Invisalign+ Benefits and Disadvantages: What You Should Know

 Considering orthodontic problems or attaining a pleasing smile through straightening teeth, the decision between conventional braces and Invisalign+ braces is very crucial. This means one needs to be well-aware of Invisalign+ benefits and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll highlight the key points to assist you in making an informed decision about whether Invisalign+ orthodontic treatment is the right option for you! 

About Invisalign+ Vs Conventional braces

Invisalign+ is a series of customised clear aligner trays that are made from a scan of your teeth with the help of 3D imaging technology. These plastic aligners help align your teeth stepwise with each set change. Invisalign's treatment process is similar to that of other clear aligner brands. Invisalign+ generally helps align mild to slightly complex crooked teeth into a straight, beautiful smile.

Conventional/ traditional metal braces also help in aligning your teeth. They are a fixed option compared to our current and popular option. These braces are available in various types, providing patients with flexible options rather than just a single, fixed choice

Apart from the conventional use of metal brackets and wires, there are also other types of braces treatment options for those who want a less noticeable orthodontic solution. Aesthetic brackets such as ceramic brackets, or even lingual braces could be considered alternative treatments to metal braces. A proper consultation for an orthodontic treatment plan is ideal before going for any of these options.

What are the Benefits of Invisalign+?

1) Nearly Invisible Appearance

 A major benefit of Invisalign+ is its clear aligner, which is almost invisible when worn on the teeth. It is ideal for adults and teenagers, as well as children as young as 5, who want to have straightened teeth but do not want to wear metal braces that would make them stand out from the crowd. 

2) No Food Or Dietary Restrictions

With dental braces, wires and elastics in your mouth there are few food restrictions such as eating hard and sticky food. Invisalign+ trays can be easily taken off for meals, beverages, and teeth cleaning. You will not have to compromise on your favourite food. 

3) Ease in Brushing and Flossing

In cases where dental braces are worn, food particles get stuck between the brackets, wires, and elastics, thus making the process of cleaning very hard. On the contrary, when using the Invisalign+, because it is removable, brushing and flossing between teeth becomes easier, without any difficulty caused by brackets and wires. 

4) Comfortable

Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign+ aligners are a more comfortable experience than metal dental braces. They don’t have sharp edges or wires that can poke or irritate the inside of your mouth.

5) Shorter Treatment Duration Time

Unlike braces, Invisalign+ involves fewer and brief dental appointments because there is no need to adjust the wires and brackets. During the review appointments, your dentist will do a checkup to make sure the treatment is going as planned, and you may also receive sets of aligners that you can switch on your own as per your dentist's instructions.

6) Effective for a Variety of Alignment and Bite Issues 

The innovative technology used in Invisalign+ allows the treatment of various types of dental problems, ranging from minor overcrowding to more complicated bite problems. 

7) Customised Treatment Plan

From your 3D teeth scan, the dentist prepares a personalised treatment plan and also a digital simulation of how your teeth movement will look like with Invisalign. This outlines how many aligner stages are required, along with the total time expected.

Before moving forward, it is a good idea to verify with your insurance provider if the dental treatment is covered and if it is, then how much is covered. Coverage amounts can differ, so checking ahead matters.

What are the Disadvantages of Invisalign+?

1) Requires Self Motivation and Discipline

To be effective, Invisalign+ aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day. Due to their removable nature, the success of the treatment depends heavily on the patient's compliance. When wearing these aligners, your teeth might initially feel sore; some tend to remove them once uncomfortable. Progress could be delayed if aligners are not worn for certain hours per day. 

2) Inconvenient for Frequent Munchers

 Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign+ does have a disadvantage when it comes to its removable nature. Some individuals often snack frequently, which requires them to remove and reinsert their aligners multiple times, resulting in less than the ideal daily wear time. This increases their overall treatment duration. 

3) Not Always Suitable for Severe Cases

Though Invisalign+ handles many common alignment concerns, situations involving significant bite irregularities often demand alternative approaches. When substantial jaw correction is necessary, standard braces with or without jaw surgery may work better. 

4) Possible Speech Difficulties

Although Invisalign+ is generally more comfortable than braces, some patients may experience temporary speech difficulties when starting their treatment compared to other orthodontic appliances. These aligners can create a hindrance between the teeth and tongue causing patients to lisp when articulating certain sounds, such as 'S', 'Ch', and 'Sh'.
This is temporary, as patients typically adjust to it within a few days. 

5) Staining of the Aligners

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign+ aligners tend to take on stains from food and drinks or smoking habits. Some patients find it inconvenient to constantly take the aligners out and put them back in especially while drinking coffee throughout the day. 

6) Tendency of Getting Lost or Crack/Break

These removable aligners tend to get lost or cracked if inappropriately handled. In this case, they need to be stored properly in the protective containers rather than out of the protective cases, eg. wrapping in tissue. It is also necessary to remove these aligners carefully using both sides. Otherwise, they might break/crack. 

Related articles:

• What's the Difference?: invisalign vs invisalign+

• Transform your smile: how does invisalign+ work ?
  

Conclusion

The Invisalign+ is one of the key options when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Most people find it effective in addressing alignment concerns discreetly and comfortably. It provides aesthetics and convenience, thus being popular among those who wish to have nice teeth without wearing metal braces. Nevertheless, there are factors like expense and routine adherence which can influence your selection.

If you have decided to use Invisalign+ as an orthodontic treatment method, our dentist would be glad to guide you throughout. You can efficiently plan for your treatment by taking all Invisalign+ benefits and disadvantages into account. Schedule an appointment with us to start your Invisalign journey! 

Call us at : +65 6221 8284

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Invisalign?

Invisalign refers to a system of clear aligners that are removable and can be used as an alternative option for metal braces in orthodontic treatment. It entails using a set of custom-made transparent trays that gradually move the teeth into place using controlled force.

2. What types of issues can Invisalign correct?

Invisalign handles mild to moderate misalignment like crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites. From some cases, alternate methods remain relevant when challenges go outside of the clear aligner limits.

3. What are the main benefits of Invisalign+ over traditional braces?

Most people choose Invisalign+ because it blends in easily when worn. The aligners can also be removed at any time, making tooth care simpler compared to fixed systems like braces. Oral functions like eating stay unaffected since there are no foreign metal parts like brackets attached onto teeth, blocking access.

4. Are results from Invisalign+ permanent?

Teeth straightening using Invisalign+ do not last forever. This is because teeth tend to move to where they were before. You have to wear retainers to keep your straightened teeth in their aligned positions.. Your Invisalign dentist will inform you how to wear them. Click here to learn more about retainers.

5. How to know which one is right for you?

To know which treatment will be suitable, you will need to seek professional advice. At Dental Designs Singapore, our dentists will assess your oral and dental health and suggest a personalised treatment plan.

References

• MANUEL O. LAGRAVÈRE, CARLOS FLORES-MIR, The treatment effects of Invisalign orthodontic aligners: A systematic review, The Journal of the American Dental Association,
  Volume 136, Issue 12, 2005, Pages 1724-1729, ISSN 0002-8177, https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2005.0117.