Teeth straightening is a popular treatment today. There are several methods available to straighten teeth but one of the most popular is Invisalign treatment, which is a series of invisible aligners that gradually move the teeth into position over a period of time. Invisalign is typically more expensive than other forms of orthodontic treatment, such as braces, but overall is Invisalign worth it? Let’s take a closer look.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisible aligners are made from plastic or polyurethane resin. They are clear trays that are custom made to fit over your teeth in the same way as a sports mouthguard does. They are issued in batches of 4-6 with each consecutive aligner designed to move your teeth a little closer to their desired positions.
If you want to know if Invisalign is worth it, you have to consider your own personal circumstances and goals to make a proper assessment on whether it’s the right course of action for you.
Is Invisalign worth it? What should you consider?
Cost of Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign treatment is one of the prime considerations as it is more expensive than traditional braces that use brackets affixed to the teeth and metal wires to adjust the teeth’s position.
Aesthetics
As clear aligners are virtually invisible and not really noticeable when being worn, it’s a big plus point for many wearers. This is particularly so for adults who may feel self-conscious with metal wires and brackets.
Removable Treatment
Unlike traditional braces that are fixed permanently to the teeth throughout the duration of the treatment (which could be for around 2 years), Invisalign aligners are removable. However, you should be committed to wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours a day to ensure that your Invisalign treatment is effective and that your treatment is completed in the expected timescale.
Invisalign aligners should be taken out for eating and when drinking liquids that will discolour them. This includes tea, coffee, fruit juices, carbonated drinks and red wine. To be on the safe side, it’s best to just drink water when you are wearing your aligners. Anything else, simply remove them before taking a sip. If you play sports, it is also best to remove them to prevent them from becoming damaged.
Ease of Maintaining Dental Hygiene
One of the major benefits of having removable aligners is that you can and should remove them when eating. Once you have finished your meal, you can clean your teeth or rinse your mouth with water to remove any food debris before simply putting your aligners back in.
At the beginning and end of each day, you can carry out your dental hygiene routine by brushing and flossing as you normally would. You don’t need any special tools or brushes to clean around wires and brackets that traditional braces require, and your cleaning routine won’t take any longer than usual.
Comfort
Any appliance that moves your teeth is going to be uncomfortable to a certain extent—particularly when metal braces are being tightened or you are wearing a new aligner.
You may feel tenderness in your teeth and gums for a few days until your teeth have moved to their new positions.
However, with aligners, you don’t have the additional problem of metal brackets or wires rubbing against the soft tissues in your mouth, which can cause additional soreness.
How Extensive Is Your Problem?
Invisalign treatment is not suitable for all cases and if your teeth are very crooked traditional braces may be a better option. However, you will need to seek the opinion of a dentist who can make a proper assessment.
Is Invisalign Worth It? The Takeaway
There is no doubt that Invisalign is an excellent solution for straightening teeth. If you’d like to know more and find out whether it is a suitable treatment, get in touch with My Local Dentists today and schedule an appointment. We provide quality dental care at a price that’s right for you.
References
Teeth Straightening and Braces
https://www.teeth.org.au/teeth-straightening-and-braces#:~:text=The%20Australian%20Dental%20Association%20does,%2C%20gums%2C%20and%20jaw%20joints.
Million Smiles Worldwide
https://www.invisalign.com.au/
Dental Health with Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/crooked-teeth-misaligned-bites