Pros and Cons of Invisalign® Braces

Wish you could straighten teeth without traditional metal braces? Ask our dentists if you’re a candidate for Invisalign®. As the name suggests, Invisalign are nearly invisible aligners that move your teeth little by little over time. The result is a straighter, more attractive smile.

Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign braces.

Pro: Enjoy an Unrestricted Diet

Patients with traditional metal braces have to avoid foods that are sticky and/or difficult to chew. But you won’t face the same restrictions if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment.

Since Invisalign is removable, you’ll be able to continue enjoying your favorite foods. But you’ll also need to brush your teeth after eating to avoid staining your clear aligners.

Plan on carrying a travel toothbrush with you if you go to work or school. That way, you’ll be able to brush your teeth on the go.

Also, be sure to place your clear aligners in their case whenever they’re not in your mouth. Many patients have placed their aligners on napkins or lunch trays, only to throw them away by accident.

Also, don’t put your aligners in your pocket or purse as this can bend them out of shape. The safest place for your Invisalign aligners is in their case.

Pro: Smile With Confidence

Many patients feel self-conscious about having metal braces on their teeth. This may especially be the case for teenage or adult patients.

The good news is that Invisalign braces are nearly invisible. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing your aligners unless they’re standing close.

Whether you’re dating or applying for jobs, Invisalign can help you feel more confident during orthodontic treatment.

Pro: Maintain Your Dental Hygiene Routine

It’s difficult to brush and floss around metal braces. The good news is that Invisalign aligners are removable so you can maintain your normal oral hygiene routine.

With traditional metal braces, you have to thread your floss underneath the wire for each individual tooth. Since this takes more time, some patients may feel discouraged and skip flossing during orthodontic treatment, which is a big mistake. Neglecting to floss can lead to plaque and tartar buildup over time.

With Invisalign, you can remove your aligners and floss your teeth as you would normally. This makes it much easier to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Con: You Have to Wear Invisalign 20 to 22 Hours Per Day

You’ll need to wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. This means that you should only take them out to eat, brush, and floss. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move accordingly to your treatment plan and you’ll fall behind schedule. Your aligners may also feel tighter the next time you wear them.

While wearing your Invisalign aligners does take discipline, many of our patients would agree that it’s well worth the time and effort!

Learn More About Invisalign Braces

Ready to learn if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment? Schedule a consultation with one of our Invisalign providers in Cascade, Coopersville and Wayland. They’d be more than happy to help you achieve a better smile!

To request an appointment, call Robinson Dental at 1-888-WE-C-U-NOW.