“Invisalign works wonders—but even magic has its limits.”

Invisalign has changed the way people think about orthodontic treatment. It’s sleek, subtle, and way more lifestyle-friendly than traditional metal braces.

But let’s get real—Invisalign isn’t perfect for everyone.

If you’re considering clear aligners, it’s important to understand not just what they can do, but also where they fall short. That way, you won’t waste time, money, or effort chasing a treatment that may not fully deliver the results you want.

Let’s walk through the common limitations of Invisalign and when another option—like traditional braces—might be the better call.

Limitation #1: Severe Crowding or Spacing

Invisalign works well for mild to moderate crowding. But if your teeth are seriously overlapping or spaced out like they haven’t spoken in years, you might hit a wall.

Severe crowding can make it tough for aligners to grip teeth properly. You might not get the movement needed to bring everything into alignment.

In these cases, braces have more control. They can pull, push, and rotate with greater force and precision.

Limitation #2: Complex Bite Problems

Got a deep overbite? An open bite? A crossbite that makes chewing feel off?

Invisalign can handle small to moderate bite issues—but more extreme cases may need the anchorage and mechanics of braces.

We’re talking:

• Severe overbites and underbites
• Crossbites involving the back molars
• Jaw misalignment that requires vertical or rotational movement

Braces give orthodontists more leverage to fix these types of structural problems. Sometimes, they’re even paired with surgery for complex corrections.

Limitation #3: Missing Teeth or Dental Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth, Invisalign might not be your best first step.

Why? Because missing teeth can mess with the anchor points Invisalign needs to guide movement.

That’s not to say it’s impossible. But it can make things trickier—especially if you’re also planning implants or bridges.

In some cases, it’s smarter to restore the missing teeth first, then use Invisalign to fine-tune the alignment.

Limitation #4: Attachments and Compliance

Invisalign is marketed as “barely there.” And it is… most of the time.

But let’s talk about attachments—those little tooth-colored bumps placed on certain teeth to help with movement. They make Invisalign more effective, but also more noticeable.

If you’re expecting totally invisible, attachment bumps might surprise you.

And unlike braces, Invisalign requires a lot of discipline. You have to:

• Wear aligners 20–22 hours a day
• Take them out before every meal or drink
• Clean them properly

For teens or adults who aren’t super routine-driven, that level of responsibility can be tough to maintain. Miss too much wear time? Treatment drags on—or doesn’t work.

Limitation #5: Tooth Shape or Size Issues

Believe it or not, Invisalign doesn’t work well with all tooth shapes.

If your teeth are very short, round, or pegged, the aligners may have trouble gripping them enough to move them effectively. We’ve seen it before.

In some cases, we can modify the teeth slightly to help the aligners fit better. But in others, braces simply do a better job.

Limitation #6: Compliance with Refinements

Refinements are extra trays used at the end of treatment to fine-tune results. Pretty common—and totally normal.

But if your teeth are stubborn or your alignment shifts unexpectedly, you might need more refinements than expected. That’s extra time, more check-ins, and potentially added costs if trays are lost or damaged.

If you’re someone who just wants to be done in one go? Invisalign’s flexibility might start to feel like a hassle.

When Braces Might Be the Better Option

There’s no shame in going old-school.

Braces are incredibly effective, especially for complex cases. They require less daily responsibility and don’t rely on patient compliance the way Invisalign does.

We recommend braces when:

• There’s extreme crowding or rotation
• Jaw issues need fixing
• Teeth aren’t responding well to aligners
• The patient (adult or teen) prefers a “set-it-and-forget-it” system

Sometimes, braces followed by a short Invisalign refinement phase delivers the best of both worlds.

Honest Answers at Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry

Here’s the deal: We’re not here to upsell you on Invisalign if it’s not the right choice.

Dr. Jamielynn Hanam-Jahr and our team are 100% focused on getting you results. If Invisalign is a great fit, we’ll show you exactly how it works. If braces make more sense, we’ll tell you that, too.

We believe in clarity, no pressure, and building a plan around you—not around marketing.

Final Thoughts: Know Before You Go

Invisalign is amazing for a lot of people. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The best first step is a consultation. We’ll take scans, talk through your goals, and lay out your best path forward.

Straight teeth are the goal. But choosing the right method? That’s what makes the journey smoother.