Invisalign

Invisalign is one of the most popular ways to straighten your teeth. Boasting barely visible clear aligners and more flexibility than braces, it’s clear to see why so many people are choosing Invisalign for their orthodontic treatment.

But is Invisalign worth it?

This is a question we hear all the time at our Mount Gambier dentist. So, let’s set the record straight and explore the reality of Invisalign, including its advantages and competitors.

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What are the advantages of Invisalign?

Invisalign is the most recognised clear aligner brand in the world. And there’s a big reason why so many dentists and orthodontists trust Invisalign to improve their patients’ smiles: it’s backed by decades of expertise in biomechanics and material science, as well as intelligent specialised software for more accurate and predictable results.

But science and tech aside, what are the other pros of Invisalign that set this dental treatment apart? Let’s explore…

Invisalign is virtually invisible

When it comes to Invisalign pros, this one always tops the list. Invisalign aligner trays are made from clear, thin and smooth plastic, meaning they’re barely visible when you’re wearing them. Gone are the days when straightening your teeth meant a mouthful of (very noticeable) metal!

Invisalign clear aligner trays are removable

Many people love the freedom Invisalign offers compared to traditional metal braces. Unlike braces which are permanently fixed to the teeth for the duration of your treatment, Invisalign aligner trays can be removed to eat, drink, brush, floss or for special photos or events.

‍Invisalign is effective on minor to complex cases

When it comes to Invisalign vs braces, people often assume that braces are the more effective orthodontic treatment. But that’s simply not the case. The issues Invisalign can fix range from minor realignments to more complex corrections, such as severely crowded teeth, gap teeth, underbites and overbites. However, keep in mind that more complex cases will require a longer treatment time.

‍Invisalign offers a comfortable fit

Say goodbye to painful cuts and ulcers on your cheeks, lips and tongue! Invisalign trays are made from a special smooth plastic that is custom-moulded to fit your teeth snugly and feel more comfortable in your mouth. The aligner trays are also precision cut to perfectly match your teeth and gum line, meaning less irritation on the gums.

What are Invisalign aligners made from?

Invisalign uses its innovative SmartTrack technology in its clear aligners, which not only provides a more comfortable fit but also better control over tooth movement.

‍Invisalign gives you one-on-one care

With Invisalign, you’ll attend regular in-person visits with your dentist throughout your entire treatment time. At Illumident, we usually see our Limestone Coast Invisalign patients every 3 to 6 weeks to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments. This personalised, one-on-one care is one of the reasons why Invisalign is so effective — and it’s one of the key benefits that sets this clear aligner brand apart from its competitors (but more on that later!)

How to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment

When deciding if Invisalign is worth it, it’s important to be aware of the things you must do to ensure your treatment works effectively and consider how they will fit into your day-to-day life. The reality of Invisalign is that its success rate largely depends on how well you stick to these guidelines:

• You must wear your aligner for at least 20 to 22 hours a day
• You must replace your set of aligners as per your dentist’s instructions to keep your treatment on track
• You must remove your trays before eating or drinking anything (except for water) brush your teeth before putting them back in
• You must ensure you’re cleaning your aligners regularly to keep them free from bacteria and staining
• You must ensure that you store your aligners safely and hygienically when you’re not wearing them
• But when it comes to Invisalign pros and cons, the many benefits certainly outweigh any minor inconveniences they may have.

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Invisalign vs competitors: Are alternatives to Invisalign just as good?

By now, you’ve likely come across a lot of other clear aligner brands that *seem* very similar to Invisalign. You may have also noticed that some even offer fully-remote treatment plans like Smile Direct Club.

While Invisalign competitors appear to offer all the same perks at a lower pricepoint, there are a few important differences and risks you need to be aware of with these brands.

‍What’s the difference between Invisalign and Smile Direct Club or other competitor aligner brands?

Of course, price will always play a big role in your decision to straighten your smile (that’s why we offer affordable Invisalign finance options). So, when you see another clear aligner brand that’s cheaper than Invisalign, you may start to wonder… what’s the difference?

As we mentioned earlier, the main benefit that sets Invisalign apart from its competitors is how the treatment is administered and supervised. With Invisalign, you will attend regular in-person check-ups with your dentist. This one-on-one care is crucial for ensuring the trays are moving your teeth safely and as planned.

With other at-home clear aligner systems like Smile Direct Club, all supervision of your treatment is done remotely by an online dentist. This means you do not get any in-person monitoring for the entirety of your treatment. And while 100% remote appointments may sound convenient, it comes with some risks.

‍Is Invisalign worth the money? The risks of cheaper competitors may help you decide…

Here’s the bottom line: straightening your smile is a major orthodontic procedure. And all major orthodontic work should be closely monitored in person by a dentist. If you come across cheaper alternatives to Invisalign offering remote or at-home treatment, you should be aware that there are a few risks involved with this approach.

Your teeth could move too much or too quickly
Any movement in your teeth or jaw will have a domino effect on everything from your oral health to how you eat and speak to your spine alignment. If your teeth move too much or too quickly, this can throw your whole body out of whack. And without proper dentist supervision to catch and correct these issues early, you could end up facing major problems in future.

You’re on your own if problems arise
When it comes to your teeth, small issues can snowball into bigger and more expensive problems a lot faster than you think. If your treatment runs into any issues, it pays to have access to a dentist who knows your case and can take quick corrective action.

You won’t have any x-rays
X-rays are a crucial step in any orthodontic work — and it’s a step most Invisalign competitors skip. Without x-rays, the dentist won’t be able to see whether you have any underlying periodontal issues or problems with the bone and root structure of your teeth and jaw that can hinder the effectiveness of your treatment.

You may not achieve the results you expected
Not only will the lack of x-rays miss important details that could make your treatment less effective, but cheaper clear aligner systems are only designed for mild to moderate cases. This means, if you require more complex corrections, Invisalign is worth it to help you achieve your desired results.

‍So, is getting Invisalign worth it? It’s your call.

While Invisalign is proven to be an effective way to discreetly straighten your smile and correct orthodontic issues, the choice to go ahead with this treatment is completely yours.

Often, the best way to figure out it is worth getting Invisalign for your smile is to talk it through with us during your FREE consultation. At this appointment, you can ask us any niggling questions you may have about Invisalign treatment and learn how it will fit into your lifestyle.

Ready to book your consultation? Simply give us a call at our Mount Gambier dental practice.