Invisalign
About Invisalign
Invisalign braces are great for people who do not have severe problems. The “braces” consist of strong plastic trays that are fabricated especially for you. They are indeed invisible. If your bite is not severely off and your teeth are not severely crooked, then Invisalign may be a good choice. You would be able to get your teeth straightened without anyone seeing that you are wearing “braces”! This appeals to many adults, especially people who wore traditional braces as children and then need more treatment later in life. However, if your bite is very bad, if you need extractions or require headgear or other appliances, then Invisalign will not work for you; you will need to wear traditional braces.
Advantages of Invisalign
- They are virtually invisible, and nobody knows you’re wearing them but you.
- They are easier to clean.
- They don’t irritate your gums, so there is little (if any) need for dental wax.
- They do not stain at all.
- The aligners are numbered and worn for two weeks each, so your time in treatment is well established.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
- Cost – Because a lab in Costa Rica fabricates the aligners, there is an additional charge.
- Treatment can take as long as traditional braces.
- In some cases, you may still need traditional braces for a few months after your Invisalign treatment, to correct certain problems.
- You will still have tooth pain, because the Invisalign trays will move your teeth. Invisalign is not a pain-free treatment.
- Because the aligners are not glued to your teeth, the movement is less predictable.
If you have severe problems, you are not a candidate for Invisalign.

