Some Myths and Facts About Invisalign Teeth Straightening

Invisalign® allows many people to achieve beautiful, straight teeth without suffering through a mouthful of metal. The good news is that Invisalign® is not a myth. It is an orthodontic treatment that can work wonders for the smile of the right patient. Keep reading to learn the basics about clear aligners. In the process, you can separate fact from myth with this popular treatment. 

What Invisalign can and cannot do

Invisalign is the most popular brand of clear aligners. Patients and dentists trust this make of clear aligners for its strength, flexibility, and high-quality build. While clear aligners are a popular alternative to braces, there are differences between the two kinds of orthodontic appliances. Here are the advantages that clear aligners have over traditional braces:

• They are close to invisible
• Unlike braces, clear aligners can come off during meals and teeth cleaning
• Aligners are more comfortable and cause less soreness than the brackets on traditional braces
• Clear aligners like Invisalign® allow for easy cleaning of both the teeth and the aligners

These are the main selling points of clear aligners. Still, there are limits to what aligners can do. For example, clear aligners will not correct a bad bite that results from a jaw problem.

It is worth noting that aligners can only correct mild to moderate malocclusions (bad bites). Anything more severe and the dentist will recommend more aggressive forms of orthodontic treatment. Here are the myths and facts that surround Invisalign®.

1. Myth: Teeth trays hurt more than braces as they align the teeth

Braces and teeth trays apply comparable amounts of pressure as they realign the teeth. There is little (if any) difference in the function of aligners and traditional braces. If anything, aligners have the added advantage of lacking brackets, which are famous for causing soreness of the inner lips and inner cheeks.

2. Myth: Teeth trays like Invisalign® are slower and less effective than braces

Both types of orthodontic appliances align the teeth at comparable rates. Two main factors affect the duration of treatment: the severity of the patient’s orthodontic issues and patient compliance.

This means with all things being equal, teeth trays work just as well as braces, without causing discomfort or announcing themselves to the world.

3. Myth: DIY aligners work

They do not. Clear aligners like Invisalign® are custom teeth trays that a dentist designs based on their patient’s actual bite. There is no way an off-the-shelf aligner can replicate the accuracy of custom dental trays. If anything, DIY aligners can do more harm than good.

4. Fact: Invisalign® teeth trays are hard to spot

This is true. Clear aligners from the dentist are a near-perfect fit for the patient’s teeth. They (almost) hug every contour of every one of the patient’s teeth. The fact that clear aligners are made of ultra-thin, flexible plastic does not hurt either. All the wearer has to do is to make sure that they keep the transparent plastic from staining or scuffing.

5. Fact: Invisalign® is more expensive than braces

This still qualifies as fact, but it is one of those facts that does not always hold true. It is possible to find dentists that charge pretty much the same for both braces and aligners. There is more good news: The pricing gap between Invisalign and traditional orthodontics is closing by the day.

6. Fact: Clear aligners correct mild to moderate bad bites

This is true. Invisalign® only reaches its limits in the case of jaw deformities and malformations. Also, a dentist may recommend more aggressive treatments for severe cases of malocclusion.

Invisalign® could be the upgrade your smile needs right now

Nothing boosts the old self-confidence like two perfect rows of teeth. Lucky for you, the subtle, convenient treatment that is Invisalign® could create your dream smile.

To find out if Invisalign® therapy is in the cards for you, reach out. Our dentist will use their vast experience to create a treatment plan that delivers your dream smile in the shortest time possible. You too can join our dentist’s long list of happy patients.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryforwoodstock.com or call Dentistry for Woodstock at (770) 238-1437 for an appointment in our Woodstock office.

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