Invisalign braces can be used to treat the most common types of misalignment. They are less effective at treating teeth with less common problems.
Invisalign braces may not be right for you if you have had a lot of dental work, such as crowns or bridges.
The Invisalign system has some clear advantages over conventional metal braces (no pun intended!). The most obvious are:
- the aligners are clear and very attractive,
- the aligners can be removed for eating, and
- the aligners can be removed for brushing and flossing.
The biggest drawbacks of aligners are:
- that they cannot yet be used to treat every kind of orthodontic problem,
- they are 100% dependent upon patient cooperation, and
- not all patients can tolerate having their teeth 100% covered in plastic fulltime for months on end.
If your orthodontist suggests that you are eligible for Invisalign and you're not sure if it is for you, ask him to make you a set of "training aligners" (Essix style retainers) that you can wear fulltime for a week and see how you handle it. It could help you (and him) avoid a very expensive mistake.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.