Pros and Cons of Invisalign® Braces

Invisalign Dentists in Grand Rapids, MI

Invisalign® can straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months! If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your smile, it’s time to request an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists.

Like the name suggests, Invisalign are nearly invisible aligners used to straighten teeth and correct your bite over time. Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of Invisalign braces.

Advantages of Invisalign

  • Aligners are unnoticeable to others
  • No metal on your teeth
  • Removable
  • Straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months
  • Eat an unrestricted diet

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 Grand Rapids Invisalign dentists if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment. It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted.

Another benefit of 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.

Disadvantages of Invisalign

  • You must wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day
  • Invisalign exerts pressure on your teeth
  • You may need attachments to complete your treatment

One of the drawbacks to Invisalign 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 aligners to 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 dentists.

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 dentists 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.

Braces or Invisalign?

Not every patient will be a candidate for Invisalign. Clear aligners are best suited for older teen or adult patients, as it’s essential that you have the discipline to wear them for 20-22 hours every day. In addition, Invisalign might not work for some severe cases. Our dentists will be happy to talk to you about whether Invisalign can work for you. 

Call the Bander Dental Group!

Still have questions about Invisalign? Request a consultation with one of our dentists to learn if Invisalign is right for you. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

We understand that Invisalign can be a big decision. Yet, we also believe that straightening teeth helps improve your oral health, as well as your self-esteem. Consulting with one of our dentists can help you determine if Invisalign is the right fit for you.

Ready to Make an Appointment?

Our Invisalign dentists in Grand Rapids, MI want to help you smile with confidence. To request an appointment, call the Bander Dental Group at (616) 949-5980.

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This blog post has been updated.