Invisalign is a relatively new type of braces that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Many people are now opting for the services of a Modesto orthodontist for Invisalign over traditional metal braces, thanks to the many benefits it offers. 

There are a lot of options for people who want to straighten their teeth. You’ve got traditional metal braces, clear braces, and now there’s even Invisalign. But which one is right for you? In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of Invisalign, so that you can make an informed decision on the multitude of choices when it comes to braces in Modesto and whether or not it’s right for you.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Pros–

#1 – Hardly Noticeable

The fact that Invisalign is practically undetectable is one of its most appealing features. Unlike metal braces, which are very noticeable, Invisalign aligners are clear and barely noticeable. This implies that you can wear them without feeling embarrassed about how you look.

The name Invisalign is derived from the word “invisible.” Invisalign braces are made from a clear, plastic material that is virtually invisible when worn. This makes them a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing they are wearing braces.

You see, when you wear braces, people can tell. They know that you’re going through an awkward phase, and they’re sympathetic. But with Invisalign, nobody knows that you’re going through an awkward phase – unless you tell them. 

So, if you’re worried about looking like a Metal Mouth McGee, rest assured that nobody will be able to tell that you’re wearing them.

#2 – Gentle on Your Gums

Another advantage of Invisalign is that they are much more comfortable to wear than metal braces. Metal braces can rub against your gums and cheeks, causing discomfort and blisters. Invisalign uses smooth plastic aligners that will not irritate your gums and cheeks.

#3 – Removable

Invisalign is also removable, which means you can take them out to eat and brush your teeth. This means that you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces or about brushing and flossing around metal wires. Traditional braces make this impossible.

In fact, that’s one of the reasons why patients love it. They can take it out for special occasions, like weddings or job interviews, and then put it back in when they’re done. 

Plus, it’s much easier to keep your teeth clean with Invisalign since you can remove it to brush and floss normally. 

#4 – Career-Friendly

Invisalign is the go-to orthodontic treatment for celebrities and those working in the hospitality industry because of its incognito feature. You don’t have to worry about taking a step back from your career while straightening your teeth. 

When you think of celebrities, you might not think of them as having anything in common with those in the hospitality industry. However, both groups have one important thing in common: their appearance is important to their livelihood. 

That’s why Invisalign is such a popular choice for both celebrities and those in the hospitality industry. That means you can maintain your professional appearance without anyone noticing that you’re fixing your teeth’ alignment.

#5 – Immediate Results

It still depends on the circumstance of the patient, but results from Invisalign treatments are noticeable in as early as six months of consistent adjustment. 

pros and cons of Invisalign
pros and cons of Invisalign

Cons –

#1 – Expensive

One of the biggest drawbacks is that they are more expensive than traditional braces. Invisalign aligners can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $7,000 or even more, while traditional braces usually cost around a thousand dollars.

So, if you’re greatly considering wearing Invisalign, better prepare your pocket for the hefty price. 

#2 – Prone to Breakage

It’s necessary to note that aligners should be removed only after the permanent teeth have grown in and the gap has closed. If a patient grinds their teeth while wearing aligners, they can break them. Also, if the aligners are constantly pulled out, there is a risk of being broken or damaged.

Invisalign may be made of strong plastic that is difficult to break; however, they are not indestructible. If you use your aligners to chew on hard objects or eat sticky foods, they can warp or crack. Also, if you drop them on a hard surface, they may break. 

Although Invisalign aligners are much more durable than traditional braces, it’s still important to handle them with care. 

#3 – Discomfort for Ultra-Sensitive Gums

Patients who have sensitive teeth and gums will experience some uneasiness when wearing aligners for an initial couple of weeks. Fortunately, this unpleasantness and worry will soon pass. Once you have accustomed to wearing the aligners, you would probably not notice it is there.

#4 – Lacks Sufficient Clinical Research

Although it’s been offered by Orthodontists for quite a considerable number of years, researchers in the field note that the effectiveness of this type of treatment can be determined until enough research is done

In addition, while the treatment has been around for a while and has been shown to be effective in some cases, there is still room for improvement. 

Critics point to the lack of long-term studies on the efficacy of Invisalign. While short-term studies show that the treatment can be effective in straightening teeth, there is no guarantee yet that the results will be permanent. 

Also, some experts believe that Invisalign may not be as effective in treating more complex cases of misaligned teeth. 

#5 – Can Easily Be Misplaced

Another downside of Invisalign is that they can be easily lost or misplaced since they’re not permanently affixed to your teeth. And since they’re clear, they can also be hard to see if you drop them on the ground.

So, unless you’re planning on giving them to your dog to chew on (which we don’t recommend), they should stay put. Of course, that doesn’t mean they can’t get lost in other ways. 

If you take them out to eat and forget to put them back in, or if you leave them on the sink when you go to bed, they could very well disappear. 

Conclusion

To conclude, Invisalign offers many benefits over traditional braces, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons of Invisalign before deciding. If you’re considering Invisalign and haven’t decided yet, schedule a free consultation at Pezoldt Orthodontics today! We would be happy to help you decide if Invisalign is the right choice for you. Don’t wait any longer, Invisalign could be your new smile solution!