Does Invisalign Really Work Without Causing Tooth Problems

Does Invisalign really work? This treatment is often marketed as a more convenient alternative to braces, but some patients are concerned about its effectiveness. Invisalign® may sound too good to be true — patients do not have to worry about avoiding certain foods that may become stuck in traditional braces.

Does Invisalign really work?

Like traditional braces, Invisalign® is designed to correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth and gaps. Instead of periodically having wires tightened like with braces, Invisalign® patients are given a series of near-invisible aligners. Each successive set of aligners is designed to push the patient's teeth closer to their ideal alignment.

What factors cause Invisalign® not to work?

One of the advantages of Invisalign® is that it can be taken out when a patient needs to eat or brush their teeth. However, this advantage can quickly become a disadvantage when patients are non-compliant. Most dental professionals advise their patients that they need to wear their Invisalign® trays as close to 23 hours per day as possible.

Because it is easy to remove Invisalign® at any point, some patients go for several hours without wearing their aligners. Even in this relatively short period, it is possible to lose progress. Each time a patient goes without aligners, teeth can shift back to where they were before treatment. When done frequently, this can result in Invisalign® treatment not working.

Does Invisalign really work for all dental issues?

Invisalign® can be used to correct almost every issue that traditional braces can. However, for certain severe issues, a patient's dentist may recommend alternative treatment. For patients with the following issues, Invisalign® may not be effective:

  • Extremely crowded teeth
  • Teeth rotated more than 20 degrees
  • Very large gaps between teeth
  • Existing dental bridges or similar types of dental work
  • Unusually shaped teeth
  • Before prescribing Invisalign® or a similar orthodontic treatment, a dental professional will thoroughly examine a patient's teeth to see whether Invisalign® is the right option.

    Can Invisalign® cause tooth problems?

    When used correctly, Invisalign® will not cause tooth problems. Patients do need to be very careful to brush their teeth before putting aligners back in. Because aligners fit very tightly to the teeth, they stop saliva from reaching the teeth's surface. Without saliva, food particles cannot be efficiently broken down, and plaque, cavities and other dental issues may occur.

    In order to avoid potential problems, Invisalign® patients should make sure they brush and floss their teeth after eating and before placing the aligners. The prescribing provider will usually go over optimal dental hygiene with a patient before fitting them with their first set of aligners.

    Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Services in Oviedo, FL.

    Conclusion

    Patients who have been wondering, "Does Invisalign® really work?" may be relieved to know that with careful compliance and good dental hygiene, the answer is almost always yes. For patients interested in Invisalign® for achieving a better smile, it is a good idea to reach out to a dental professional to make an appointment.

    Request an appointment or call Everest Dental at 407-588-4388 for an appointment in our Oviedo office.

    Related Posts

    When To Consider Invisalign®

    Invisalign® is probably the most well-known brand name for clear aligners. Their popularity is due to their ability to straighten teeth flexibly and discreetly and to their SmartTrack™ material, which can move teeth comfortably and accurately. Patients interested in Invisalign need to consider the benefits and if they are candidates.Invisalign is a highly recognizable brand…

    General Dentistry: How A Dentist Uses Dental Fillings To Fix A Tooth

    Dentistry is similar to family medicine: its practitioners offer basic services for oral health. These include checkups and examinations, professional cleanings, cavity prevention treatments (such as fluoride), and when necessary, filling cavities. Dental practitioners can also detect the early signs of tooth decay when damage is minor and more easily repaired by a dental filling.In…

    General Dentistry: The Importance Of Dental Exams

    Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients stay healthy and keep their smiles beautiful. One way dentists do so is with regular dental exams.During dental exams, dentists take X-rays to ensure everything is fine inside their patients' teeth. They also do a visual exam where they look into patients' mouths.Finally, dentists clean teeth by scraping off…

Everest Dental

Share
Published by
Everest Dental

Recent Posts

When To Consider Invisalign®

Invisalign® is probably the most well-known brand name for clear aligners. Their popularity is due…

2 hours ago

General Dentistry: How a Dentist Uses Dental Fillings to Fix a Tooth

Dentistry is similar to family medicine: its practitioners offer basic services for oral health. These…

8 hours ago

General Dentistry: The Importance of Dental Exams

Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients stay healthy and keep their smiles beautiful. One way…

2 days ago

How Invisalign Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

Invisalign® is a low-profile way to adjust the position of your teeth without needing to…

6 days ago

Get the Facts About Cavity Prevention

Dentistry professionals provide many facts on preventing cavities to help shed light on the recommended…

1 week ago

Dentist Check-Ups and Oral Disease Diagnoses

Dentistry includes procedures and treatments to ensure you have a healthy mouth and teeth. It…

1 week ago