Are you considering Invisalign treatment but are unsure because of some myths you’ve come across? It’s important to distinguish between what’s myth and what’s fact prior to making a decision regarding your dental care choices. In this piece, our goal is to debunk common myths about Invisalign, helping you make an informed decision.
Invisalign is Painful
Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional metal braces, popular among adults and adolescents. While the idea of avoiding uncomfortable brackets and wires may be attractive to patients, some are put off by the idea that Invisalign could be painful. Fortunately, there is no need for concern – Invisalign is not painful at all!
In fact, many patients report that Invisalign aligners are comfortable to wear and cause little to no irritation. As with all orthodontic treatments, it is possible for patients to experience some discomfort from their aligners in the first few days of wearing them as the teeth adjust. However, any less-than-ideal sensations should subside shortly after wearing them; if not, an adjustment can be made or an alternate treatment can be considered.
Before beginning orthodontic treatment, it’s important to have a complete evaluation with your provider so they can ensure they choose the right treatment plan for your specific needs. By asking your orthodontist as many questions as necessary before and during treatment – whether it’s regarding pain levels associated with Invisalign treatment or other related topics – you will have peace of mind throughout your journey to perfect teeth alignment.
Invisalign is Only for Teens
Invisalign is undoubtedly a popular solution for teen orthodontic issues, but there are many adults who also benefit from using Invisalign. Even if you weren’t offered the option of Invisalign to address orthodontic issues when you were younger, the technology is still a viable option. If you are in need of orthodontic care or teeth straightening options that are less invasive than traditional systems, contact a qualified Invisalign provider to learn more about your treatment options.
It’s important to remember that every patient has unique needs and not all cases can be addressed with Invisalign – but even if you’re an adult with very complicated alignment needs, your doctor may still be able to customize an Invisalign plan for you. After diagnosing your situation and discussing your goals for treatment, your doctor will determine whether or not an Invisalign plan addresses those needs effectively. That being said, more individuals than ever before can benefit from taking advantage of this unique system.
Orthodontists Don’t Use Invisalign
The notion that orthodontists don’t use Invisalign for treatment is simply a myth. Many orthodontists routinely use Invisalign for treatment, seeing it as a great alternative to traditional braces. They particularly appreciate the fact that Invisalign aligners are virtually impossible to detect when someone is wearing them, thus removing any stigma from the individual wearing them.
Plus, patients remain highly satisfied with the results they get from Invisalign and report high levels of comfort no matter which type of braces they elect to use in order to get straighter teeth. In fact, many dentists report an increase in patient satisfaction with Invisalign compared with traditional metal brackets and wires. This trend continues to grow over time as more people become aware of all the advantages offered by this type of tooth straightening system.
You Need to Wear the Aligners 24/7
One of the most common myths about orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is that you need to wear your aligners for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But that isn’t the case. You should be wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours each day, but it’s ok to take them out while you eat and drink (just remember not to forget to put them back in!)
Additionally, you don’t need to sacrifice time away from friends and family as social time is important too! In between meals and snacking, you should still have your aligners in so that your smile can stay on track. Doing so will help ensure an expedited timeline for straighter teeth. Taking out the aligners too frequently or leaving them out for more than four hours at a time can jeopardize the success of treatment. So although 24/7 wearing is a myth, following the directions for wear (at least 20-22 hours daily) is essential nonetheless!
Invisalign Takes Longer Than Metal Braces
Invisalign is often seen as an affordable and comfortable form of orthodontic treatment compared to traditional metal braces. However, many patients still wonder if the same results can be achieved with Invisalign, as this form of treatment is associated with taking more time compared to metal braces.
The idea that Invisalign takes longer than metal braces is a myth. Depending on the severity of the case, it is possible to get similar results within a similar timeframe using either Invisalign or metal braces. To accomplish this, treatment plans are frequently tailored for each patient according to their individual situation and needs.
