Invisalign – The Pros & Cons

There has been a flurry of articles recently about the risks associated with cosmetic dentistry treatments, and our thanks go to Dr Ferakh Hamid  for the following piece on Invisalign braces which strikes us a well balanced discussion on the pluses and minuses of this treatment.

Invisalign Leeds patient

The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Braces

If you want the best smile possible, it’s essential you consider all your options. While there are more treatments  than ever before, each comes with its own pros and cons. You need to be familiar with them so that you don’t end up spending good money and lots of time using a solution that actually ends up leaving you with unsatisfactory results. One very popular method out right now is Invisalign braces—let’s take a closer look.

What Are Invisalign Braces?

Put simply, this product is meant to mimic the results you get with braces, but without being visible—hence the name. They’re for people who want straight teeth without all the hardware showing. Over the past five years or so, they’ve steadily grown in popularity too.

Let’s now look at the pros and cons of using Invisalign braces.

Practically Invisible

Like we just mentioned, no one wants to advertise that they’re having dental work done. Most of us associate a certain stigma with being an adult and needing a product like braces, which we generally think is something to give up as teenagers.

Whether or not this is fair, with Invisalign braces, you don’t have to worry that anyone is thinking it about you. They have see-through bodies that are made of a flexible form of plastic .Up close, people may be able to tell, but Invisalign braces are so unobtrusive that it won’t be something you’ll get embarrassed about.

You Can Take Them Out

Invisalign braces must be worn throughout the day for no less than 22 hours. However, you are permitted to take them out for the remaining two hours you have left, which is something s a great relief. With traditional braces, you never get a rest from them. Not only do they have to stay in, but you couldn’t take them out if you wanted to.

With Invisalign braces, you’ll mostly just be taking them out so that you can eat, but it can still make a big difference and help ease the discomfort that usually comes from wearing dental hardware.

They Get the Job Done

Make no mistake, despite the fact that Invisalign braces definitely make life a lot easier for the wearer, they still do a great job of realigning teeth exactly as you’d want. While there are some types of dental problems they won’t be good for fixing, those of us who just want our teeth straightened or better aligned will not be disappointed by what this popular product can do.

Limitations

However, this is probably a good time to bring up these specific limitations. Invisalign braces will not be much good at turning teeth back once they’ve reached a certain angle in your mouth. A dentist will be the final judge, but there are definitely some dental problems that only traditional braces can really address successfully.

Expensive

Invisalign braces can be quite expensive too. You have to remember that these are considered an elective procedure, so your insurance won’t be pitching in for them either. This means you’ll be paying for everything on your own. Compared to traditional braces, they’re definitely the more expensive option.

Regular Upkeep

You’ll need to return to your dentist’s office every two weeks to get an updated Invisalign insert. This is how they continuously bring your teeth closer together. With traditional braces, you usually only have to see an orthodontist once or twice a year, but that’s not the case with this specific kind.

Getting straighter teeth is easier than ever before thanks to Invisalign braces. However, it’s important to consider both the pros and the cons before you invest any time or money in this option.

 

Botox or not to Botox – That is the question

Botox Injections

Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin and a protein that is made by Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that creates this lethal toxin in Botox injections for cosmetic purposes. In the 1950, medical professionals discovered that by injecting small amounts of this toxin into overly active muscles caused a paralyzing effect on the muscle itself, freezing it into place and weakening the muscle over time. Now days, Botox is a common cosmetic procedure that is performed upwards of 6.3 million times per year in the United States by numerous plastic surgeons. The reason for the large number of procedures performed is due to the cosmetic effect that it takes against wrinkles and the ability for the effects to last between 4 to 6 months before another treatment is needed.

Other Cosmetic Applications of Botox Injections

There are many other cosmetic uses for Botox injections that in use today, such as treatment of spasms. Other conditions that are treated with Botox include cervical dystonia, strabismus, migraines, bruxism, and much more. There are even some stranger uses for Botox in the medical field that have been approved by the FDA that many are not aware of such as pediatric incontinence, palsy, wound healing, vocal cord dysfunction, and allergic rhinitis to name a few. While these uses are strange, they are treated much more often than most people think.

Risks and Side Effects of Botox

Your doctor will inform you of all the risks of Botox use for medical and cosmetic reasons, however if you are looking into Botox injections because you are interested in receiving them for the first time, here are a few of the risks and side effects that you will need to look out for after your injections. You may experience problems breathing, speaking, or swallowing after your injections, this is due to the weakening of the muscles and these issues can last up to several months after your procedure. There is also a possibility that you will experience effects from the spread of the toxin such as blurred vision, hoarseness, double vision, and other troublesome side effects. Due to the possibility of this, it is highly recommended that you avoid driving and operating machinery of any kind for safety reasons. You may also run a risk of a severe or immediate allergic reaction to the injections which will include rash, itching, red welts, and even wheezing and asthma like symptoms. If this occurs, contact a medical professional immediately.

Special Precautions

If are seriously considering having Botox injections performed, be sure to tell your doctor everything and about as much of your medical history as possible to ensure your safety. If you have any muscle or nerve conditions, your doctor will need to know to assess your risk of complications with the injections. This also goes for other medical conditions that you may have including medications you are prescribed to ensure there are no adverse reactions that may be possible with this procedure.

Safety

While there are many risks and side effects that are possible from Botox injections, there have only been 28 deaths caused by the use of Botox from 1989 to 2003. None of these deaths were ever linked to cosmetic uses of Botox injections, however in 2008 the FDA did link to a few deaths, adverse side effects, and even symptoms that can only be described as botulism like. None of these cases were linked to cosmetic Botox injections either, but plastic surgeons and others who perform Botox injections for cosmetic reasons ensure they are careful and that you have as few risks and complications as possible.

Conclusion

While there will always be some risk to receiving Botox injections, working closely with your doctors and cosmetic surgeons to identify any possible risks caused by the injections is your best defense. If there are any risks for you during the procedure, your cosmetic medical professional will advise you of all potential risks and ensure that you are still comfortable with the procedure before going through with the injections. As long as your doctor has all of the facts about your medical history, allergens, and past medical conditions including current medications, your procedure should be done with as few side effects as possible.