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Invisalign aligners being put into their case

18th March 2022

Invisalign Clear Aligners: Pros & Cons

Thinking of having Invisalign? Read our Pros & Cons.

Invisalign braces are a ground-breaking smile-solution treatment loved by dentists and patients alike. The reasons for their popularity might seem obvious, but there is a balance of pros and cons to consider. First, the pros

Pros of Invisalign

  • The aesthetic impact. This is perhaps the most common reason for choosing Invisalign. The clear aligners provided for your treatment cannot be seen from a short distance, and even if face-to-face, someone would have to be really looking to see them. Invisalign braces allow you to correct your smile without advertising it to the world. 
  • Invisalign clear braces are removable. Unlike the traditional wire and bracket design, which are fixed to your teeth, you can (and should) remove Invisalign clear trays each day. Invisalign aligners are to be removed when eating, drinking, playing sports, and cleaning your teeth. 
  • It’s easier to clean your teeth. Because the aligners are removed before brushing and flossing, you can maintain a good oral hygiene routine without the complication of food debris getting stuck in your braces. Metal braces are notorious for collecting fragments of food.
  • Invisalign is safer than wire braces. Having metal in your mouth can lead to complications if wires become loose or brackets fall off. The danger inherent in having sharp objects protruding in your mouth is avoided by using clear aligners.  

Cons of Invisalign

  • Less effective for complex cases. Invisalign braces are useful in the treatment of straightening teeth for most patients, but where the underlying structural problems are complex, your dentist may suggest another orthodontic treatment. Additionally, if you already have bridgework in place, Invisalign might not be the best choice of treatment for you.
  • Aligners can be lost and are expensive to replace. The flip side of having removable aligners is that a loose aligner can be lost if not carefully looked after. We advise using the Invisalign container they came in every time they are removed to avoid misplacing them. 
  • Aligners can become discoloured. If you smoke, drink tea or coffee, or eat foods such as berries and other dark fruits while wearing your Invisalign aligners, they are likely to lose their clear appearance and become clouded or stained. It’s possible to avoid this, but it requires discipline. 
  • Compliance is required. To get the best results from Invisalign, they need to be worn between 20 and 22 hours a day. If you think you’ll struggle with the commitment required, Invisalign might not be the best choice for you.

Book a virtual consultation

To try our free virtual consultation simply visit our link, fill out your details and one of our dentists will send you a personalised video explaining if Invisalign is a suitable treatment for you. You can also visit our Invisalign page for more information. We look forward to treating you soon.

To book your first in-surgery assessment, contact your local Town House Dental Practice.

Author – The Town House Dental Practice

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