Invisalign facts, pros and cons

Invisalign is a proprietary method of orthodontic treatment which uses a series of clear, removable teeth aligners, in some case it could be used as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces.

Advantages

The first advantage of the treatment is cosmetic: the aligners are completely transparent, therefore far more difficult to detect than traditional wire and bracket braces. This makes the method particularly popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal brace. In addition, the aligners are marketed as being more comfortable than braces. Due to the removable nature of the device, food can be consumed without the encumbrance of metallic braces.

The second advantage of Invisalign, since it’s removable, eating during treatment is normal (no food get stuck on the brackets and wires),in addition cleaning the teeth and gum tissue is much easier than traditional braces. Because of that, the overall incidence of decay and gum tissue inflammation is less.

Disadvantages

Unlike traditional fixed braces, they are largely dependent on a patient’s habits and their cooperation. The success of the Invisalign aligners is based on a patient’s commitment to wear the aligners for a minimum of 20–22 hours per day, only removing them when they are eating, drinking, or brushing their teeth.

Invisalign is usually much more expensive than traditional braces, due to the high lab bill paid to align technology.

Because the aligners are removed for eating, they could be lost. Invisalign recommends that the patient keep the previous aligners in case this happens. However, Invisalign provides two plastic containers to keep the braces in, so they are less subject to loss or damage. In case of an aligner loss or breakage of an aligner, treatment will be delayed and coast will increase. Clinching and grinding teeth could cause damage and weakening of the aligners.

In my experience I have notice some kind of unpredictability of teeth movement when using plastic aligners, vs. the conventional braces. Metal brackets and braces move teeth with a lot more predictability. Furthermore, Invisalign has some limitations in the system ability to achieve certain teeth movement the way traditional braces does.

In our office we offer a free consultation to our patients to help them make the educated decision about their orthodontic treatment. So, if you or any of your family, and friends that are interested, please don’t hesitate to call us.