Content Navigation
- 1 What Are the Pros and Cons of Invisalign Treatment?
- 2 What Is Invisalign?
- 3 What Are the Pros of Invisalign?
- 4 What Are the Cons of Invisalign?
- 5 Is Invisalign Worth Getting?
- 6 How Much Does It Cost to Have Invisalign Treatment?
- 7 Can I Use My Health Insurance to Cover My Invisalign Procedure?
- 8 Final Thoughts
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Pros and Cons of Invisalign Treatment?
Many people are drawn to Invisalign because of its many benefits. However, there are also some drawbacks to Invisalign that you should consider before making a decision. Read on as AP Dental discusses the pros and cons of Invisalign so that you can make an informed decision about this treatment.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment alternative that allows people to straighten their teeth without the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional metal braces. Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic aligners to move your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners must be worn for a certain number of hours each day and changed every few weeks until the entire course of treatment is completed. While traditional braces require wearing metal brackets and wires for months or even years, Invisalign can provide visible results within a few months of starting treatment.
What Are the Pros of Invisalign?
Invisalign is one of the most popular teeth straightening treatments on the market. Invisalign has some major advantages over traditional metal braces that have made it gain popularity over time. These include:
- Discreet.
One of the top advantages of Invisalign is that the clear aligners are virtually invisible. They won’t draw attention to your smile as traditional braces can, so you won’t need to worry about feeling self-conscious when wearing them. This makes it a great option for adults who don’t want to look like they are wearing orthodontic braces or those who are conscious about how they look and want to maintain a professional appearance in the workplace. - Convenient.
Another advantage of Invisalign is its convenience. Traditional braces need regular appointments with your orthodontist for adjustments. This is not necessary with Invisalign. With Invisalign, treatment can be monitored using a smartphone app, and tooth movements can be tracked throughout treatment. This makes it much easier to fit appointments into busy lifestyles and reduces the need for costly journeys to the orthodontist. - Comfortable.
Another advantage of Invisalign is its comfort. Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable and are often painful. With Invisalign, the aligners fit over the teeth snugly without any discomfort. Plus, it has a much faster treatment time than traditional braces. Most people only need to wear the aligners for 12-18 months. Meanwhile, the average treatment time for traditional braces is at least two years. - Removable.
Additionally, the removable aligners make it easier to stay on top of your oral hygiene. You can brush and floss your teeth with less pain than traditional braces. This is especially important as food particles, plaque, and bacteria can build up on the brackets of metal braces. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues. Aside from being removable, you won’t need special tools to clean your aligners. You can also take them out while eating, drinking, or playing sports.
These are some of the advantages of Invisalign. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, it’s worth looking into Invisalign to see if it is right for you. It may offer the convenience and aesthetic appeal you’re looking for.
What Are the Cons of Invisalign?
While this dental treatment can effectively address misalignment and help you achieve a beautiful smile, there are some drawbacks that should not be ignored when considering this treatment option.
- Cost.
One of the major drawbacks of Invisalign is the cost. In comparison to traditional braces, Invisalign can be much more expensive. The process for creating them is more complex than that of metal braces. Invisalign uses custom-made moulds taken from scans of the patient’s teeth. The complexity and precision of production processes lead to higher material costs, which are passed on to patients through higher prices than metal braces. - Commitment.
Invisalign also requires more compliance with your treatment plan than traditional braces. For the aligners to work effectively, you must wear them for 20 – 22 hours per day and switch out the trays every two weeks. If you don’t follow this schedule, it can affect the length of time your treatment takes. - Fragility.
Since the aligners are made of plastic and not metal, they can be prone to cracking or breaking if handled improperly. If this happens, you will need replacement aligners. - Potential Discomfort.
Another drawback of Invisalign is the time it takes to get used to the aligners since it may initially cause discomfort. Eating with the aligners can pose a challenge since they must be removed before eating and re-inserted after. - Not Ideal for All Cases.
Finally, Invisalign is not suited for all orthodontic issues. Traditional braces may be more appropriate if you have more severe bite issues or misalignment. Additionally, Invisalign does not work well with dental problems like gaps and deep overbites.
Is Invisalign Worth Getting?
Now that you know the pros and cons of Invisalign, the decision to undergo this treatment will depend on your situation. Invisalign can be an effective and convenient treatment, but the cost may be a significant factor for some. If cost is a major concern, there may be other options that may be more cost-effective. In some cases, Invisalign is not the most appropriate treatment option.
For example, Invisalign can have difficulty treating severely crowded or gapped teeth, as traditional braces and other treatments may better suit your particular circumstances. Additionally, certain bite problems can only be addressed with traditional orthodontic treatment, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Speak with your dentist or orthodontist to determine if it is the right choice for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Invisalign Treatment?
The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case and your geographical region. Generally, Invisalign will be more expensive than traditional braces, with more complicated cases costing more than simpler ones. Invisalign treatment starts at $4,000.
Can I Use My Health Insurance to Cover My Invisalign Procedure?
The cost of Invisalign treatment can be quite expensive. While many health insurance policies consider Invisalign as a cosmetic procedure and do not provide coverage for cosmetic procedures, some may cover a portion of the cost. It’s important to contact your health insurance provider to learn what kind of coverage they offer for the procedure. Additionally, there are financing options available that can help make the treatment more affordable. Contact your insurer directly if you have any questions about your plan’s coverage.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a great option for those who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. It’s comfortable, discreet, and removable for easy cleaning. However, it may be more expensive than other orthodontic options, and certain health insurance plans won’t cover it. Consider all of the pros and cons of Invisalign before making your decision, and consult with your dentist or orthodontist to find the ideal fit for you. No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is that you are comfortable with your decision and happy with the results.
Interested to know if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign? Schedule an appointment with AP Dental today. Book a consultation online or contact our dental clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign is not suitable for everyone. If you have severe tooth misalignment, overcrowding, or bite problems such as an underbite or overbite, your orthodontist may recommend traditional braces. In rare cases, some people cannot wear Invisalign because they need additional support from other orthodontic appliances to straighten their teeth. People with existing dental problems like cavities and gum disease should not get Invisalign, as the treatment can exacerbate these issues. People with certain medical conditions should also avoid the treatment, such as those with weakened immune systems or blood clotting disorders. Lastly, Invisalign is not recommended for those who do not want to commit to the treatment process. The aligners must be worn regularly, and it requires a great deal of commitment from the patient to achieve optimal results.
No. Not all dentists are licensed to provide Invisalign treatment. If you want to proceed with the treatment, consult your dentist or orthodontist and ensure they have the appropriate credentials and experience in Invisalign treatments.
Invisalign trays are replaced every two weeks. After each tray is worn, the patient will receive the next set of trays which should also be worn for two weeks. The length of treatment varies and depends on the complexity of your case.
That depends on the individual patient and their particular needs. Invisalign is a less visible alternative to traditional braces, but it may not be suitable for cases requiring more complex orthodontic treatments.
