If you want to straighten your teeth but think metal braces are the only option, you may be happy to know that Invisalign Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY helps you align your teeth without metal brackets and wires. It is a series of custom-made, clear aligners made from BPA-free plastic. Whether you are an adult putting off treatment for years or a parent exploring orthodontic treatment options for your teenager, Invisalign is a discrete solution. Below are the advantages and drawbacks of Invisalign.
Advantages of Invisalign
- You can take them out to eat
Orthodontists recommend wearing Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours every so you can take them off when you need to eat. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you don’t have to change what you eat and how you eat. If you have metal braces, you may find it challenging to eat chewy foods like steak; food particles also stick on the metal brackets, which can be hard to remove.
- Virtually invisible
One of the top benefits of Invisalign aligners is that they are not easily noticeable to others. Therefore, it eliminates the worry of everyone commenting or complimenting your new braces. If you are an adult, your colleagues won’t know that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. The same applies to people with jobs that require being in front of the camera, like musicians, actors, and news reporters. Self-conscious teenagers are less likely to feel insecure with Invisalign than metal braces.
- Easier to brush and floss your teeth
Like when you need to eat, you can remove your clear aligners whenever you need to brush or floss your teeth. However, brushing and flossing may be difficult with metal braces because the bristles may not reach the crevices of the brackets. As a result, the trapped food particles put you at risk of dental problems, including periodontal disease.
- Fewer consultations needed
With Invisalign, your orthodontist gives you a set of customized retainers that you will change based on your orthodontist’s directions. Most of the work happens before you wear the aligners, so your visits are kept to a minimum to check on progress. But with metal braces, you require several appointments for adjustments; more visits to the orthodontist mean more time off work.
Drawbacks of Invisalign
Removing and wearing aligners can be an inconvenience
You need to remove your aligners every time you eat or drink anything besides water. That can be a major inconvenience, especially when you are in public; you also need to avoid losing them. If you eat with your aligners, food particles can stain your aligners, making them unsightly.
- Requires a lot of discipline
Being able to remove your aligners can be an advantage and a disadvantage. If you are not disciplined about wearing your aligners after eating or brushing, you may not wear them for 22 hours a day as your orthodontist advises. Therefore, treatment may not produce optimal results if you don’t wear your aligners for the recommended hours. Lack of patient compliance is a significant reason for Invisalign treatment failing.
If you want an alternative to traditional braces, consult your orthodontist at Brooklyn City Dental to know whether Invisalign aligners are suitable.
