – If you think the appearance of metal braces would look embarrassing, Invisalign is a better option for you. The clear aligners are nearly invisible and most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. This means you can continue smiling in pictures and feeling confident in your smile while you secretly straighten your teeth.
Convenient – Invisalign is highly convenient since it’s become one of the most common orthodontic treatment options available. If you suddenly had to move, you could easily continue your treatment with another Invisalign dentist.
Removable – The aligners are removable which makes Invisalign convenient for lots of other reasons. To start, you can eat all of your favorite foods throughout your treatment. You can also brush and floss your teeth without any frustrating maneuvering between brackets and wires.
Minimal Maintenance – There is minimal maintenance required for your Invisalign treatment. Although you still have to brush your teeth and clean your aligners, since you start a fresh set every two weeks, it doesn’t matter if they’re in the best shape towards the end of your two weeks. Caring for your aligners is easy, just brush them when you brush your teeth and you’ll be good to go.
The Cons of Invisalign
On the flip side, there are many cons of Invisalign that patients might consider deal-breakers. Here are some of the most common problems of Invisalign.
Cost – Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign costs more. Your individual case will determine what the actual price difference is but know there is a price difference. Some patients consider the price difference worth it for the large number of advantages of Invisalign.
Attachments – If you need to wear rubber bands to correct bite problems, we will need to add attachments to your aligners which can make them look less discreet and more noticeable. If you want a completely discreet treatment and you have bite problems, there’s really no way to avoid this.
Wearing for 22 Hours Per Day – You can’t just take your aligners out because you’re attending a party or taking photos. With only two hours per day for eating and brushing and flossing, there is really not much wiggle room to enjoy life without your aligners.
Inconvenient – Think about how often you eat snacks throughout the day. You can only leave your aligners out for two hours per day for your treatment to progress correctly. You also have to brush your teeth after eating any meal. Patients who like to snack throughout the day might feel annoyed that they’re limited to a small window to eat, drink other than water and brush and floss their teeth. This is especially true if you enjoy eating out at a restaurant or watching a movie and indulging in a large bowl of popcorn.
Discomfort – Just like traditional braces, there is still some discomfort as your teeth move. However, since Invisalign moves teeth in smaller increments, many patients find the discomfort less severe than traditional braces.
Is Invisalign Right For You?
After weighing all of the pros and cons, is Invisalign right for you? If you think it is, Drs. Marnie and Ken Collins can help you straighten your smile. If you don’t think Invisalign is right for you and you would much prefer traditional braces, we can still help! Our Spokane dentists offers both traditional braces and Invisalign. Schedule a consultation today by calling (509) 532-1111 to start your orthodontic treatment!
