Is Invisalign Worth It? Pros & Cons of Invisalign

Many factors can cause teeth misalignment, including thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, accidents or injuries, tooth loss, or periodontal disease. There are three main types of malocclusion defined by how the teeth fit together.

• Overbite: This is when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It can be caused by using a pacifier for longer (past three years), tongue thrusting, bruxism, or excessive nail-biting.
• Underbite: The lower teeth bite in front of the upper teeth. It can be caused by genetics, bad habits, or misaligned jawbones.
• Crossbite: The teeth don’t line up properly when the mouth is closed. It affects either single or groups of teeth. Crossbite is caused by a skeletal or dental problem or both.

Teeth alignment treatments like Invisalign in Bayport can correct these bite problems.

What Are Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is used to straighten teeth. The system consists of a series of clear, plastic aligners custom-made for each individual. Invisalign aligners are made from durable, medical-grade plastic that is gentle on the gums.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is virtually invisible, making it a popular choice for adults and teens who want to improve their smiles without metal braces.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is part of cosmetic dental care because it aligns the teeth and corrects your bite problem using a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth gradually. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series. Your teeth will shift little by little with each aligner until they are straightened into their final position.

What is the Procedure for Getting Invisalign?

Our orthodontist begins each Invisalign treatment with a consultation. He will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth to determine if Invisalign is right. If it is the best treatment option, impressions or digital scans of your teeth will be taken. These scans will be used to create a treatment plan and a series of custom-made aligners.

You will be given your first Invisalign aligners at your next appointment and instructed on how to wear them. It is recommended that Invisalign aligners be worn for 20-22 hours each day for the best results.

The dentist will give you aftercare instructions for the aligners and how to maintain them.

While the Invisalign treatment is home-based, you will need to get regular assessments with the orthodontist every six to eight weeks. The dentist will assess the aligners and the treatment progress and make adjustments where needed.

The average Invisalign treatment time is 9-15 months, but this will vary from patient to patient.

Although Invisalign is an effective treatment option for many people, it’s not ideal for everyone. Invisalign may not suit people with severe dental problems, such as huge gaps between their teeth or rotated teeth. If you have severe teeth alignment problems, the dentist will recommend traditional teeth alignment treatment. Invisalign is also more expensive than traditional braces, so it may not be an option for people on a tight budget.

What are Invisalign’s Pros and Cons?

Invisalign aligners come with a few pros like:

• The aligners are practically invisible, so many people won’t even know you’re wearing them.
• Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you remove them when eating. This will keep stains away and also prevent food particles from accumulating.
• Invisalign treatment is shorter than traditional braces, with the average treatment time being 9-15 months.

Invisalign aligners, however, have a few drawbacks that include:

• Invisalign aligners can be more expensive.
• The treatment is generally more comfortable than traditional braces. However, there can still be some discomfort when you start wearing the aligners or when your teeth are moved to a new position.
• These clear aligners require high standards of hygiene and discipline to make the treatment work.
• The invisible aligners are not suitable for severe bite and teeth alignment problems.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Bayport Dental Care for more information about Invisalign aligners and what you can expect during the procedure.