Recently, I was having a discussion with a friend about braces. She had just started treatment with Invisalign. This option is more flexible than the Six Month Smile braces in the fact that it's a removable retainer. (Handy for picture taking, evenings out, etc.) However, instead of raving about the experience, she told me that it's actually been more of a stresser.
Her dentist told her to keep her Invisalign retainers in around the clock, taking them only out for meals. As a teacher, she snacks when she can between classes. In other words, her meals are more like frequent snacks as her breaks allow. She was also warned that anything darker than water (tea, coffee, soda) may stain the retainers. Taking the retainers in and out throughout the day is not only messy, but also increases the chance they get dirty/misplaced/etc. in the classroom. (Picture an active group of 6th graders!) Additionally, she felt like there was more wear and tear on the retainers because of her taking them out so frequently. Finally, there's the timeline. I was out of my Six Month Smile braces in exactly six months. (Though, frequently, patients take a couple of extra months to complete treatment...or they may even be able to take them off early!)
Though there were days that I wished I could have taken my Six Month Smile braces off, I'm so thankful that I could always eat, drink and be merry with them on! Working in PR, I'm always "on" and I can't imagine sweeping my retainer out of sight if someone happened to step through my office door while I was nibbling.
What are your thoughts? Do you know someone who has Invisalign? How do you feel they compare? There are benefits to both, but which is the better option for someone considering braces as an adult?
