Is Invisalign Treatment Worth It? Discover The Pros And Cons

Recently updated on October 25th, 2022 at 11:28 am

More than half of the adults in American feel self-conscious about their smiles. In fact, nearly 60% cover their mouths when they laugh as well. One in two will try to smile with their mouth closed.

This insecurity has led 61% of Americans to wish they could change something about their teeth. With Invisalign, you can!

With plastic, clear aligners, you can straighten your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. Instead of feeling self-conscious, you can show off your stunning, straight teeth.

Is Invisalign treatment worth it, though? Keep reading to find out! After reading this guide, you can make an informed choice regarding your oral health.

Read on to discover the pros and cons of this orthodontic treatment today.

The Pros

Table of Contents

The Pros
The Cons

Most people think their only option for straightening their teeth is orthodontic treatment like traditional metal braces. Metal braces can treat a range of severe problems. Depending on the state of your teeth, your orthodontist might recommend Invisalign instead.

These plastic aligners are ideal for people who are conscious of their appearance. The aligners will bring your teeth together, closing any gaps. Meanwhile, you can remove your aligners as needed to eat and brush your teeth.

Here are a few benefits to consider before looking into Invisalign price options.

1. They’re Discrete

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign vs braces is discretion. These plastic aligners are clear and therefore not obvious once they’re in your mouth. Metal, traditional braces, on the other hand, can impact the appearance of your smile.

If you’re worried about how you’ll look with brackets and bands in your mouth, consider aligners instead.

You can remove your aligners whenever you want. For example, you can remove them to take a photo. If you keep them in, there’s little chance people will realize you’re wearing them.

The discretion aligners offer can benefit your self-esteem. You won’t have to worry about people focusing on the brackets on your teeth. Instead, they’ll see a stunning, straight smile.

You can work with your orthodontist to combine treatment options, too. For example, you can have your teeth whitened after your treatment. You’ll want to show off your pearly whites once your treatment is over.

2. Eat What You Want

Many people worry about starting orthodontic treatment with braces knowing they’ll have to change their diet. After all, you don’t want chips or gummy worms getting stuck between your brackets. Otherwise, these foods could impact your braces.

They might even lead to plaque and tartar buildup, too.

With Invisalign treatment, you won’t have to change your diet. In fact, you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want.

You can remove your plastic aligners to eat and drink. You won’t need help to remove them, either. With braces, however, you’ll need to visit an orthodontist first.

Choosing this treatment option can give you freedom and flexibility. With traditional braces, however, you’ll need to rely on your orthodontist.

3. No Hassle

Some patients struggle to brush and floss their teeth when their metal braces are in place. You might struggle to remove food particles and plaque. Leaving plaque unattended can cause tartar to form.

You’ll need a dentist to remove tartar from your teeth. Otherwise, your risk of gum disease could increase.

If you’re worried about keeping food particles from getting trapped between wires, consider Invisalign.

Remember, you can remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. You can maintain your oral hygiene without interruption. Brushing and flossing as you normally would can ensure healthier teeth.

4. Reduced Treatment Times

With Invisalign vs braces, there’s also the potential you’ll need a shorter treatment duration. Usually, Invisalign treatment is faster. However, it’s important to note that Invisalign is ideal for milder orthodontic cases.

You should also note that you’ll need to wear your aligners between 20 to 22 hours every day. You should only take the aligners off when you’re eating or brushing your teeth.

If you don’t wear the aligners throughout the day, you could delay your treatment.

Your orthodontist will give you a new set of aligners every few weeks (based on your treatment plan). Each set will bring your teeth closer together. Then, you can close any unwanted gaps.

How much is Invisalign? The Invisalign price can vary based on your location. The national average is between $3,000 and $5,000.

Metal braces usually cost between $2,000 and $6,000.

The Cons

Before making your final choice between Invisalign vs braces, it helps to remain aware of the cons. Here are a few disadvantages you might want to review with your orthodontist.

1. Someone Might Notice

Though aligners are discrete, there’s still a chance someone will notice the aligners in your mouth. The aligners are a little more noticeable if you need attachments on your teeth, too.

In fact, there’s also a chance someone will notice the gap between your aligners and teeth.

If you recognize there’s a gap, talk to your orthodontist right away. They might want to discuss updating your scans. Then, they can resize your aligners to ensure they fit perfectly.

2. You Need to Clean Them

Though you’ll receive new aligners every few weeks, you’ll still need to keep the aligners clean. Otherwise, they might appear discolored. Plaque can build against the plastic, too.

Make sure to soak your aligners in crystals or brush them before putting them back into your mouth.

3. Changing Your Habits

You’ll need to change your usual habits if you plan on Invisalign treatment. For starters, you’ll need to take the aligners out to eat and drink. For some people, this process could become an inconvenience.

You’ll need to brush and floss after each meal, too.

4. Possible Discomfort

Some patients experience a little discomfort once their aligners are in place. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust. If you’re still uncomfortable, talk to your orthodontist.

There’s the risk you’ll make mistakes during the course of your treatment, too. Click here to learn more before starting your treatment.

Is Invisalign Worth It?: Your Path to Straighter Smiles