There has been a flurry of articles recently about the risks associated with cosmetic dentistry treatments, and our thanks go to Dr Ferakh Hamid for the following piece on Invisalign braces which strikes us a well balanced discussion on the pluses and minuses of this treatment.
The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Braces
If you want the best smile possible, it’s essential you consider all your options. While there are more treatments than ever before, each comes with its own pros and cons. You need to be familiar with them so that you don’t end up spending good money and lots of time using a solution that actually ends up leaving you with unsatisfactory results. One very popular method out right now is Invisalign braces—let’s take a closer look.
What Are Invisalign Braces?
Put simply, this product is meant to mimic the results you get with braces, but without being visible—hence the name. They’re for people who want straight teeth without all the hardware showing. Over the past five years or so, they’ve steadily grown in popularity too.
Let’s now look at the pros and cons of using Invisalign braces.
Practically Invisible
Like we just mentioned, no one wants to advertise that they’re having dental work done. Most of us associate a certain stigma with being an adult and needing a product like braces, which we generally think is something to give up as teenagers.
Whether or not this is fair, with Invisalign braces, you don’t have to worry that anyone is thinking it about you. They have see-through bodies that are made of a flexible form of plastic .Up close, people may be able to tell, but Invisalign braces are so unobtrusive that it won’t be something you’ll get embarrassed about.
You Can Take Them Out
Invisalign braces must be worn throughout the day for no less than 22 hours. However, you are permitted to take them out for the remaining two hours you have left, which is something s a great relief. With traditional braces, you never get a rest from them. Not only do they have to stay in, but you couldn’t take them out if you wanted to.
With Invisalign braces, you’ll mostly just be taking them out so that you can eat, but it can still make a big difference and help ease the discomfort that usually comes from wearing dental hardware.
They Get the Job Done
Make no mistake, despite the fact that Invisalign braces definitely make life a lot easier for the wearer, they still do a great job of realigning teeth exactly as you’d want. While there are some types of dental problems they won’t be good for fixing, those of us who just want our teeth straightened or better aligned will not be disappointed by what this popular product can do.
Limitations
However, this is probably a good time to bring up these specific limitations. Invisalign braces will not be much good at turning teeth back once they’ve reached a certain angle in your mouth. A dentist will be the final judge, but there are definitely some dental problems that only traditional braces can really address successfully.
Expensive
Invisalign braces can be quite expensive too. You have to remember that these are considered an elective procedure, so your insurance won’t be pitching in for them either. This means you’ll be paying for everything on your own. Compared to traditional braces, they’re definitely the more expensive option.
Regular Upkeep
You’ll need to return to your dentist’s office every two weeks to get an updated Invisalign insert. This is how they continuously bring your teeth closer together. With traditional braces, you usually only have to see an orthodontist once or twice a year, but that’s not the case with this specific kind.
Getting straighter teeth is easier than ever before thanks to Invisalign braces. However, it’s important to consider both the pros and the cons before you invest any time or money in this option.