Have you been researching clear teeth straightening options, wondering, “Is Invisalign worth it?” In this blog, we cover a range of topics and questions regarding adult Invisalign:
- Clear braces for adults vs. Invisalign for adults
- How good is Invisalign?
- Pros and cons of Invisalign
- Is Invisalign worth it for adults?
The first step to making an informed decision about teeth straightening is learning about the treatment you’re interested in. Ultimately, you’ll want to consult an orthodontist, but reading up on Invisalign will help answer some of your initial questions.
First, let’s differentiate clear braces and Invisalign for adults.
Clear Braces for Adults vs. Invisalign for Adults
Invisalign is the rival to clear dental braces for adults. For those who want to straighten their teeth inconspicuously, clear braces and Invisalign are both excellent choices. Although both may be classified as “clear braces on adults,” there are distinctions between the two.
Clear Braces
Clear braces use tooth-colored brackets that are semi-permanently attached to the teeth. They are made of ceramic, which is less noticeable than metal braces. Besides the color and material, clear braces straighten teeth the same way traditional metal braces do. Braces are best for moderate to severe dental cases.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an entirely different method of teeth straightening compared to braces. It uses a series of clear, custom aligners made of plastic that a patient changes every week. Unlike braces, Invisalign is removable. Invisalign treatment is also faster than braces in some cases. Invisalign is best for those with more mild alignment issues.
How Good Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great treatment option for all ages, and it’s significantly less noticeable than braces. Here are some common dental issues that Invisalign can correct:
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Missing teeth
- Overbites and underbites
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Crowded teeth
If you’re wondering, “Is Invisalign worth it for adults?” keep reading to learn the pros and cons of Invisalign, which will help you answer that question.
The Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Let’s get a common FAQ out of the way: Can adults use Invisalign? Absolutely. Invisalign helps patients of all ages achieve happy, healthy smiles. At Bates Orthodontics, we work with patients as young as seven or eight for early orthodontic treatment and adults well into their eighties.
Invisalign Pros
1. Almost invisible
Is Invisalign noticeable? Not really! One of the most attractive features of Invisalign for adults is how discreet it is. Since Invisalign trays are clear, your smile looks relatively the same. People will hardly notice you’re wearing them, preventing you from feeling overly self-conscious.
2. Removable trays
Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating, drinking anything but water, and brushing your teeth, meaning there are no food restrictions with Invisalign. However, your teeth may be sore when the aligners are off, which might naturally limit your food choices.
3. More comfortable
Since traditional braces are made out of metal, the brackets and wires can irritate the inside of your mouth and lips. But with Invisalign, the clear plastic aligners are smooth, fitting flush with your teeth—minus a few small bumps if you require Invisalign attachments.
4. Fewer “uh ohs”
People who get metal braces may lose a bracket or break a wire for any number of reasons, such as not following the food restrictions with braces. These “uh ohs” lead to an emergency visit to their orthodontist. But with plastic aligners, you don’t have to worry about that.
Invisalign Cons
1. Can be expensive
Is Invisalign worth it for adults? Honestly, it depends on how much you value a straight smile—that’s a question only you can answer. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose clear braces over Invisalign based on price. At Bates, both teeth straightening treatments cost the same!
2. Inconvenient
Removing your aligners for a meal can be inconvenient, especially when eating out. So, in one way, removability is a pro, but in another, it’s a con. Patients must wear their aligners between 20 to 22 hours per day, so don’t make a habit of taking them out, or you’ll risk extending your treatment time or compromising the final result.
3. Easy to lose
Since Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, they’re easy to lose or accidentally throw away. Losing aligners is a problem we see more with teens undergoing Invisalign treatment, but it can happen to anyone. Be sure to notify your orthodontist once you misplace an aligner to avoid treatment delays.
4. Not a good fit for everyone
Adult Invisalign treatment depends on your case. Advances in orthodontics have made Invisalign possible, but at this point, it’s most effective for people with mild to moderate bite issues. Severe malocclusions or jaw issues may prevent patients from starting with Invisalign, but there’s always the possibility of transitioning into it.
Schedule an Adult Invisalign Consultation
At Bates Orthodontics, we provide high-quality, professional orthodontic services in Richmond, VA. So whether you’re the parent of a child or teen with orthodontic needs or looking into Invisalign for adults, we have a solution for you.
Rest assured, we take a conservative approach to orthodontic treatment planning, meaning we only recommend what’s necessary.
Our in-house orthodontist is also a Diamond Invisalign provider, putting him in the top 1% of Invisalign providers nationwide—that’s excellence you can trust! Schedule a consultation with Bates to talk about whether Invisalign is the right treatment type for you.
