The Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Explore the pros and cons of Invisalign to help you decide if clear aligners are the right choice to straighten your smile

Are you interested in straightening your smile? If you are, then you’ve come to the right place. The biggest decision that you and your orthodontist will make for your treatment is whether you will straighten your teeth using traditional braces or Invisalign. 

Many patients will ask, does Invisalign work as well as braces? Though Invisalign can straighten your teeth just as well as traditional braces, it is not the right choice for everyone. That’s why we’re exploring the pros and cons of Invisalign to help you decide on the best solution for you. If you’re on the fence about Invisalign vs metal braces, keep reading to find out which orthodontic care option is right for you. 

The Pros of Straightening Your Teeth with Invisalign

To weigh the pros and cons of Invisalign, let’s begin with the pros

Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision to make!

Let’s begin with the obvious, the reason most people choose Invisalign is so they can straighten their teeth without the look of metal braces. For a lot of people, braces can be difficult or even embarrassing to wear. Though no one should feel embarrassed about straightening their teeth, most people will say they chose Invisalign over braces because of the aesthetic advantage. 

Another reason so many people choose Invisalign over metal braces is that it is far easier to take care of your teeth and gums. With metal braces, it is difficult to brush and floss around each bracket, which can lead to plaque buildup over time. 

Instead of using special brushing and flossing tools to make sure you are reaching every area around your braces, you can opt for Invisalign. When you use clear aligners to straighten your teeth, just remove the aligners and brush your teeth normally. While you must clean your aligners every day, there are Invisalign accessories that make cleaning your aligners a breeze—even when you’re on the go. 

The third major advantage of using Invisalign to straighten your teeth is the ease of use. Should your trays break or crack, you can save your old tray as a backup until you get a replacement from your orthodontist. If your braces break in any way, you’ll have to schedule an emergency orthodontist appointment before your teeth begin to shift in the wrong direction.

The Cons of Straightening Your Teeth with Invisalign

Now that we’ve take a look at the pros of Invisalign, it’s time to move on to some of the major cons

Your Invisalign clear aligners will require extra cleaning care.

Many people wonder, is Invisalign worth it? If you have this question, then taking a look at the cons is just as important as the pros. While invisible aligners are the right choice for a lot of people who want to straighten their smile, it is not the right choice for everybody.

The first con for clear aligners is that they cannot correct every orthodontic issue. For more complex issues, braces are still the best option to straighten teeth. Some of these issues include large teeth gaps, teeth rotation, and other adjustments that can only be accomplished using metal braces.

Another thing to consider before beginning your Invisalign journey is compliance. Compliance is key when it comes to wearing clear aligners. Unlike braces that require an orthodontist to remove, you can remove your aligners any time you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. Should you forget to replace your aligners, it could seriously affect the duration of your treatment. If you envision yourself having trouble remembering to replace your aligners, talk to your orthodontist about ways you can keep yourself on track. Invisalign requires that you wear your aligners for 22+ hours per day, so forgetting to replace your aligners for even a few hours can set back your progress. 

What is the Cost Difference Between Braces and Invisalign?

When weighing the pros and cons of Invisalign, cost is one of the top concerns for most patients

Always get an estimate before making a decision on Invisalign vs metal braces.

Comparing the pros and cons of wearing Invisalign depends on a number of different factors. One of those factors is cost. Generally speaking, straightening your smile will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 whether you use metal braces or Invisalign. In order to get an accurate quote, you need to contact your orthodontist. Prices of Invisalign differ greatly depending on where you live and your specific orthodontic needs, so it may be beneficial to get a few quotes before making your final decision.  

Is Invisalign the Right Choice for Me?

After going over the pros and cons of Invisalign, you need to ask yourself a few important questions before making your final decision

Your orthodontist will help you make your final decision.

Ultimately, after you weigh the pros and cons of Invisalign, the choice will depend on your specific needs. As part of your decision making process, you should ask yourself a few key questions, such as:

• How much correction do I need?
• Do I need to address complex orthodontic issues?
• Will wearing braces affect my self esteem?
• Am I getting the best price for Invisalign?

After you’ve answered these questions and taken into account the pros and cons of Invisalign, it’s time for you and your orthodontist to make a final decision about the best care plan for you. 

If you have more questions about the pros and cons of Invisalign or have more questions about general Invisalign care, check out our Movemints blog to answer every question you have about straightening your teeth with clear aligners! It’s never too late to start your smile journey!