The Pros and Cons of Clear Aligners

Weighing your options for orthodontic treatment? Well, you’re in luck! These days, you have more choices than ever for straightening your teeth. If you’re not interested in a mouth full of metal, that’s no problem. You no longer have to settle for traditional metal braces. Instead, you can get your dream smile, without the brackets and wires, using a clear aligner system like Invisalign, 3M Clarity or TLC aligners.

 

At Dr. Melanie Orthodontics, we’re experts in designing smiles with clear aligner systems. Dr. Melanie Wang is a leading clear aligner provider in San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe, which means she has the knowledge and experience to give you the most precise, accurate and beautiful results possible. Of course, there are pros and cons to every type of orthodontic treatment, and we want you to have all the facts before you decide whether clear aligners like Invisalign are right for you.

 

In this post, we’ll share the pros and cons of Invisalign and other clear aligner systems to help you make the best choice for your smile. Read on!

 

 

The Benefits of Clear Aligner Treatment

 

1. Backed by State-of-the-Art Technology

 

With two decades of innovation under its belt, Invisalign is the most recognized and trusted clear aligner system in the world. This is largely due to Invisalign’s advanced orthodontic technology. We also offer 3M Clarity aligners, TLC aligners and our very own in-house made clear aligners. Each system uses the latest technology to program each tooth’s movements, giving your orthodontist ultimate control to achieve your desired outcomes.

 

 

2. Ultra Comfortable Orthodontic Treatment

 

Braces are known for being a bit uncomfortable, at least in the earlier days of treatment. The brackets and wires can cause irritation to your gums or the inside of your mouth, but there’s no need to worry about that with clear aligners like Invisalign. The trays are custom-made to fit smoothly over your teeth, so no nicks or cuts here. As your teeth begin to shift during treatment, you’ll inevitably experience some mild discomfort, but clear aligners are made from materials that are honed to provide the most comfortable orthodontic treatment possible. 

 

 

3. Virtually Invisible

 

This is one of the biggest advantages of clear aligners vs braces. Patients would rather have a discreet, removable orthodontic treatment option instead of metal brackets and wires. We get it! You might be straightening your teeth, but you still want to look and feel like you. And there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have the freedom to get your dream smile without feeling self-conscious about your appliance. Invisalign aligners are so clear that most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

 

 

4. Minimal Disruption to Daily Routine

 

Any type of orthodontic treatment requires a learning curve, but clear aligners are much less disruptive to your daily life than braces. With braces, you need to adjust how you brush and floss your teeth, as well as what you eat and drink, to keep your teeth healthy and your braces safe. But since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can simply take them out to brush, floss, eat and drink, so you’re free to live your life as usual. The aligners are also unlikely to break, so you won’t need any emergency visits to your San Diego or Rancho Santa Fe orthodontist.

 

 

5. Faster (And Fewer) Appointments

 

You’ve probably heard that you need to have frequent appointments with your orthodontist to get braces tightened. This is not the case with clear aligners. Once Dr. Melanie has sent off your prescription for Invisalign, 3M Clarity or TLC aligners and we’ve given you your first set, you’re ready to complete your treatment at home. We’ll want to see you occasionally to check in on your progress, but we don’t need to do adjustments so your appointments will be shorter.

 

 

Disadvantages of Invisalign

 

1. Can Be More Expensive Than Braces

 

The cost of Invisalign or other clear aligners is often more than braces, which can make clear aligner treatment inaccessible for many people. But at Dr. Melanie Orthodontics, we think everyone should have access to the orthodontic treatment they deserve, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer in-office, no-interest financing with affordable monthly payments. We also accept most insurance and can help estimate your orthodontic coverage to maximize your benefits. We’ll even file claims on your behalf!

 

 

2. Requires More Accountability

 

Since braces are fixed in place, there’s no temptation to take them out. But since you can remove your Invisalign aligners whenever you feel like it, it can be difficult for some patients to remember to wear them at first. This is your reminder that to achieve the best results with any clear aligners, you must wear them for at least 22 hours a day, every day. While you should definitely remove them to eat, drink, brush or floss (or even for a special occasion), you need to put them back in immediately afterwards.

 

 

3. Easier to Lose

 

You can’t remove your braces so you can’t lose your braces. The opposite is true with Invisalign. When you take your aligners out to have lunch or to play sports, it’s very possible to misplace them, especially if you don’t put them safely in their case. We recommend always putting your aligners in their designated case so you know where they are when it’s time to put them back in. That way, you’ll avoid any setbacks to your treatment so you can see your new smile as soon as possible!

 

Still have questions about the pros and cons of Invisalign or other clear aligner systems? Ready to start your own Invisalign journey? Contact Dr. Melanie Orthodontics today to book a complimentary consultation.