With Invisalign® — clear plastic aligners that shift your teeth into place — you have a smile-straightening option that many people find more comfortable and convenient. That’s why Mandana Kheshtchin, DDS, Brent Woodmansee, DMD, and our team at A&N Dental offer Invisalign to our patients in Tempe, Arizona.
All this said, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone. To help you determine if this teeth-straightening option is a fit for you, let’s look at the pros and cons.
Pro: no metal
This is the perk that draws most people to Invisalign. Rather than using metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth, Invisalign turns to a series of clear plastic aligners.
These aligners are 3D printed specifically for you. You wear the first aligner in your series for a set period of time (one or two weeks), then change it out for the next aligner. Each aligner brings you closer to your dream smile, all without a single piece of uncomfortable, highly visible metal in your mouth.
Con: more expensive
Generally, Invisalign is a little bit more expensive than traditional braces. If you visit our office, we can help you understand what Invisalign and braces would cost for your specific smile.
Pro: more convenient
Traditional braces require regular trips to the orthodontist for adjustments, ensuring your teeth are moving as they should.
With Invisalign, all your aligners are created in the beginning of the process. You need to visit our team for periodic checkups, but the aligners do the work of moving your teeth into position with minimal input from us. That means fewer trips to our office throughout the course of your treatment.
Con: not right for all smile problems
While Invisalign can treat an overbite, underbite, gapped teeth, crowded teeth, and more, it has its limits. Generally, more severe smile problems are best treated by traditional braces. Make an appointment with Dr. Kheshtchin or Dr. Woodmansee so they can advise you about the right option for your teeth.
Pro: removability
You only need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. That means you can take them out to eat, play sports, or give a presentation at school or work.
This removability also makes it easier to keep your mouth clean, saving you the hassle of trying to floss and brush around braces.
Con: easier to skimp on treatment
Because the aligners are removable, it can be tempting to leave them out for longer periods of time. It’s important that if you choose Invisalign, you’re diligent in wearing your aligners for a sufficient amount of time each day.
Does Invisalign sound like a good option for you? To get started, call our office in Tempe, Arizona, or book your appointment online today.