Metal braces have traditionally been used to straighten crooked or crowded teeth. Sometimes these metal braces make people self-conscious. And all the wires and parts make taking care of your teeth a little more complicated.
Invisalign braces were launched to help achieve the same results using clear aligners that are convenient and affordable. Depending on your needs and goals, the process can also be faster than traditional braces. Straightening your teeth not only improves your confidence but may also improve your oral and digestive health.
Like metal braces, there are advantages and disadvantages to using Invisalign braces. The clear plastic aligners are explicitly fitted for your mouth. You return for follow-up appointments to check the alignment and the treatment’s progress, just as you would with metal braces.
Here are some pros and cons of using Invisalign braces to help you decide if they are right for you.
Pros of Invisalign Braces
The most obvious advantage of Invisalign braces is that they are nearly invisible. They are so unobtrusive that many have used them to straighten their teeth while living in the public eye. Many people consider this a significant advantage as metal braces are obvious and can make you self-conscious.
When you have metal braces, you'll have food and dietary restrictions. For example, you can no longer bite into an apple, and you must avoid most kinds of sticky food and candy. Avoiding these foods protects the metal brackets glued in place that hold the metal wires.
However, when you use Invisalign braces, you simply remove them, so dietary restrictions are unnecessary. Because you can remove the aligners, it also makes brushing and flossing easier. This means you have a lower potential of developing cavities between your teeth because flossing with metal braces is challenging.
If you do not consistently brush and floss, it can lead to decalcification. This is when the enamel starts to thin, which looks like a white spot on your teeth. These areas are usually found after the braces are removed.
Metal braces are also more difficult to get used to and cause more discomfort initially. The wires and brackets can irritate your cheeks. With each adjustment, you can expect your teeth to be sore and achy as they will be in the first several days after the braces are placed. You may also develop sores on the inside of your cheeks.
Invisalign Braces remove much of that discomfort from the equation. You also have fewer and shorter appointments to have the braces checked and adjusted.
Potential Cons of Invisalign Braces
While there are many benefits to wearing Invisalign braces, there might also be disadvantages based on your unique lifestyle. For example, if you don't wear your Invisalign braces, they don't work. You don't have a choice when you are using metal braces because they don't come out. With Invisalign, your motivation and discipline are important to the success of your treatment.
Invisalign aligners must also be taken out each time you eat or drink anything except water. This is because the braces trap food and can cause cavities or gum disease if you keep them in while eating. We recommend you take them out when you eat or drink and afterward clean your teeth before putting them back in.
This means if you sip coffee throughout the day or like to snack frequently, it may cause too many interruptions in your normal routine. However, with a few temporary adjustments to your habits, Invisalign braces might help you reach your goals.
Like metal braces, it does take some time to get used to speaking and pronouncing certain sounds. However, unlike metal braces, this is not accompanied by discomfort and pain. Most people adapt to the changes in speech within a week. You can speed the process by reading out loud for several minutes each day to help train your tongue and mouth to work around the aligners.
Contact [firm-name] Today to Find Out How Invisalign Can Help You
Some bite problems are difficult to correct with Invisalign braces, which is why a consultation with [firm-name] is important to determine the best option for your dental situation and lifestyle. Many orthodontic challenges can be successfully treated with either Invisalign braces or metal braces.
Call our office today at [phone-number linked="true"] for your confidential consultation. We will examine your mouth, talk to you about the goals you have, and answer your questions. You will be armed with the information you need to make the best choice possible.