What Are the Drawbacks of Invisalign?
If you are a teen or an adult that is looking for a discreet way to get a perfectly straight and healthy smile, you have probably looked up Invisalign braces in Norwalk, and that’s why you are here today. We are trying to make it so you can know everything about Invisalign clear aligners for your orthodontic treatment.
As you may already know, Invisalign braces are the most discreet type of orthodontic device currently available. Although they are not 100% invisible, they are much more so than their traditional counterpart of metal braces that we are all so used to.
With Invisalign, you will have many benefits you won’t have with other orthodontic devices while still achieving your desired smile. But like with any other option, there are many things to consider before setting your heart on starting your orthodontic journey with Invisalign.
What Is Invisalign, and How Does It Work?
Invisalign is a system of custom-made, clear, and removable aligning trays. Invisalign aligns the teeth by using a series of molds that force your teeth into their new and improved position over several months—ultimately giving you the smile of your dreams.
Usually, patients receive anywhere from 20 to 30 and, in severe cases, up to 50 different aligning trays. Patients switch between trays in the set approximately every two weeks or as instructed by your orthodontist.
Is Invisalign Truly Invisible?
Invisalign braces in Norwalk aren’t really invisible, but they are translucent. Not quite clear, but you can still see through them. They look somewhat similar to teeth whitening trays. All in all, they are the least noticeable type of orthodontic device.
Orthodontic Problems You Can Solve With Invisalign
It’s normal for patients to favor Invisalign since it is less noticeable than other orthodontic options. However, depending on the severity of the dental issues or if a patient has a combination of issues, Invisalign may or may not be the best option.
With so many issues that Invisalign can solve, plus the benefits of these aligning trays being clear and also removable, you might be thinking that there are absolutely no drawbacks to undergoing orthodontic treatment in Norwalk with Invisalign braces.
But Invisalign isn’t perfect. First, let’s take a look at some of the issues that you can absolutely fix with Invisalign. Then, we’ll see some of the disadvantages that come with choosing Invisalign.
Crooked Teeth
If you are looking to straighten your smile, Invisalign is an option.
Overbite
Yes, in some cases, Invisalign can be used to move your teeth so that the top and bottom align properly when your mouth is closed.
Underbite
An underbite is when bottom teeth are in front of upper teeth, this can cause your teeth to wear more quickly and create difficulties with speech. An orthodontist may use Invisalign to move the lower teeth back, so they naturally sit behind the front teeth. All this will depend on the severity of your underbite.
Crossbite
A crossbite can cause your teeth to chip and wear down and even cause gums to recede. Invisalign can help move incorrectly positioned teeth into the right place and treat a crossbite.
Gaps in Teeth
If you have a gap between two or more teeth, you have a spacing issue. Invisalign can close the gaps to maintain a healthier mouth and a more esthetic smile. Still, there are limitations depending on how wide the gap between teeth is.
Open Bite
Invisalign can fix an open bite (when upper and lower teeth don’t meet) by moving them into the right position, so they close correctly.
Crowded Teeth
When there is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate all of your teeth, they can overlap and twist. We refer to this condition as crowding. Invisalign can work for some cases of crowded teeth, depending on the severity and complexity of the problem.
What Are the Drawbacks of Invisalign?
Although Invisalign excels in efficacy and safety, it may not be the right option for you. Some of the drawbacks to treatment with Invisalign can include:
The Cost of Invisalign
One of the most significant drawbacks to Invisalign is cost. The average treatment costs from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the severity of your case.
The Treatment Requires Discipline
You’re required to wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. Removing and forgetting to put your aligner back in could make your treatment longer or less effective. So, your complete cooperation is crucial to ensure you’ll achieve your desired results.
Misplacing Aligner Trays
Considering you can remove Invisalign trays to eat and drink, some patients risk losing their aligners—especially young children or teenagers undergoing treatment with Invisalign. Replacing a lost aligner can be expensive.
Additional Attachments
In severe cases, your Invisalign aligner may need a little help to produce the desired movement. This is where attachments come in.
Attachments are small, tooth-colored structures that attach to your teeth. To manufacture these pieces, companies use composite resin, the same material used for dental fillings. Although these attachments help your final results, they make the appearance of your Invisalign aligner more noticeable inside your mouth.