Another myth about Invisalign that can impede successful outcomes for patients is that it does not require frequent visits to an orthodontist. While regular visits are not required for adjustment purposes like conventional braces do, regular appointments remain important in order for the orthodontist to monitor progress and adjust any necessary areas in order to achieve desired results. Even though adjustments may happen less often than with traditional methods, following through with visits as scheduled by your provider throughout your journey has a significant impact on achieving successful outcomes.
For instance, your orthodontist may be able to determine any developing issues or concerns before they cause further difficulty in completing treatment objectives—or even worse—resulting in damage or tooth loss due to misalignment or improper maintenance of attachments by the patient at home between appointments.
Invisalign Doesn’t Correct Severe Cases
It is a common misconception that Invisalign does not address severe teeth alignment issues effectively, as it does not look as conventional braces do. This could not be further from the truth, however; Invisalign is designed to correct virtually any kind of teeth misalignment. As the name implies, it is an “invisible” orthodontic treatment, which can be just as effective and even preferable to traditional braces in many cases.
In some cases where the degree of tooth misalignment problems is more severe, your orthodontist may recommend additional treatment with integrated components such as attachments or specially fabricated mid-treatment refinements (Essix retainers) to help maneuver teeth into place. It may also require additional office visits over a longer treatment period in order to achieve a final result.
In other cases such as gaps between teeth or underbites and overbites, Invisalign provides some advantages over traditional braces since its clear aligners can make corrections without compromising comfort during treatment or the patient’s oral aesthetics during treatment time. Invisalign is highly recommended for mild to moderate tooth misalignment and irregular bite issues; it’s capable of correcting almost any problem in most cases (although not all).
It’s Difficult to Clean Your Teeth With Aligners on
Invisalign clear aligners can seem intimidating at first, but maintaining your oral health when wearing Invisalign is almost as easy as when you don’t have any orthodontic appliances on. The steps that you would take to clean your teeth without the aligners are essentially the same while they are in place: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day.
Cleaning your teeth with Invisalign is necessary even though there is no food trapped in the aligners as would be possible with traditional braces due to their nature as removable pieces of plastic. While they are not ideal places for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, it’s recommended that you brush them gently using a soft bristle brush when you’re brushing your own teeth. This helps to get rid of any built-up bacteria or plaque. Antibacterial mouthwash can also be used for added dental hygiene between brushing sessions.
It may not feel like you can access all aspects of your mouth while wearing Invisalign; however, all it takes is a few extra seconds of effort to make sure all surfaces are cleaned properly and thoroughly. You will find that your oral hygiene routine becomes easier over time as you become more familiar with how best to remove and maintain the aligners until achieving straight results.
You Can Go Without Check-ups During Treatment
One of the misconceptions about Invisalign treatment is that you can go without check-ups during your treatment. While it is true that you do not need to visit your orthodontist every few weeks, as you would with traditional braces, it is important to have regular check-ins to make sure your teeth are progressing according to plan.
Your orthodontist will review your X-rays and impressions, and make any needed adjustments to ensure that your treatment plan remains on track. You should also be sure to take good care of your aligners, following all cleaning instructions provided by your orthodontist or their staff. Doing so can help reduce the chance of any unwanted bacteria buildup or staining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Invisalign damage teeth?
No, Invisalign does not damage teeth. The aligners are made from a smooth, comfortable material that won’t damage your teeth or gums.
Can Invisalign fix all types of bite issues?
Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, overbite, and crossbite, however, it may not be suitable for all bite problems. Your orthodontist will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your individual case.
Can Invisalign be used with braces?
No, Invisalign is a standalone treatment and is not usually combined with traditional braces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Invisalign may have some limitations, there seems to be a lot of potential in its ability to provide a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth. For those who are curious about the treatment process, the best first step is to book a consultation with an Invisalign-certified dental provider. This will provide an opportunity for your provider to assess your specific needs and discuss whether Invisalign is right for you.
Whether you’re considering Invisalign or any other orthodontic treatment option, it’s always important to get informed and ask questions so that you can make the best decision for your situation. Armed with this knowledge and insight from your provider, you’ll be sure to make the best choice for yourself!
