Invisalign® has become a popular choice for straightening teeth, reducing gaps between teeth, and for more complex issues like overbite and underbite. These clear aligners have the advantage of being less visible than traditional braces but do have their limitations. The relative ease and less conspicuous nature of these appliances are a couple reasons Invisalign and other clear aligners are so popular.
However, there are some disadvantages to this treatment you should be aware of when deciding whether to proceed with clear aligners like Invisalign. A consultation with an orthodontist is essential when making the decision of whether to proceed with clear aligners to treat your issues.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some of the disadvantages you should consider when making your decision:
* Usually, Invisalign requires patients to switch to a new set of a aligners once every one to two weeks, which means regular visits to the orthodontist.
* You will generally need to wear the Invisalign aligners about 22 hours a day.
* Research suggests that Invisalign is not as effective in correcting more serious or complicated issues.
For example, a study has shown that clear aligners can help correct alignment problems in a person’s arches but may not be as effective in correcting bite problems that are severe.
* If you have bridges, you may not be able to use this type of aligner.
* If your issues are complex, Invisalign may not be able to correct them.
* Treatment compliance is essential for Invisalign to work properly and give you the results you desire. Therefore, if you feel it will be difficult for you to wear the aligners for the prescribed period of time or keep up with regular appointments, Invisalign may not be a good option for you.
* When eating or drinking, you will need to remove the aligners so food and drink do not get into them. This can allow bacterial growth that could cause cavities. Liquid that gets trapped in the aligners while wearing them can also stain your teeth.
* Sometimes, Invisalign can cause tooth soreness that is noticeable after you remove the aligner. To avoid this, you may need to stop eating certain foods, particularly hard foods.
* Invisalign is a fairly costly treatment, comparable to traditional braces. The Consumer Guide for
Dentistry says the cost for Invisalign treatment is usually between $3,000 and $5,000. How expensive the treatment is varies depending on how long your treatment will take to complete, how much correction you need, and your location—costs vary across geographical regions. However, some dental insurances plans do pay for some or all the cost of Invisalign, flexible spending accounts can sometimes be used, and many offices will allow you to set up a payment plan.
There are advantages and disadvantages to every option for tooth alignment and related issues like bite problems. It is important to talk to an orthodontist and do your own research to decide which options will work best for you based on your specific needs and preferences.