Does Invisalign Work? Pros, Cons, Cost & Effectiveness

Does Invisalign Work? Pros, Cons, Cost & Effectiveness

Nov 03, 2022

Well-aligned teeth have numerous benefits apart from giving you a beautiful smile. For instance, misaligned teeth can cause a poor bite and oral discomfort and increase your risk of oral infections. Straightening your teeth improves your oral health, function, and health.

When straightening teeth, Invisalign is a worthwhile alternative to traditional metal braces. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is removable and uses clear or invisible trays to correct orthodontic problems. With Invisalign, you don’t have to hide or feel embarrassed about your smile during treatment.

Let’s discuss what Invisalign is and its pros, cons, cost, and effectiveness.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a common clear aligner brand that offers orthodontic treatments. Invisalign aligners contain virtually invisible flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack.

Invisalign aligners or trays are clear and fit snugly against the teeth, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

Like traditional braces, Invisalign can correct a variety of orthodontic imperfections, including:

  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite
  • Improperly gapped teeth
  • Crowned teeth

Please note that Invisalign is more effective for some orthodontic issues than others. For instance, it may not help correct complex teeth misalignments or malocclusions.

The dentist or orthodontist will examine your condition to determine whether you’re eligible for the Invisalign treatment. If so, they will use impressions of your mouth to make customized Invisalign trays.

You should wear a new pair of Invisalign aligners every two weeks or so. The aligners push your teeth gradually to the desired places. You’ll wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily. Not doing so can delay or halt your treatment.

Similarly, you must remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. It helps minimize the risk of bacterial plaque on the teeth and aligners. You should also remove the aligners when brushing your teeth or cleaning them.

Effectiveness of Invisalign

Generally, Invisalign aligners are effective at correcting minor to moderate orthodontic problems. However, their effectiveness in severe or complex misalignments is limited. In such a case, traditional braces are ideal.

Besides the severity of your condition, other factors can affect the effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment. For instance, not wearing your aligners daily for 20 – 22 hours will negatively affect your results.

Similarly, caring for your aligners will ensure they fit and work well, delivering results as expected. Harmful habits like eating or chewing with them or cleaning them with hot water can alter their fit and affect the effectiveness of your treatment.

Other factors can include age and sex. The rate of teeth movement is slightly higher from ages 35-50. Invisalign is, therefore, likely to be more effective for this age group.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Pros

  • Less noticeable: Since Invisalign is clear, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. You don’t have to feel embarrassed to smile during your orthodontic treatment.
  • Removable: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. You can remove them whenever necessary when eating, brushing, drinking, or special occasions. Make sure you wear the aligners for the recommended time, 20 – 22 hours.
  • Easy to clean and maintain: Since Invisalign aligners are removable, oral hygiene becomes more manageable than brushing around traditional braces.
  • No food restrictions: Your diet isn’t limited since you should remove the aligners when eating or drinking. Still, it’s essential to avoid hard and sticky foods.
  • Versatile: Invisalign can address minor to moderate cases of teeth misalignments, gapped teeth, and overcrowding.
  • Fewer dental appointments: Invisalign treatment requires fewer adjustment appointments than traditional braces.

Cons

  • Not effective for complex teeth misalignments
  • Requires compliance: Not wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours daily or eating with them can affect your treatment.
  • Can be more expensive than traditional braces
  • The aligners can get damaged, affecting your treatment.
  • You must remove the aligners when eating, drinking, or brushing.

Cost of Invisalign

The exact cost of your treatment will depend on several factors, including your location, complexity of your condition, lengths of treatment, and the experience of your dentist or orthodontist.

On average, Invisalign treatment can range from $3,000 – $5,000. Check with an Invisalign dentist near you about the specific costs, insurance coverage, and payment plans.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in Invisalign in Dallas, TX? Contact Trinity Dental Loft – Dallas to speak with our dentist in dentist 75208.

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