The Limitations of Invisalign

Invisalign has a big draw for many patients. It is a subtle and flexible system that makes it especially intriguing to adults in need of orthodontic treatment. Some patients worry about the embarrassment, pain, and inconvenience that can come with regular braces and believe that Invisalign is a perfect solution to their problem. Sometimes, Invisalign does work well, but traditional braces are still the better option in many other situations. Read more to find out why Invisalign isn’t always the best choice.

#1 Invisalign Traps Food and Bacteria

Because Invisalign is removable, many people assume that it is better for their oral health. Researchers have found that many Invisalign patients consume beverages with their aligners still in their mouth, trapping bacteria and sugars around their teeth. With aligners around your teeth, your saliva can’t do its job of cleaning the teeth and gums, making your teeth more susceptible to decay from these bacteria.

#2 Invisalign Does Not Shift Teeth from Their Foundation

Aligning treatments work by applying a small amount of force to your teeth, causing them to move into a more desirable position. Braces offer enough force for the tooth root to move. Invisalign aligners place more pressure on the upper part of the tooth, making them less successful at shifting your teeth from their roots.

#3 Invisalign Does Not Offer Long Term Results

After receiving braces, most patients find that they can enjoy their new, aligned smiles for several years to come. Since the patient can take off Invisalign at any time, this treatment’s success rate relies deeply on the patient’s motivation. For Invisalign to be effective, you must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. If you do not wear your aligners often enough, it will increase the length of treatment needed to align your teeth and be less effective. If you want long-term results, Invisalign in NW Calgary may not be for you.

#4 Invisalign is Not for Everyone

While Invisalign works well for individuals with milder orthodontic needs, it is not effective for more complicated scenarios. On the other hand, braces can be customized for your unique situations, providing a better treatment and smile.

#5 Invisalign Can Be More Painful Than Braces

You may be seeking Invisalign near you because of the wide-spread belief that Invisalign is not as painful as traditional braces. Over time, both braces and Invisalign cause minor increases in pain. If you want to achieve a straighter smile, some discomfort is inevitable. Your teeth are slowly moving, which causes them to be more sensitive during treatment. No matter which treatment you choose, it is likely that you will be avoiding harder foods and reaching for the ibuprofen at some point during the treatment process.

#6 Refinements Are Often Needed After Beginning Invisalign Treatment

When you visit a dentist in NW Calgary for Invisalign, they will take impressions of your mouth and create a treatment plan suited to your needs. However, with Invisalign, it is common for the plan to change multiple times. Braces offer a steadier treatment plan.

In many situations, Invisalign ends up being ineffective. For long-term results, fixed braces are often the best option, and many dentists now offer clear fixed braces as an option to patients worried about aesthetics. Clear braces are subtle, and their stability will give you longer-lasting results than Invisalign. If you are looking into aligning treatment, the best first step is to talk to a dentist near you about the best choice for your unique smile and needs.