The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Treatment
Are you thinking of getting Invisalign® for yourself but wondering if it’s the right treatment choice for you? This is a very common question. We are often asked if traditional braces are a better choice than Invisalign invisible braces, or whether Invisalign can get the same results as braces. We’ll provide some answers below.
Pros of Invisalign Treatment
- Convenience of a Removable Appliance
Our patients who have Invisalign appreciate the convenience of being able to remove their Invisalign aligners while eating, brushing, flossing, and for important events when they don’t want anything “on their teeth”.
- No Eating Restrictions
Unlike with braces, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign. With braces, you’ll have to avoid any particularly hard or sticky foods to keep brackets from breaking off.
- Exceptional Results
The truth is, when an orthodontist with extensive Invisalign experience is planning your treatment, you can usually get the same results with either braces or Invisalign—and generally the treatment will take about the same amount of time with either option. Of course, there are many exceptions to this, which is why it is so important to see a top orthodontist such as Dr. Cardall for a free consultation to find out whether your particular case will qualify. Many people are surprised to learn that certain orthodontic cases are actually treated much more easily—and faster—with Invisalign than braces! The key is to choose a practitioner who has significant experience and skill using Invisalign.
Cons of Invisalign Treatment
- Self-Discipline is Required to Wear Them as Prescribed
Some people struggle to keep their Invisalign aligners in their mouth for the required 20-22 hours per day. Many people have to slightly modify their eating habits, or drink their coffee within a short period of time rather than sipping on it all morning long, in order to wear their aligners for the optimal amount of time. If you feel that wearing the aligners will be a constant challenge for you, you may be better off with braces.
- More Effort Required Compared to Braces
Before meals, aligners must be removed—and after meals, aligners must be re-inserted after (ideally) brushing your teeth. We occasionally hear complaints from patients about the amount of effort required to wear Invisalign aligners; however, as a whole, our patients are very happy with their treatment and even more thrilled with their results!
Dr. Cardall is an expert in both braces and Invisalign, and he allows his patients to choose which option they prefer—although depending on the case, he may encourage the patient to consider the option which will give the best result in the shortest amount of time. He wants his patients to be able to choose the treatment they feel most comfortable with, and as a result, enjoy their orthodontic experience better!