Is Invisalign Worth It? Breaking Down The Benefits Of Invisalign

• Dr. Ash Sagar
• 21/05/2021
• No Comments

Many Australians are looking for Invisalign because they want to address their teeth alignment issues without the hassle of metal braces. A recent study suggests that wearing the clear aligners can be a great way to improve your oral health, but is it worth it? Read on to find out more about this popular orthodontic treatment.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option designed to correct several orthodontic issues without the use of traditional metal braces. Invisalign treatments are a type of dental care that uses an unconventional approach to fix teeth alignment issues while remaining virtually invisible. 

This orthodontic treatment uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that are placed over teeth to gradually move and straighten teeth over a certain period.

After a couple of weeks, the old tray gets swapped out for a new custom-made tray until desired results are met. There are no metal brackets or wires like regular braces which makes Invisalign a much-preferred choice. These custom-made aligners look like clear flexible retainers and can be removed when eating, flossing and brushing. 

Why Is Invisalign So Popular?

Invisalign has gained popularity in recent years over traditional braces even though braces have been in existence for centuries.  People prefer Invisalign because : 

They look better 

As the name suggests Invisalign aligners are invisible. These custom-made clear plastic aligner trays used during the treatment are made from a clear thermoplastic material. This makes them less noticeable than other orthodontic treatments to fix crooked teeth and other orthodontic problems. Their appearance is one of the major factors that has made Invisalign a popular choice among teens and adults.

They are removable 

Invisalign aligners give you the freedom to take them off when eating, brushing or flossing your teeth. This can help since you will be getting better access to clean your teeth, improve oral health and allow you to continue eating your favorite foods. 

They are comfortable 

Other teeth straightening treatments can come with some slight discomfort but Invisalign aligners offer a more comfortable feel during treatment. 

Who Should Get Invisalign?

Invisalign may sound like the ideal orthodontic treatment since it is almost invisible, removable and far more comfortable than regular braces. Unfortunately, Invisalign may not work for everyone especially those with severe and complex cases of teeth misalignment and jaw issues. 

The only way to know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign is a visit to an orthodontist who will conduct a brief examination. At the end of the examination, they’d be able to tell you if you are a good candidate or not. Persons who may be considered for Invisalign include: 

Older teens and adults 

Age plays a major role in whether or not Invisalign will be a good fit. Invisalign Clear aligners work better for older teens and adults than younger children who are still growing and developing. Younger children and teens may be better off with traditional metal braces.

Another reason why Invisalign is more suited to older teens and adults is that they are often able to follow the strict instructions that come with the Invisalign treatment. This includes remembering to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day since they are removable. Younger kids and teens may forget to put them back in after taking them out. 

The orthodontic issue that needs to be fixed 

While Invisalign can correct a wide variety of orthodontic problems it cannot properly correct major problems such as severe overbites or underbites. In these severe and complex cases, your orthodontist will suggest an alternative dental treatment because the structure and positioning of your jaw need to be corrected in this situation. 

Invisalign primarily corrects the placement and position of the teeth so these clear aligners will not be able to fix a severe overbite, underbite, open bite and crossbite issue. However, technology is always advancing and hopefully, they may be able to fix these issues in the future. 

Some of the minor orthodontic problems Invisalign corrects are: 

• Crooked teeth that overlap each other 
• Protruding teeth or teeth in their incorrect positions 
• Gaps between teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Very minor crossbite, open bites, underbites and overbites 

Other factors that can play a role

In some cases the activities you engage in or the things you do often can determine which orthodontic treatment is best for you, Invisalign can be the best treatment for persons who: 

Do a lot of public speaking 

Some people easily adapt to the Invisalign trays and can speak with ease. However, some people may find themselves worried about slurring or mumbling when addressing a crowd. Invisalign aligner trays can be easily removed before your speech and can be put back in right after.  

Play full contact sports 

Full contact sports can lead to injuries that can sometimes be dangerous. Invisalign trays can be removed so you can enjoy playing your favorite sport and not worry about them breaking, snapping or hurting you. 

Lead a busy life 

Invisalign orthodontic treatment may result in fewer visits to the orthodontist than with traditional metal braces. You won’t be dealing with metal brackets, wires and other metal parts that can break or snap which will require immediate attention and more trips to the dentist. 

Pros of Invisalign

Invisalign has several advantages over other orthodontic treatments which include:

The aesthetic factor

The fact that Invisalign is almost invisible and hardly noticeable is its biggest advantage. This is the number one reason these clear aligners have become popular especially among adults. 

No food restrictions

Invisalign clear aligner trays can be removed so there are no food restrictions. You can keep eating your favorite foods and put the aligner back in when you’re finished. 

Maintain good oral health

Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can easily take them out to floss and brush your teeth to maintain good oral health. It also allows for better access to get food stuck between teeth to improve periodontal health. 

Less maintenance

Traditional metal braces come with a ton of potential issues like a bracket falling off or a wire breaking which will need immediate attention. Invisalign aligners do not pose any of these problems.