Other Limitations
Invisalign doesn’t have the same force and capabilities to move teeth like braces. Therefore, complex orthodontic treatment or cases requiring significant movement of teeth need braces, not Invisalign, to achieve the wanted results. Some issues Invisalign may not be able to fix:
Tooth Shape
Some patients have teeth that will have difficulty fitting inside the Invisalign aligner. Short, round, pegged teeth or those with severe tips may not allow the aligner to get a good grip.
Tooth Position
When a mouth is overcrowded, a tooth may rotate to fit. If the rotation is over 20 degrees for molars, Invisalign cannot move them into the desired position.
Teeth also tilt forward or back to fit in a crowded mouth. If the tilt is over 45 degrees, Invisalign might not pull the tooth up into the right place.
Large Gaps Between Teeth
Usually, Invisalign can only reliably close up to 6mm of space per arch. Hence, some spacing issues might be too severe for Invisalign to fix.
Age Considerations
Invisalign prides itself in being for all ages! So, if you have ever wondered, “how old is too old for Invisalign?” The answer is that you’re never too old. The Invisalign age range can be anywhere from seven to eighty-seven or even older years old.
Because Invisalign is clear and less invasive than traditional braces, it’s become a popular choice for teens and adults. Invisalign has also proved to be a viable option for early childhood orthodontic treatment. As we mentioned above, some issues may be too severe for Invisalign to fix, but overall, it’s a powerful orthodontic device for straightening teeth and fixing common issues.
In summary, as long as you have good mouth bone health and don’t suffer from any severe medical issues that could hinder orthodontic treatment, you could be a great candidate for treatment with Invisalign braces in Norwalk.
So, if you are ready to take the first step towards a healthy and bright smile, please schedule an appointment with us today!
Invisalign Pros and Cons for Older Adults
Just as with any other orthodontic appliance, adult patients will have to make some additional considerations before jumping in with their treatment. The first and most important consideration adults should make when pondering if Invisalign is worth it for adults is their periodontal health.
The principle of orthodontic treatments is to gradually and safely push your teeth into a new position. This is only possible because the force applied by your Invisalign clear aligners literally dissolves parts of your jawbone.
We know how this sounds. Believe us, this isn’t a bad thing as the nature of the jawbone is to harden after the treatment finishes. Certified and experienced orthodontists know how to develop a safe treatment plan that won’t cause dental health issues to you in the long term.
Considering all that, you would understand why we focus so much on dental health. If you suffer from periodontal disease or gum disease, you will require far more work before you start wearing your aligner trays.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Adults are more likely to develop tooth decay as their age increases. These dental health conditions weaken the supporting structures keeping your teeth in place. Adults with poor oral health might not be able to resist orthodontic treatments and will require additional help from a periodontist.
Is Invisalign Worth it For Adults?
Absolutely yes. First of all, adults are much more likely to have considerable expenses on dental health problems that could be mitigated with the good results of successful orthodontic treatment. Remember what we said about tooth decay prevalence in adults? Well, there’s a significant opportunity to save money when comparing root canals, restorative and cosmetic treatments, and what you’d invest in orthodontics.
Besides, many adults have spent most of their lives with malaligned teeth because they were avoiding any unwanted attention brought up by shiny metal braces on their teeth. Now, with clear aligners, adults can enjoy all the benefits of orthodontics without worrying about prying eyes and curious onlookers.
Another excellent point in favor of these aligner trays is that they’re removable. Removable orthodontic appliances make it easier to keep your oral hygiene in good shape. Getting to your home, popping off the aligner trays, and getting a good session of toothbrushing helps remove any unwanted leftover food particles, reducing the possibility of tooth decay during ortho.
Get Your Invisalign in Norwalk with Us
As you can see, there are limitations to every treatment option and Invisalign is no different in that regard. Still, it’s a very appealing appliance for many of our patients and we’d be thrilled to have you in our office for an initial consultation.
Just remember you will have to adjust your expectations to what that consultation reveals about your orthodontic needs. We hope to have you using your Invisalign clear aligners in no time and working towards that beautiful smile as soon as possible.
Remember to keep your aligners clean using only water and our recommendations on what you can and shouldn’t eat during their use.
See you soon!