Our Grand Rapids Invisalign® orthodontists can help you straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months with . Like the name suggests, Invisalign consists of nearly invisible plastic aligners that fit directly over your top and bottom teeth. Over the course of your treatment, you’ll wear an entire customized series of aligners designed to move your teeth little by little into a straight smile.
Before you move forward with Invisalign aligners, here are a few pros and cons to consider.
Notable Benefits of Clear Aligners
There are many advantages to choosing Invisalign over metal braces. For example, many of our patients appreciate that are subtle enough to go unnoticed by friends, family, and co-workers. If you think you would feel self-conscious with metal on your teeth, ask one of our Invisalign orthodontists if you’re a candidate for clear aligner treatment. It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Read More → How Invisalign® Compares to Traditional Braces
Another benefit to wearing clear aligners is that they’re removable so you’re able to continue eating your favorite foods during treatment. Unlike braces, you’ll be able to eat foods that are sticky or otherwise hard to chew without the fear of ruining one of your brackets.
Other advantages include:
- No metal components (wires or brackets) whatsoever on your teeth
- Easier time practicing oral hygiene thanks to removability
- Straighten teeth in 12 to 18 months, sometimes less depending on patient
- No routine repairs needed
- Able to correct mild or moderately crowded teeth and bite issues
“Cons” of Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign has been proven to help many patients achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. However, it should be known that there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind before deciding on this form of orthodontic treatment.
- Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to make progress
- You may have a slight lisp when starting treatment (dissipates over time)
- Additional attachments bonded to teeth may be needed
Overall, clear aligner therapy requires that you be committed. Since you have to have them in place for at least 20 hours a day, the aligners should only be taken out for snacks, meals, drinking beverages other than water, and brushing or flossing. After you eat, you’ll also need to brush your teeth so you don’t stain your Invisalign clear aligners and cause bacteria to accumulate.
Invisalign treatment only works when the aligners are worn consistently, so it’s important that patients have the willpower to complete their treatment as directed by our orthodontists.
Possible Need for Invisalign Attachments
Depending on the complexity of your case, you may need SmartForce® attachments on your teeth so the aligners have something to push against. In general, you won’t need these attachments if you only need to straighten a few front teeth. However, it’s important that you request a consultation with one of our local Invisalign orthodontists so you have a better idea of what to expect.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation
Still have questions about clear aligners? Our , would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and help determine if this type of treatment is right for you. Call Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics today at (616) 455-4800 or contact us online to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.