Do you want to straighten your teeth without using traditional braces, but are confused about some of the information you’ve heard about Invisalign®? You are not alone – there’s a lot of misinformation being spread on the internet when it comes to teeth straightening. Unfortunately, this misinformation can prevent people from getting the straight, beautiful smile they have always dreamed of.
Our dentists at Skyview Dentistry have done the fact-checking for you, and we are glad to debunk some of the more common myths about Invisalign®.
Busting the Most Common Invisalign® Myths
Invisalign® can only fix crooked teeth
Crooked teeth, also known by dentists as malocclusions, are just one of the many dental problems we can fix. Invisalign® can address:
- Gaps between your teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbites, in which your top front teeth overlap your lower teeth too much
- Underbites, in which your lower front teeth stick out past your upper front teeth
- Crossbites, in which the upper teeth rest behind your lower teeth
Brushing and flossing is hard with Invisalign®
Taking care of your teeth is easy – simply take out the aligner tray to brush and floss, and then return it to your mouth.
Invisalign® is only for teenagers
Invisalign® can help patients of all ages get the great smile they desire. In fact, many adults prefer Invisalign® over traditional braces because the clear aligner trays are nearly invisible, which looks more professional.
Taking care of Invisalign® is hard
It’s easy to take good care of your Invisalign®:
- Rinse the aligner tray in lukewarm (not hot) water every time you remove them
- Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild liquid soap daily, and then rinse thoroughly
- Soak them once a day in a solution recommended by your dentist
Invisalign® is uncomfortable
Made from smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic, Invisalign® will never poke your cheeks, tongue, or other sensitive tissue in your mouth. What’s more, Invisalign® fits your teeth snugly, so you don’t feel like you have a mouth full of metal. While you may feel some discomfort when you switch to a new aligner tray, Invisalign® is much more comfortable on a day-to-day basis than braces.
It is a new, unpopular technology
Invisalign® was invented more than 20 years ago. In the years since, more than 17 million people have transformed their smiles with these clear aligner trays.
You can’t eat your favorite foods
One of the biggest drawbacks to traditional metal braces is that they come with food restrictions. You’ll be glad to know that you can enjoy all of your favorite foods and beverages with Invisalign® – simply remove the clear aligner, enjoy your meal, and return the tray when you are done.
Teeth straightening is never invisible
Virtually invisible, Invisalign® helps you straighten your teeth discreetly. This is a significant advantage over the highly visible brackets and wires of traditional braces.
You can never take them out
While you’ll need to wear your Invisalign® trays for 20 to 22 hours each day, you can take them out for special occasions, to eat or drink your favorite foods and beverages, or to play contact sports. Just be sure to store your Invisalign® aligner trays in their case to reduce your risk of losing them.
It takes longer to straighten your teeth with Invisalign®
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign® often takes about the same amount of time as does straightening your teeth with traditional braces, and Invisalign® may even be faster in some cases. The duration of your treatment depends on many factors, such as the severity of your malocclusion.
Invisalign® cost is higher
You might be surprised to learn that teeth straightening with Invisalign® is comparable to orthodontic treatment with braces. Cost depends largely on how much straightening the teeth need, the length of treatment, and the number of hours you wear your Invisalign® each day.
Invisalign® in Charlotte
Good news – you can get Invisalign® from your favorite dentist in Charlotte. Skyview Dentistry offers Invisalign® along with many other dental services. For more patient education about Invisalign® in Charlotte, connect with Skyview Dentistry.