What are the Benefits of Invisalign?

You may have heard of Invisalign or even used it as a generic catch-all to refer to all brands of clear aligners. However, the Invisalign system has several unique features that make it an ideal choice for improving tooth and bite alignment in many people. Discover how Invisalign stands out and whether you would be a good candidate for this system.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign and Downsides?

The Invisalign system uses clear, customized trays to move your teeth. All dental work will have pros and cons, and Invisalign has advantages and disadvantages over traditional wire braces and other aligner brands. Discuss these upsides and downsides with your dentist to determine if Invisalign is the best option for your smile.

Advantages of Invisalign Over Braces

Compared to wire braces, Invisalign outperforms in several ways. If you put off improving your smile because you feared the experience of wearing wire braces, you may want to ask your dentist about Invisalign as an alternative.

First, Invisalign does not require you to have metal brackets and wires attached to your teeth for months. Hence, with Invisalign, you don’t have the discomfort of metal pieces breaking off and cutting your gums or inner mouth.

Additionally, you can eat what you like without barriers since you don’t have permanently affixed braces. Enjoy your favorite chewy snacks and any other foods you favor. Make sure to brush your teeth before putting your Invisalign trays back into your mouth after eating to avoid staining the trays.

Third, Invisalign takes less time than braces to correct your smile. In just six months, you can see the shape of your smile improve. Compare that to braces, which may require two years of wear before finishing treatment.

Next, the simple design of Invisalign makes them easier to use, with less need for emergency visits to your dentist for repairs. Wire braces have wires and brackets that can break, necessitating immediate attention to repair. Invisalign trays are durable and less likely to break. Plus, since you change them out every week or two, you wear each tray for a shorter time, decreasing the chances of breaking it during use.

The transparent appearance of Invisalign trays makes them a better choice for those concerned about the appearance of their smile during treatment. With braces, your smile will likely have visible wires and brackets across it for your years of treatment. Invisalign trays have a straightforward design that perfectly fits your teeth for a nearly invisible piece of dental work.

Finally, you’ll need to make frequent visits for tightening braces throughout treatment. When you need to progress in the Invisalign treatment system, you move to the next set of trays in the course.

The numerous advantages of Invisalign over braces encourage many who want straighter smiles without braces to ask their dentist about Invisalign.

Benefits of Invisalign Over Other Clear Aligner Brands

While you can get other brands of clear aligners, they have different benefits than Invisalign.

If you choose clear aligners purchased online for home use, you won’t have dental supervision during molding or treatment. Therefore, you may not make an accurate impression or have a practical progression of your teeth into their final positions.

Secondly, other transparent aligner brands don’t use the same materials as the Invisalign system because the latter uses a proprietary SmartTrack material. The material used in Invisalign trays ensures that each feels comfortable to wear and quickly moves on and off your teeth when needed.

Also, Invisalign uses blue dots that fade over the two weeks you should wear each set of trays. Once these dots completely wear off, you’re ready for the next set of trays. These dots help you to know that you have the trays in place for the correct amount of time each day. Other brands of aligners don’t have these.

While you can find other clear aligners, the Invisalign system offers better benefits to ensure effectiveness, comfort, and compliance.

Disadvantages of Invisalign Compared to Braces and Other Clear Aligners

The Invisalign system is not a perfect solution for everyone. For instance, braces may be a better option for you if you have a very complex case or cannot correctly use the trays as instructed.

If money is a concern, other brands of clear aligners may cost less than Invisalign. However, understand that your insurance may cover a dentist-supervised Invisalign program and not pay for a self-created at-home option. Plus, the greater effectiveness of Invisalign ensures that you will see a change in your smile in return for your investment. You may not get that with other systems.

How Does Invisalign Work?

The Invisalign system uses a series of trays that slowly move your bite into a desirable position over several weeks. This system is an alternative to wire braces for people with mild to moderate misalignment.

Getting an Invisalign System

The process starts with an evaluation from an Invisalign-approved dentist. These dental professionals are trained to evaluate patients, take three-dimensional images, and prescribe the Invisalign system.