Wish you could straighten your smile without traditional metal braces? Book a consultation with one of our Invisalign® dentists in Kalamazoo, MI. During your appointment, they’ll be able to determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign braces—more commonly known as Invisalign aligners.
As the name suggests, Invisalign treatment uses nearly invisible aligners that fit over your teeth. As the aligners exert pressure on your teeth, they move little by little into their optimal positions.
Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of .
Pro: No Food Is Off Limits
One of the main disadvantages of metal braces is that you can’t eat foods that are sticky and/or hard to chew. Otherwise, you risk damaging your metal brackets and wires. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you won’t have this problem.
Instead you’re able to remove your aligners right before you eat so you can continue enjoying your favorite foods during orthodontic treatment. The only catch is that you’ll need to brush your teeth after eating so you don’t stain your clear aligners.
We also recommend that you always keep your aligners in their special container when they’re not in your mouth. There are too many stories of patients who accidentally placed their aligners on a napkin or lunch tray, only to throw them away.
Likewise, we don’t recommend cramming your aligners in your purse or pocket. This will bend your Invisalign aligners out of shape.
Pro: Aligners Are Clear and Discreet
Many of our adult patients appreciate that Invisalign aligners are clear and discreet. Unless someone is standing close to you, they probably won’t even realize that you’re wearing your aligners. This makes Invisalign aligners perfect for people who want to maintain a professional appearance at school or work. When you want to make a great first impression, consider Invisalign treatment for your smile.
Pro: Aligners Instill Confidence
It can be hard to smile with confidence when you feel self-conscious about crooked and/or crowded teeth. However, you may also feel embarrassed about having metal wires and brackets on your teeth. For this reason, Invisalign clear aligners are the perfect compromise. Not only are they a discreet form of orthodontic treatment, but they’re barely visible.
Pro: Brush and Floss Normally
It’s hard to brush and floss crooked teeth. Also, patients with bite issues may experience discomfort while eating or wear away the enamel on the biting surfaces of their teeth. No matter your unique circumstances, Invisalign aligners can help greatly improve your oral health in the long run.
Also, keep in mind that it’s easier to practice good dental hygiene with Invisalign aligners because they’re removable. Metal braces force you to thread the floss between each individual bracket, which is a hassle.
Pro: Invisalign Is Available to Teens and Adults
Both teens and adults may be candidates for Invisalign treatment. This makes it a convenient and versatile option for families seeking orthodontic care. Whether you need Invisalign aligners for yourself and/or your child, you can trust our dentists to tailor a custom treatment plan to improve oral health. Invisalign is able to treat more orthodontic issues than ever before and is great for growing smiles or adults seeking discreet aligner treatment.
Con: Aligners Must Be Worn Consistently
In order for Invisalign treatment to work, you’ll need to consistently wear your aligners at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move according to schedule and you’ll fall behind on your treatment plan.
To be a , you’ll need to possess enough self-discipline to wear your aligners as directed by our dentists. That’s why we only recommend clear aligners for teens and adults—not children.
We recommend that you keep your eyes on the prize by remembering why you wanted Invisalign treatment. Find a reason to stay motivated and imagine how beautiful your smile will look when you’re finally done.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation
Our Invisalign dentists in Kalamazoo, MI, are ready to help you achieve your best smile yet. To schedule an Invisalign consultation and learn if you’re a candidate for clear aligners, please call one of our convenient Kalamazoo Smiles locations. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
