Disadvantage of Invisalign
When it comes to the advancements of orthodontics, Invisalign is certainly at the top of the treatment options. Instead of traditional braces that use metal brackets and wire to move the teeth into different positions, Invisalign relies on a clear plastic tray molded to your teeth to slowly shift the teeth into a different placement. Invisalign uses a material called SmartTrack for their aligners so they are not as noticeable and sleeker in the mouth.
Invisalign can be used to treat many of the same problems that dentists used to use braces for, but it is not capable of serious or extreme cases. Invisalign has the best results when it is used for adjusting crowding or spacing of teeth. It has been shown to demonstrate successful results when treating moderate overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Because Invisalign has not been in use as long as braces have been, there is not as much research to help dentists make conclusive decisions. Some initial cases show that Invisalign can even help address people’s misaligned arches, but they do not have as many applications as braces.
You will need to wear your Invisalign trays for 20 to 22 hours a day and you will switch to a new tray every week or so. When you get a new aligner, your teeth will ache for a few days while they get used to their new position. These instructions require you to follow them even if you are not seeing the dentist that week. When it comes to braces, the orthodontist will make the adjustments in the office and you do not have the option of removing them. If you find that you struggle to keep to your dentist’s or doctor’s instructions, then you may not be the best candidate for Invisalign.
Your Invisalign trays will need to be removed before you eat anything or drink anything other than water. After you eat or drink you need to brush your teeth before placing the aligners back in your mouth. Without taking these precautions you are risking bacterial growth along the gumline which leads to cavities and gum disease. The aligners can stain from food and drinks or can cause your teeth to stain because the food or drink is trapped between the aligner and tooth. Even if you do not mind a stained Invisalign and you avoid a cavity, food debris can cause bad breath.
Just like braces, while your teeth are being forced into a new position, you may find they are sore. You may not be able to enjoy the same crunchy vegetables you used to eat before you started your Invisalign treatment. You may want to limit your hard foods until your teeth are less tender.
Finally, the cost for Invisalign is similar to the cost of braces which is between $3,000 and $5,000. For some people, the impact of Invisalign on their budgets is a disadvantage. The cost of your treatment will be affected by where you live and your specific needs.