If there’s any irony to be found in the use of braces, it’s that most people would prefer not to smile while they wear them. They’ll certainly smile once the whole process is done, but most patients simply don’t want to expose a mouth that they deem to be too full of metal and even slightly embarrassing. That’s where Invisalign comes in.
The company has worked to redefine the very nature of braces, removing metal from the equation entirely and replacing it with a strong plastic construction that can still produce amazing results for today’s children and teen patients. The result is a more confident individual who feels free to smile not only after their treatment is complete, but while they’re still undergoing adjustment and realignment of the teeth.
Advantages To Choosing The Invisalign System
In addition to making braces virtually invisible, and thereby enhancing the appearance of a smile even as it’s incrementally adjusted behind the scenes, the company behind Invisalign has worked to transform the process in other ways. Whether it’s easier cleaning or less pain, Invisalign braces come packed with benefits for those who choose them over metal or ceramic options that have traditionally been more common treatments. Among the key benefits associated with an Invisalign program:
- No painful or messy installation. Invisalign braces are fitted to the teeth using plastic, and they’re easily removable. Their results might be permanent, but the braces themselves are not. The resulting reduction in pain is a major perk.
- Less irritation of the mouth and gums. Because nothing protrudes from the surface of the teeth during treatment, canker sores are less likely and long-term irritation of the mouth is virtually erased as a side effect of teeth alignment.
- All foods are encouraged. There are no metal obstructions to “catch” certain types of foods, and that means patients are free to eat whatever they please throughout the course of their treatment. Even if something does get stuck in the braces, they can be easily removed, cleaned, and placed back in the mouth in a matter of a few minutes.
- They’re virtually invisible. This allows kids to fix their smile without a loss of confidence in the process, and it allows adults to treat teeth problems that they might otherwise be embarrassed to admit and fix if they were confined to metal or ceramic braces.
Some Drawbacks To Invisalign
Though Invisalign has made great strides toward being able to treat severe tooth and jaw problems, the product is still not as effective at treating things like tipped or rotated teeth. For major problems like these, most patients will want to pursue either metal braces or a “clear” ceramic alternative. The company does sell smaller adjusters, which it calls buttons or attachments, but these are typically not invisible and might still have an impact on a patient’s smile throughout treatment.
One consideration unique to Invisalign is that they absolutely depend on “patient cooperation.” That is, patients need to make sure that they’re placing the product into place each day and leaving it there exactly as their dentist recommends. If they don’t, the effect and schedule of treatment will suffer. The cost may also vary based on a patient’s compliance with treatment procedures.
Invisalign Cost Considerations
Invisalign braces can be an excellent long-term investment in a high-quality, confident smile. Even so, they’re often a slightly higher-cost investment than metal or clear braces because they require more materials over time. Periodically throughout treatment, patients will need new plastic braces that fit their slightly adjusted teeth, ensuring that the teeth can still be guided into place by the conclusion of the Invisalign braces period. This adds costs to the mix, which might not be friendly to all budgets.
When considering Invisalign alongside other alternatives, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dentist who knows the benefits and considerations of each. With a consultation and a full understanding of Invisalign options, patients can make an informed decision that benefits their smile in real ways for decades to come.