5 Myths and Misconceptions About Invisalign

Up to 20% of the population doesn’t have an ideal bite. Braces are a common treatment to repair alignment problems, but they’re not always needed. Minor alignment issues can be repaired using Invisalign. Invisalign is a popular method of treating alignment issues because the average treatment time is just one year and it has a patient satisfaction rate of up to 96%.

However, while Invisalign is a popular treatment option, there are still a few common myths and misconceptions surrounding Invisalign treatment. Here are a few of some of those myths so you can get a better idea of what you can expect from your own Invisalign treatment the next time you visit the dentist.

Myth #1: Invisalign can’t repair misalignments

Invisalign is ideal for those who have minor alignment issues that can be repaired with clear aligners. While braces are best for more complex issues, Invisalign can help treat overcrowded teeth, gapped teeth, underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites. If you’re not sure if Invisalign or braces are the better option for you, talk to your local dentists to get a professional opinion.

Myth #2: Invisalign can fix all misalignments

While Invisalign can help treat misalignments, they’re better used for minor problems that can be corrected using clear aligners. However, Invisalign doesn’t completely replace the need for braces. For instance, Invisalign can repair crooked teeth. But if the tooth has rotated too much to be straightened with aligners, braces may be needed instead. Similarly, Invisalign can help to treat small gaps in the teeth, but braces are needed for larger gaps. Invisalign also can’t correct midline discrepancies over 2mm, and can’t raise or lower the position of the tooth in your jawline. Talk to your local dentists to learn more about whether Invisalign or braces are right for you.

Myth #3: Invisalign is just for teenagers

While kids and teens are more often seen wearing braces and Invisalign, they’re not the only ones that wear them. Invisalign is perfectly suited for treating dental issues in adults, too. What makes Invisalign great is that, just like its name, Invisalign is clear so you can wear your aligners throughout the day without it being obvious that you’re wearing them. For adults, Invisalign’s invisibility is especially ideal during the workday.

Myth #4: Invisalign isn’t for kids

Another common misconception about Invisalign is that they aren’t appropriate for children whose teeth are still developing. However, children between the ages of six and 10 years old are eligible to begin orthodontic treatment from their dentists if they need it. Children typically begin to lose their baby teeth at age six, but sometimes baby teeth can fall out too soon. This can cause the teeth to shift and become overcrowded when permanent teeth start to come in. In fact, overcrowding can become an issue as early as age five. Invisalign can be a great way to fix overcrowding before it can become a major problem.

Myth #5: Invisalign takes longer than braces to treat your teeth

Invisalign and braces treat different dental issues, which is why Invisalign actually takes less time to treat your dental issues compared to braces. While braces are working to repair more advanced problems such as jaw misalignments or wide gaps, Invisalign is treating smaller problems. Because of that, Invisalign treatments only take approximately 12 to 18 months on average.

In comparison, braces treatments typically take around two years. Of course, for your Invisalign to effectively treat your teeth, it’s important to make sure that you’re wearing them correctly. Because Invisalign can be removed, patients may sometimes forget to put their aligners back in. For your Invisalign treatment to be effective and to take only 12 to 18 months, you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day while changing them according to your schedule. Invisalign is removable, but you should only remove your clear aligners to eat and to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Your Invisalign should be replaced before you go to sleep.

Are you interested in Invisalign clear aligners, but aren’t sure where to start? Your local cosmetic dentists at Railroad Dental Associates have you covered. Contact us today to learn more about how Invisalign can benefit your smile.