We can help you straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months with ®. Like the name suggests, Invisalign are nearly invisible aligners that fit over your teeth. Over time, you’ll wear a series of aligners designed to move your teeth little by little into a straight smile.
Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of Invisalign braces. Our orthodontists will also let you know what you can expect while wearing clear aligners.
Pros of Invisalign Braces
- Aligners are nearly invisible
- No metal on your teeth
- Removable for an unrestricted diet
- Straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months
- No routine repairs needed
- Able to correct mild or moderately crowded teeth and bite issues
There are many advantages to choosing Invisalign over traditional metal braces. For example, many of our patients appreciate that Invisalign braces 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 orthodontists if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment. It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Another benefit to wearing Invisalign is that it’s 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.
Cons of Invisalign Braces
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 consider before deciding on this form of orthodontic treatment.
- You must wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day
- Invisalign exerts pressure on teeth
- You may need attachments
Time Commitment
One of the drawbacks of is that you must wear the nearly invisible aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. This means that you’ll only be able to take out your clear alignersto eat and brush your teeth. After you eat, you’ll also need to brush your teeth so you don’t stain your Invisalign clear aligners.
Since Invisalign only works when the aligners are worn consistently, it’s important that patients have the willpower to complete their treatment as directed by our orthodontists.
Possible Attachments and Noticeable Pressure
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 Invisalign orthodontists so you have a better idea of what to expect.
Invisalign works by exerting pressure on your teeth to move. This means that you’ll feel slight discomfort during the first few days of wearing new aligners. However, many of our patients feel that the temporary discomfort is worth having a beautifully straight smile.
Let’s Discuss
Still have questions about Invisalign? We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and help determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Our Invisalign orthodontists in Grand Rapids and Grandville, MI, want to help you smile with confidence. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your teeth, ask us if you’re a candidate for Invisalign braces. To request an appointment, call Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics at (616) 455-4800.
This post has been updated.