As you might expect from a high-quality orthodontic treatment, Invisalign isn’t cheap. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, but many insurance plans have a lifetime cap on the amount they’ll pay for orthodontic treatment. Yet clearly, many people find that Invisalign is worth the investment. After all, Invisalign can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of! It can boost your self-confidence, improve your oral health, make it easier for you to brush and floss, and more. Still, you might wonder, “Is Invisalign worth it?” Let’s explore.
Is Invisalign Worth It?
Answering questions about worth is always difficult because people have different priorities. For example, some people love spending a free chunk of their paycheck on dining out, while other people would rather devote that extra cash to camping gear, video games, art supplies, or countless other hobbies. Is Invisalign worth it? That depends on several factors, including your financial situation, your values, the state of your teeth, your lifestyle, how responsible you are, and more. Let’s explore a few reasons why you might wish to invest in Invisalign so that you can make a more informed decision. We’ll also look at a few situations in which choosing Invisalign is probably unwise.
When You Should Invest in Invisalign
- You’ve been dreaming of a smile makeover. If you’ve always wanted straighter teeth, Invisalign may be just what you’re looking for. It’s very inconspicuous when compared to traditional metal braces, and you’ll enjoy a beautifully straight smile when you finish your treatment.
- Your dentist has recommended it. Has your dentist encouraged you to get Invisalign or traditional braces to improve your oral health? As your dentist understands your specific mouth and oral health, you should consider it.
- You struggle with brushing and flossing because your teeth are misaligned. If you have a hard time taking care of your teeth because they’re crooked and crammed together, Invisalign can help.
- You want to improve your oral health and overall health. Invisalign isn’t just a cosmetic treatment. Misaligned teeth can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, bruxism, sleep apnea, TMJ disorder, and more.
- You want to improve your speech and pronunciation. The alignment of your teeth can impact the placement of your tongue when you speak and may cause excess air to pass between your teeth. If you suffer from a speech impediment caused by misaligned teeth, Invisalign could have a big impact on your life.
When You Shouldn’t Choose Invisalign
- Your dentist says you’re not a good candidate for Invisalign. Unfortunately, Invisalign does not work well for every patient. You may not be able to get Invisalign if you have more severe orthodontic issues or poor oral health. Sometimes dentists will not recommend them for younger people, who may not be responsible enough to take care of the aligners. In addition, Invisalign is typically not recommended to people who use tobacco.
- You’re unable to commit to wearing the aligners 22 hours per day. If you decide to invest in Invisalign, it’s important that you understand the commitment you’re making. Invisalign aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day, cleaned regularly, removed every time you eat and drink, and changed out every 1 to 2 weeks (as directed by your dentist). You will also need to regularly visit your dentist so they can check your progress and provide you with new aligners. If you aren’t able to commit to this treatment plan, Invisalign may not be worthwhile for you. Sometimes this is just a temporary issue. For example, if you’re going to be traveling around the world for the next six months, you may wish to postpone the treatment.
- You’re unable to commit to wearing a retainer post-treatment. If you choose to get Invisalign, it’s important to realize that retainers are an essential part of maintaining your straight smile. If you thought that after the treatment, your smile wouldn’t require any help, think again! You must consistently wear retainers to keep your teeth in alignment. If you don’t, your teeth will likely shift out of place, and the money you invested in Invisalign will be effectively flushed down the toilet.
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If you want to straighten your teeth with Invisalign, contact Wilkinson Dental if you live in or near Springfield, MO. We use Invisalign to correct overcrowded teeth, misaligned teeth, gapped teeth, and bite problems, including overbite, open bite, crossbite, and underbite. Check out these before-and-after photos. Finally, to schedule your complimentary consultation, please give us a call at 417-708-0556 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!