The Truth About Invisalign: What You Need to Know

Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options available. An alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign can offer patients a wide array of benefits and advantages while meeting patient expectations and delivering impactful results. As dental treatments become increasingly popular, more and more people talk about them, and this means that there are more chances for incorrect rumors and misconceptions about the treatments to spread. So, we're here to set the record straight, debunking some of the most common misconceptions about Invisalign.  

What's the Truth About Invisalign? Debunking 10 Common Invisalign Myths

1. Invisalign Can Only Address Minor Orthodontic Issues

While some patients will benefit more from other types of orthodontic treatments, Invisalign is designed to address a wide range of issues including simple, moderate, and more complex cases of malocclusion, crowding, gaps, and alignment. In fact, some Invisalign systems include additional attachments such as elastics that make it possible to address more complex orthodontic problems while maintaining a virtually invisible course of treatment.  

2. You Don't Have to Wear Your Aligners All of the Time

While Invisalign aligners can be removed for meals or photographs, they do need to be worn most of the time. Aligner trays should be kept in place in the mouth for at least 22 hours each day for effective treatment that ends on schedule. Each aligner tray is designed to gently push the teeth closer toward their desired final positions and alignment. When patients do not wear their aligners for the recommended amount of time, the teeth do not make more progress, and they can even begin drifting back toward their original positions in the mouth, reversing the treatment progress that has already been achieved.  

3. Oral Hygiene Isn't as Important with Invisalign

During treatment with Invisalign, oral hygiene isn't as difficult as it is with traditional braces, but it is still just as important for your ongoing oral health. While getting treatment with Invisalign, patients should continue brushing and flossing in the morning and night. Plus, patients need to brush and floss their teeth after every meal before they put their aligner trays back in.  

4. Invisalign Isn't Intended for Children

Invisalign isn't always recommended for children because the aligner trays are removable and can be easily lost. As a result, children who are not responsible often don't wear their aligners for as long as they need to each day or they end up losing their aligner trays.

Invisalign, however, does provide special treatment systems for younger patients called Invisalign Teen. Invisalign Teen includes color-changing indicator dots that help patients (and parents) keep track of how long aligner trays are worn. Plus, the treatment systems include additional replacement aligners to help accommodate any aligners that get lost during lunchtime.  

5. Treatment With Invisalign Is Painful

Another common misconception about Invisalign is that it's painful. While some discomfort or a feeling of pressure is normal when you first start treatment or move on to the next set of trays, it is very minor and typically does not last long.  

Invisalign is designed to be more comfortable and a lot less painful than treatment with traditional metal braces. The smooth, plastic trays are gentle on the mouth's soft tissues and most patients get used to the feeling of slight pressure after a few days of wearing their aligner trays.  

6. Treatment With Invisalign Takes Less Time Than Braces

With any orthodontic treatment - Invisalign or traditional braces - the total length of treatment depends on the complexity and severity of each patient's case. As a result, treatment with Invisalign or braces usually takes about the same amount of time.

7. Invisalign Costs More Than Braces

Many patients believe Invisalign costs more than braces. However, the cost of treatment is more dependent on the complexity and severity of the case. On average, the cost is fairly similar.  

8. You Don't Have to Wear a Retainer After Treatment with Invisalign

After completing treatment, most patients do need to wear a retainer to prevent their teeth from drifting back out of alignment.  

9. You Can't Eat All Foods with Invisalign

Invisalign aligners should be removed during meals, and this means you can eat any food you want.  

10. You Can Get Invisalign from Any Dentist

Successful treatment with Invisalign requires a dentist with the proper training, tools, and experience. In addition to exceptional general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, at Oyler Family Dentistry, we're proud to provide our patients with comprehensive orthodontics, including treatment with Invisalign.

Learn More About Invisalign at Oyler Family Dentistry

If you're suffering from malocclusion or your teeth are crooked, crowded, have gaps, or are misaligned, we encourage you to talk with our dentist about correcting your orthodontic issues with Invisalign. We can help you understand what your personalized treatment plan would include, what costs to budget for, and the kinds of results you can expect from treatment.  

We believe that good dental care comes from a strong partnership between patients and their dental care providers. That's why we place a strong emphasis on patient education and communication regarding oral health, dental care, and our patient's treatment options. We work closely with each of our patients to help them understand the treatments we are recommending while helping them choose the course of treatment that is truly best for helping them achieve their treatment goals.  

To learn more about transforming your smile and improving your oral health with Invisalign, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Greendale to request a consultation today.  

‍