Imagine looking in the mirror and finally smiling back at yourself with that beautiful, perfect smile you’ve always wanted.
Everyone wants to have healthy teeth and a smile they’re proud of, however, not everyone is lucky enough to get the orthodontic care they need as kids due to all kinds of reasons. In fact, even people who received orthodontic treatment as kids might need or want slight adjustments when they’re adults.
However, the fear of social ridicule surrounding visible braces, and dreading the thought of painful gear in their mouth often turns people away from getting the treatment they deserve.
Fortunately, there are several different kinds of braces today that are great alternatives to traditional metal braces, like Invisalign-the clear retainer-based correction system. Invisalign is one of the best and most popular alternatives to classic braces, however, they’re not for everyone.
Before you decide to get Invisalign, you should know the pros and cons. That’s why Dr. Tom Shannon of Shannon Orthodontics and similar healthcare professionals have provided us a list of 10 things that they recommend their patients consider before getting Invisalign.
#1 – It’s A Custom Fit
Thanks to the latest breakthroughs in technology, highly intelligent scanners take perfect images of your teeth, and are able to custom mold aligners perfectly to your mouth. Every two weeks over the course of your treatment you will swap out your aligners for new ones designed with slight adjustments to continually shift your teeth.
It’s a slow, but relatively pleasant process that will need constant adjusting over a period of time to ensure proper results.
#2 Nearly Invisible on Your Teeth
Your Invisalign retainers are made out of strong, clear plastic and molded to perfectly outline your teeth, making your braces significantly less noticeable compared to traditional braces.
They’re not completely transparent, but unless you point them out and show them off, they go relatively unnoticed. So you can finally feel confident and proud with your smile even while your retainers are on. It’s your best solution compared to braces- no annoying brackets, wires, and things to send you back to the orthodontist.
#3 See Faster Results Than Braces
On average, Invisalign achieves the same great results as braces in nearly half the time. Depending on the severity of their gap or misalignment, many patients can see results in as little as 2-3 months. A traditional treatment plan can take 2-3 years, with Invisalign, you can complete your treatment in 1 year or less.
#4 You’re Required To Wear Them Nearly All Day
Orthodontists that offer Birmingham Invisalign treatment or healthcare professionals elsewhere that offer the same would recommend you wear your retainers for 22 hours a day. The only time you should really take them out is if you are eating or drinking something other than water. Then brush your teeth thoroughly before putting the trays back in your mouth.
#5 You Will Experience Some Discomfort
When it comes to experiencing a little discomfort, there is really no way of avoiding it. Change comes with uncomfortably as your teeth are being forced to move. Fortunately, unlike braces, there are no uncomfortable studs or wires to cut up your mouth. However, the one side effect that some people experience is that their teeth feel more loose or sensitive than normal, but it’s completely normal and nothing to worry about.
#6 It Costs Different For Everyone
Evaluating the Invisalign cost depends on the current condition of your teeth. If your teeth are on the less severe side of things or if you have had previous dental work, the cost can be significantly less. On average, Invisalign costs anywhere between 3-5 thousand dollars, which is generally the same cost or less than traditional braces.
#7 May Affect Speech Temporarily
It’s not unusual for some patients to experience a bit of a lisp or slight voice change in the first few weeks while adjusting to the aligners. The retainers will slightly affect your tongue placement when you speak, and your muscles will have to get used to the slight adjustment. This goes away over time, and most people won’t notice it.
#8 You’ll Need To Brush Often
This is unavoidable with any type of treatment. No one wants to have someone staring at trapped food particles or drink residue trapped in their aligners. Make sure to brush and floss every time you remove the aligners to eat or drink, and make sure to clean the aligners themselves often with special dissolving tablets or with soap and water.
#9 Straighten and Whiten All At Once
As an extra bonus, Invisalign trays are perfect for adding whitening material during your treatment. Think about it- the aligners are already in all day, so why not tackle two things at once? And if you use whitening toothpaste prior to putting it on the trays, it can help secure the whitening ingredient to your teeth. However, before using any whitening product, we advise you to ask your orthodontist what the best practices are for whitening your teeth while wearing your aligners.
#10 It Works
Invisalign requires you to be more responsible because you are sent home with a batch of retainers, and you change them yourselves every two weeks. However, if you stick to the plan, the treatment is a faster, more affordable, and more comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
Conclusion
Getting orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and you shouldn’t make any big moves without doing your research first. Bookmark this post for later, and hopefully it helps you make the best decision for you on your path to the smile you deserve. If you still have concerns and questions about whether Invisalign is right for you, consider finding a certified Invisalign provider near you.
