Studies suggest that over half of people need some degree of orthodontic treatment. According to researchers, that’s due to patients having bad bites or misaligned teeth. Some even have irregularities severe enough to affect oral functions.

If you’re one of those folks, know that Invisalign treatment can help you get straight teeth. Like traditional metal braces, it’s also effective in correcting teeth and bite misalignment.

So, if both of them work to fix crooked teeth or bad bites, why should you get Invisalign, then? Is it any better than conventional orthodontic appliances, and if so, how?

This guide lists the top answers to those questions, so be sure to keep reading.

1. Virtually Unnoticeable

Unlike traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses thermoplastic. It’s the material that allows Invisalign trays to be nearly invisible. Thus, most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.

So, if you don’t fancy the thought of having glinting metal in your mouth, consider Invisalign.

2. Easy to Remove

Traditional metal braces must adhere to the surface of the teeth at all times. Otherwise, the archwires may become slack. That can lead to a loss of pressure, reducing their efficiency in moving the teeth.

On the other hand, Invisalign trays are completely removable. That means you can slip them out whenever you eat, drink, brush, floss, or gargle. They’re also easy to put back in after finishing all those tasks.

You do need to wear the aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day, though, according to the Invisalign site itself. Doing so can help the aligners mold better to your pearly whites. Moreover, it allows the trays to exert uninterrupted pressure on the teeth.

Still, that may be better than wearing them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is the case with metal braces.

3. Can Help Improve Dental Hygiene

Invisalign trays allow for easier interdental access, seeing as they’re removable. Interdental, in turn, means between the teeth. Thus, you can brush and floss much better with removable aligners.

By contrast, fixed orthodontic appliances may hinder optimal tooth cleaning. For example, their metal wires can get in the way of your flossing the spaces between your teeth. Moreover, their glued-on brackets can create spots where plaque and debris can hide.

4. May Help Reduce Risks of Cavities

About one in four US adults have untreated dental caries or cavities, also called tooth decay. On top of that is the 46% of adults aged 30 or older with gum disease.

Poor dental hygiene, in turn, is the primary culprit behind both oral health woes.

Unfortunately, wearing fixed dental braces may further raise your tooth decay risks. As mentioned above, their components can make it harder to brush and floss properly. So unless you take the time to pick each tooth, plaque may start forming on them.

Plaque can also build up along and under the gum line. Unfortunately, that film can harbor many of the 700 bacterial species in the mouth. If allowed to form and colonize, the microorganisms can irritate the gums.

From there, you may develop gingivitis, a condition characterized by gum irritation. It’s also the mildest form of gum disease but, if left untreated, can advance to periodontitis. That’s even worse, as it can cause your gums to recede, swell further, bleed, and over time, lose their hold on your teeth.

That doesn’t mean metal braces are bad, but you have to pay a lot more attention to your hygiene if you wear them. Or you can go with Invisalign, which can give you straight teeth, too, but won’t make them harder to clean.

5. Can Fix Many Types of Malocclusion

Malocclusion can take the form of overcrowding, overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite. Most orthodontic options, including Invisalign braces, can correct these problems. However, the many benefits of Invisalign can make it more ideal for both teens and adults.

To help you get an idea of Invisalign results, have a look at this page to see before and after photos.

6. Fewer Dietary Restrictions

Fixed orthodontic treatment appliances often come with dietary restrictions. For instance, dentists may advise patients to avoid crunchy, gooey, or sticky food. Otherwise, food debris may stick to, damage, or dislodge the brackets or wires.

The above doesn’t mean you must eliminate those foods from your diet. However, it’s best to be more careful when biting or chewing to prevent knocking the brackets out.

If that happens, you must have your dentist glue them back on as soon as possible. Otherwise, your treatment time can extend.

By contrast, Invisalign patients can eat almost anything they fancy. After all, they don’t have to worry about damaging the trays, as they can remove their aligners at any time.

7. May Be More Tolerable

Although small, conventional orthodontic brackets can still irritate the oral mucous membrane. The same can occur if the ends of the archwires poke the mouth’s interior lining.

If any of that happens, the mouth can develop mucosal ulcerations. That can lead to painful sores and swelling in the affected part of the lining. Tenderness can also occur, which may give rise to chewing and tooth brushing problems.

Such concerns aren’t that common with Invisalign. For instance, one study found that Invisalign patients reported fewer mucosal ulcerations. Moreover, they said they could chew better, as once again, they don’t have to eat with their trays on.

Thus, the researchers concluded that Invisalign might be more tolerable than fixed braces. However, they did cite how the clear aligners affected pronunciation and speech. Fortunately, these side effects only occurred in the short term.

Straighter, Healthier Teeth With Invisalign Treatment

There you have it, all the top reasons to consider Invisalign treatment. While it’s not a miracle appliance, you may be better off choosing it if you don’t want metals in your mouth. Plus, it may be easier on your teeth, gums, and appetite, seeing as you can remove the trays anytime.

So, consider opting for Invisalign, but if you’re still unsure, don’t be shy to ask your dentist about it.

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