35% of Australian adults over the age of 15 feel unhappy with the appearance of their teeth and wish they could do something to change their appearance. With Invisalign, people can close gaps in their smiles and improve their overall oral health. But is Invisalign worth it?
This article reviews the pros and cons of Invisalign treatment so you can decide for yourself if the cost really is worth it.
Invisalign Pros
- Invisalign is subtle – Metal braces stand out, whereas Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic, so you won’t have to worry about people knowing you are having orthodontic treatment. You can even remove your aligners to take a selfie. So when asking yourself is Invisalign worth it, you might want to consider what’s most important to you. Are you looking for discreet teeth straightening?
- Freedom and flexibility – Invisalign treatment offers more freedom and flexibility than other teeth straightening options. There are no food restrictions like there are with metal braces, and you can remove your aligners without having to visit your dentist. So you can enjoy ease and convenience while receiving the orthodontic treatment you want.
- Easy oral hygiene – Invisalign treatment allows you to maintain good oral hygiene. Simply remove your aligners when you eat and drink anything other than water. Then, brush and floss your teeth before placing the aligners back in your mouth. It can be challenging to brush around the brackets with metal braces to remove plaque and food debris. So, choose Invisalign instead!
- Potentially shorter treatment time – While every patient’s case is different, in most instances, Invisalign treatment takes less time than metal braces. However, the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day, or your treatment could be delayed. Price may also make Invisalign worth it. Traditional braces can cost up to $8,000, whereas the average cost of Invisalign is around $4,500.
- Ideal for various issues – Invisalign treatment can correct many issues, including gaps between the teeth, open bite, crossbite, underbite, and crowding. Speak to your dentist to see if Invisalign is suitable for you.
Invisalign Cons
So, is Invisalign worth it? So now you know the pros of Invisalign, let’s look at potential cons.
- Eating and drinking – Remember we mentioned that Invisalign aligners must be taken out of the mouth when eating and drinking. Some patients may find this inconvenient, especially when you have to brush and floss before putting them back in. Otherwise, food and debris could get trapped between the aligners and teeth, resulting in plaque and tartar.
- Potentially noticeable – Most people choose Invisalign treatment because it’s discreet. However, if you need attachments, they can become more apparent. If there is a gap between your teeth and aligners, they are also noticeable. In this case, you may need to ask your dentist to resize them. Aligners should fit perfectly.
- Keeping aligners clean – It’s essential to keep your aligners clean. Otherwise, plaque could form. They can also discolour if you forget to remove them when drinking anything other than water, making them highly visible and defeating the object.
- Slight discomfort – Some patients experience discomfort during their first few weeks of Invisalign treatment. It’s perfectly normal, and to be honest, any form of teeth straightening causes a certain amount of discomfort.
Is Invisalign worth it? How to decide
So is Invisalign worth it? It probably is if you want a discreet and more comfortable option than metal braces. The sooner you start Invisalign treatment, the quicker your teeth will be straight. Why not schedule a FREE Invisalign consultation with the experienced team at My Local Dentists Leichhardt to learn if it’s a suitable treatment for you.
Call us on (02) 9171 0840 today.
References
Finder.com.au – Invisalign Cost in Australia
https://www.finder.com.au/how-much-is-invisalign#:~:text=costs%20by%20hundreds.-,Invisalign%20cost%20in%20Australia,costs%20between%20%246%2C000%20and%20%249%2C000.
AIHW – National Oral Health Plan
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/national-oral-health-plan-2015-2024/contents/how-oral-disease-impacts-our-wellbeing/people-feeling-uncomfortable-with-appearance-of-mouth-and-teeth
Smile.com.au- Dental Braces: Treatment and Cost
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/braces