Comfort

Unlike other orthodontic treatments such as braces, Invisalign clear aligner tray is far more comfortable. This is because they fit over teeth and are custom-made every few weeks to help straighten teeth.

Cons of Invisalign

Invisalign may not work in every situation and these clear aligners do have a few downsides.

Will not work for complex issues

Invisalign may not work in severe and complex cases of teeth and jaw misalignment issues. If your case is too severe, your dentist will suggest other alternatives. 

Requires discipline

For Invisalign to work properly, you need to make sure you wear the aligners at least 22 hours a day. You need to always remember to put them back in if you take them out to eat or clean your teeth.

Price

Invisalign aligner treatment can be quite expensive when compared to regular braces or other types of orthodontic treatments. If you don’t have insurance, it can be a great amount you’ll have to fork out from your pocket.

How Long Does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?

Invisalign clear aligner treatment time may vary from person to person. If you are eligible for the Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will begin your dental treatment plan by creating a 3D model of your mouth. This will help to figure out where your teeth need to be moved to. 

Misaligned teeth move in stages and you may require as much as 6 to 48 aligners for your treatment to be effective. Of course, the number of aligners you need will be unique to you and your specific dental issue. Each aligner should move your teeth.33 millimeters before being swapped out for the next tray in line. This means that you should expect to change your Invisalign aligner tray every 1-2 weeks.

If you feel that your aligner tray is loose and you are ready to move on to the next, consult with your orthodontist at the earliest possible time. The average treatment time of Invisalign is 12 monts. However, the overall treatment time for Invisalign aligners may be 6 months,12 months or 24 months. This will all depend on the severity of the dental issue you’re trying to get rectified and your exact treatment plan. Minor issues will be fixed within the shortest period while complex and more severe issues take the longest. 

Do keep in mind that treatment time is unique to every individual and their needs. You may see results faster than someone suffering the same issue or yours may take longer. However, you should notice drastic changes within four to six weeks of treatment. 

You can help shorten your Invisalign clear aligner treatment time by following a few simple rules. 

• Follow the directions of your orthodontist. 
• Wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day 
• Remove them when eating 
• Take care of and clean your aligners 
• Remember to show up for all your dental appointments during your Invisalign treatment 

Is Invisalign better than traditional braces?

Both traditional braces and Invisalign work to straighten teeth and improve your smile. However, Invisalign may not work if you have a severe case of underbite, overbite, open, or crossbite. The only person that can help you to decide the best option for you is an orthodontist. Traditional braces and Invisalign each require a great deal of planning before the treatment begins. However, they both have the main goal in mind which is to fix your misalignment issues. 

So while Invisalign may be a better option for you, it may not for those suffering from major misalignment issues. If you have minor misalignment issues, hate the look of regular braces, and want to continue eating all types of food, then Invisalign will be the better option.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Invisalign clear aligner treatment costs can be significantly higher than most types of braces. In Australia, the cost of treatment for minor Invisalign fixes can be anywhere from $4500 and full treatments can go from $6000 to $9000. 

There are a few factors that can affect the cost of Invisalign treatment. These include:

• The complexity of your teeth alignment issue
• The number of aligners needed
• The number of adjustments needed
• If you have dental insurance

Alternatives To Invisalign

There is no doubt that Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment since its introduction. Before, these clear tray aligners, people were stuck with metal braces and other unattractive alternatives for anyone wanting a perfect smile. This leads to many adults shying away from orthodontic treatments to fix their smiles. This is because metal braces were seen as an option for children and teen patients only.

Today, there are a few alternatives to Invisalign available.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces work in a similar manner to metal braces. However, they use clear or teeth-colored brackets instead of metal brackets that regular braces use. They are less visible and noticeable than metal braces but not as invisible and discreet as Invisalign.

Other brands of clear aligners

Invisalign isn’t the only brand offering clear aligner treatments. Brands like Byte, Candid, AlingnerCo, SmileDirectClub and Clear Correct are all alternatives to Invisalign. Some of these alternatives may even be cheaper than Invisalign so talk to your orthodontist if the price for Invisalign is too high for you.

Damon braces

Damon braces use a special type of technology that helps to straighten teeth better. They use metal brackets just like in metal braces but the traditional arch wires are replaced with lighter, shape-memory, self-ligating wires. These wires need no tightening and since there are no elastics, ties, and palate expanders, the amount of friction each tooth experiences is greatly reduced.

Why Should I Get Invisalign

Many people have found success with Invisalign aligners since it eliminates many of the common issues associated with conventional metal braces. This orthodontic treatment has opened up numerous opportunities for better health and greater confidence for some. You should consider the Invisalign clear aligner treatment for these reasons:

• Virtually invisible
• Removable
• No food restrictions
• Easier to clean
• Less pain and discomfort
• Better oral health
• Treats most misalignment issues
• Fewer trips to the dentist
• Shorter treatment time

Final Thoughts

The road to a beautiful smile no longer has to be a long and painful one. Invisalign clear aligners are not just a series of aligners. They are the perfect alternative to traditional metal braces and when done right is definitely worth it. They straighten teeth while being less noticeable than regular braces which most people are afraid of getting because of the aesthetics.