The Pros and Cons of Invisalign® | Blue Ashe Dental

Blue Ash Dental • June 3, 2021

The rise of cosmetic dentistry has transformed the field of orthodontics. Patients now have more treatment options than ever to straighten and reposition their crooked teeth. Invisalign® is an innovative orthodontic treatment that is rapidly gaining popularity among adults and teenagers seeking an inconspicuous way to straighten their teeth. Below is a look at the benefits of Invisalign and some key factors to consider before choosing Invisalign for your teen or for yourself.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that is designed to help straighten teeth without the hassle or discomfort of metal braces. Dental patients who use the Invisalign system wear a set of clear plastic aligners over their teeth that help gradually move their teeth into the proper position. Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, which some patients find unattractive and uncomfortable.

What are some of the top benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign offers a host of benefits to adults and teens who need their teeth straightened. From their “barely there” appearance to their comfort and convenience, Invisalign aligners are an excellent solution for patients seeking correction that is understated and user-friendly. Here are some of the top reasons why people choose Invisalign.

1) Attractive appearance

“One of its best advantages is that the trays are relatively invisible. Hence the name Invisalign. Some people simply don’t want anyone to know they are wearing braces.”

Darren Flowers, DMD, Dentistry IQ

Invisalign is popular among people who find traditional metal braces unsightly or who are a bit self-conscious about their teeth. While Invisalign’s aligners are worn over the teeth, their clear construction makes it virtually impossible for anyone to notice that they are wearing corrective aligners.

2) No cuts on the mouth

Traditional braces feature wires and hardware that can result in cuts on the tongue and inside of the cheek. Invisalign’s aligners are made of medical grade plastic and feature a smooth plastic surface that is not damaging to the mouth’s interior.

3) Easy to remove for eating and drinking

“You’ll be ready for anything, from movie night to coffee with friends. Just take your aligners out to eat and drink, then brush your teeth before putting them back in.”

Invisalign.com

Invisalign allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about the embarrassing possibility that food will become lodged in your braces. With the Invisalign system, you simply remove your aligners before you eat and replace them after you finish your food.

4) Minimal discomfort

Patients tend to experience minimal discomfort with Invisalign compared to traditional metal braces. Additionally, Invisalign eliminates the possibility that an emergency trip to the dentist will be required to repair a broken metal bracket or wire.

5) A shorter course of treatment

In addition to being more attractive and more comfortable, Invisalign is associated with a shorter average course of treatment than metal braces. Patients must remember to fully comply with their treatment plan in order to enjoy these results.

6) A good treatment for teens

Invisalign is popular among active teenagers who play sports and enjoy eating their favorite foods with friends. While there might be isolated cases in which it is not recommended, Invisalign is generally an effective treatment for teenagers whose teeth are malaligned.

What are the drawbacks of the Invisalign system?

Clearly, Invisalign offers a host of benefits to patients. However, there are some cases that may respond better to traditional braces or another type of orthodontic treatment. Before investing in the Invisalign system, make sure to consider the following drawbacks that may impact treatment results:

1) Patients who do not comply with treatment

Invisalign’s success depends greatly on a patient’s compliance with treatment. Aligners must be worn as directed at least 20 to 22 hours per day in order to achieve desired results. Patients who are forgetful or who have a history of refusing to comply with healthcare treatments are not ideal patients for Invisalign.

2) Patients with overly rotated or tipped teeth

Invisalign is usually not the ideal treatment for patients with severely rotated or tipped teeth. In general, Invisalign is not recommended for patients whose teeth are tipped more than 45 degrees or rotated more than 20 degrees.

3) Patients with large gaps between their teeth

Invisalign is not usually the best course of treatment for patients with multiple missing teeth or patients with gaps of 6 mm or more between their teeth. In these cases, your dentist can recommend an alternative type of treatment.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign varies according to the recommended length and course of treatment. Most patients in the United States pay $3,000 to $8,000 for their treatment. Insurance will often cover a sizable portion of this cost with patients bearing responsibility for the remainder of the payment. The Invisalign team provides the following case as an example of what to expect to pay for Invisalign:

Doctor Quote for Invisalign: $4,800
Amount Covered by Insurance: $1,800
Remaining Balance: $3,000

An experienced dentist will need to examine your teeth to provide you with a quote that corresponds to your specific course of treatment. A trained dental professional will also provide guidance regarding insurance coverage and can outline payment options to meet your budgetary needs.

What is the best way to find out if Invisalign is right for you or your teen?

The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign is to visit a trained dental professional in your area. As Cincinnati’s most trusted provider of cosmetic dentistry, the team of dental professionals with Blue Ash Dental Group has the skill and experience to assess your smile and determine whether Invisalign is a good option for you. If we determine that Invisalign may not be the best course of treatment for you or your teen, we can suggest alternative treatments that will help reposition your teeth. We invite you to contact us to learn how Invisalign can straighten your teeth and help you smile with renewed confidence. All of us at Blue Ash Dental look forward to meeting you!

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