Invisalign: Its Pros And Cons

Invisalign is a product that helps correct crooked or overlapping teeth without requiring the use of metal or ceramic braces. Not all orthodontic patients are candidates for Invisalign, but if your dentist claims it may be one of your options, then it may be in your best interest to review the pros and cons of this product.

One of the biggest pros of using this type of orthodontic correction is the fact that they are invisible. This is often especially important for adults that choose to get braces because they don’t want to look like a goofy teenager with a mouth full of metal. As such, you can correct your crowded or crooked teeth with a simple and virtually invisible product. Family, friends and co-workers may notice something a little different for the first week, but everyone will soon enough forget they are there and your self-image doesn’t have to suffer.

Invisalign is also removable and much gentler on your mouth than ceramic or metal. Ceramic and metal orthodontic corrective braces can cause tears in the cheeks, tongue and mouth and can be especially uncomfortable or even downright painful at night. The device is removed for brushing and flossing which makes it much easier to clean than their metal or ceramic counterparts that often have complicated tools required to clean in hard-to-reach areas. It can be removed whenever you like and should simply be worn for a minimum of a certain number of hours each day. Many men and women report favorable results wearing them for as little as 20 hours each day. This means they can be removed for all meals and even special occasions if you like.

This type of orthodontic correction also comes with a fairly accurate estimate of how long it will take to see results. The entire process actually involves a series of different mouthpieces that work in synchrony in order to get the results you desire. Each mouthpiece from the factory is labeled with the number and how long you should wear it. This way, you can tell how long it will take for the entire process. Although there may be some variation on the timeline, most patients find Invisalign is really pretty accurate overall.

Another difference from conventional metal and ceramic orthodontic corrective braces, the procedure corrects teeth from the back teeth first and finishes with the front teeth. Most companies will provide their patients with a customized animation that shows them exactly how the product is moving their teeth and in what order.

However, there are a number of cons of this product that many patients do not like. Cons of Invisalign include the increased price tag, the 6-week delay it takes to receive the mouthpiece after being fitted for a mold, the way that the product can affect your speech, and tooth pain created when a new set of aligners is placed.