Invisalign is one of the world’s most popular teeth straightening treatments. It’s been used to improve the smiles of millions of people worldwide for over twenty years.
But, Invisalign’s popularity comes hand-in-hand with several misconceptions. Sometimes, this is the result of incorrect assumptions presented as facts, and sometimes, it’s purposeful misinformation.
Regardless of why certain Invisalign myths persist, they can put people off receiving treatment that could benefit their health and confidence. If you’re trying to work out whether Invisalign is for you, it’s important to know the facts.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common myths surrounding Invisalign treatment while giving you the information you need to make a fully informed decision about the future of your smile.
MYTH: Invisalign Is Only for Very Mild Treatments
FACT: On the contrary. Invisalign is a versatile treatment suitable for use in mild to moderate cases. Using Invisalign, we can realign crooked teeth, straighten protrusions, close gaps, reduce crowding, and fix bite alignment issues like open bite, crossbite, overbite, and underbite.
Unlike fixed braces, we don’t need to adjust your aligner. Instead, Invisalign works in steps. Throughout your treatment, you’ll wear a series of custom-made aligners. Each new aligner moves your teeth a very small distance. The next aligner will move it further.
Although individual aligners make very slight changes to your smile, your treatment may involve at least twelve aligners. Some treatments have 48 or more steps. After all of the steps are complete, your smile will look noticeably different.
MYTH: Invisalign Is Only for Teenagers
FACT: Not at all. Because it’s so discreet, Invisalign is perfect for correcting adult and teenager smiles alike.
MYTH: Invisalign Takes Longer Than Braces
FACT: Invisalign is a highly effective treatment option that can work quickly. In mild cases, Invisalign can straighten teeth in just six months. Like braces, the length of your treatment will depend on the complexity of your case. More advanced cases may take up to two years.
MYTH: Invisalign Aligners Are More Expensive Than Fixed Braces
FACT: There’s no reason to assume your Invisalign treatment will cost more than fixed braces. Treatment costs depend on factors like the complexity of the alignment and how long it will take to straighten your teeth. In many cases, Invisalign costs around the same amount or less.
MYTH: Invisalign Is Painful
FACT: All teeth straightening treatments use gentle force. Invisalign is no different. It’s easy to assume that with constant pressure against your teeth, it will hurt. Don’t worry, it doesn’t.
While you may notice the force while getting used to a new aligner, you’ll barely feel anything after wearing it for a while.
Invisalign is made from a patented plastic. It’s smooth and comfortable and won’t rub against your gums or the sides of your mouth.
MYTH: You Need To Make Restrictions To Your Diet
FACT: Invisalign aligners are completely removable. You can take your aligner out every time you eat or drink anything and put it back in when you’re done.
This means you don’t have to make any changes to your diet. Patients with fixed braces must choose foods that won’t become trapped under the wire or around the brackets or cause damage. Invisalign wearers don’t have this same issue.
MYTH: All Clear Aligners Are the Same
FACT: This isn’t’t true. While they are the same theoretically, in practice, there are some big differences. Every aligner company uses different materials, and Invisalign uses its own— SmartTrack. Different materials produce different results. In addition, other differences like the shape of the trimline can make a difference to both comfort and the clinical outcome.
Invisalign was the first widely available clear aligner, and it’s one of the most established brands in dentistry. Over the years, Invisalign aligners have been rigorously tested and have been the focus of numerous clinical trials. The backing of so many dentists and orthodontists validates Invisalign’s authority as a leading clear aligner.
MYTH: Online Clear Aligner Treatments Are the Same As Invisalign
FACT: In recent years, lots of online-only aligner treatments have hit the market. With these treatments, there’s no pre-assessment with a dentist, and you won’t have checkups throughout the process.
While on the surface, they may look like Invisalign, these copycats lack the clinical precision and certainty provided by treatments supported by dentists. This makes this mail-order aligner treatment model inherently risky.
Invisalign In Ipswich
At Quest Dental Care, we’ve helped countless patients achieve a straighter and more confident smile. All of this using clear and convenient removable aligners. If you’re unsure about Invisalign, speak to us. Our experienced dentists will help you better understand Invisalign by clearly explaining the whole treatment process.
Get in touch to book your consultation.
