Recently, traditional metal braces have been replaced by more modern teeth aligners called Invisalign. These are transparent mouthguards made of flexible yet durable plastic. Depending on the complexity of the case, several mouthguards may be used throughout the teeth straightening process. Invisalign in Okotoks is popular because it effectively straightens teeth while being more comfortable to wear and less noticeable.
Invisalign offers several advantages that make them a great choice for teeth alignment:
- Appearance: Compared to classic braces, Invisalign aligners are much less noticeable. The transparent plastic is almost invisible, which means you can smile and socialize without feeling self-conscious.
- Comfort: Metal braces can cause significant discomfort and often irritate the gums due to their sharp edges. Additionally, the constant feeling of metal in the mouth is unpleasant. Invisalign aligners don’t have these disadvantages, making them much more comfortable to wear.
- Removability: Invisalign aligners can be easily removed at home for meals and oral hygiene. Metal braces, on the other hand, are fixed in place and can only be removed by a dentist, often requiring new braces afterward.
- Emergency Treatment: While teeth are thoroughly sanitized before getting braces, emergencies can still arise requiring urgent dental treatment. With classic braces, this can be a complicated and expensive issue. Invisalign aligners, however, can be easily removed, avoiding these risks.
- Minimal Care: Invisalign aligners require minimal care – just periodic cleaning to remove plaque using a toothbrush and toothpaste or a mild bleach solution. In contrast, maintaining metal braces is inconvenient and time-consuming.
At first glance, Invisalign seems like the best, if not the only, option for teeth alignment. Any dentist in Okotoks will recommend them specifically. However, there are some disadvantages to consider:
- Cost: Invisalign treatment can cost an average of $5000. While most insurance companies cover 80% of the cost of classic braces, they often do not cover Invisalign, which is a significant disadvantage and deters many people from choosing this option. Check with your benefits provider.
- Use of Fasteners: Although Invisalign is a transparent, removable mouthguard, there are cases where special fasteners are needed for better alignment, especially when the teeth are very crooked. These fasteners, while allowing the mouthguard to be removed, can resemble traditional braces, reducing some of the aesthetic benefits of Invisalign.
- The mandatory wearing period for Invisalign is 22 hours per day. You can remove the aligners during meals and for oral hygiene, but not for more than 2 hours per day. Ignoring this rule can significantly prolong the treatment and may even extend it beyond the duration of traditional braces. As practice shows, many people start neglecting this rule over time, which requires strong willpower to adhere to; otherwise, it results in wasted money, prolonged discomfort, and disappointment.
- Pain when Changing Aligners: With traditional braces, periodic adjustments are necessary, tightening them to apply more pressure on the teeth, which causes pain for 1-2 weeks. Unfortunately, this effect is also present with Invisalign. When the aligners are changed, they exert more pressure, causing similar pain.
- Discomfort: Although Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces, some people may experience intolerance and discomfort when using them. The sensation of wearing aligners can feel bulky to some individuals.
- Frequent Hygiene: After meals, it is mandatory to clean your mouth before putting the aligners back on. While this hygiene routine is easier than with traditional braces, it can still be a hassle.
