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 Long Grove, IL.

    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 Long Grove Dental at 847-636-5020 for an appointment in our Long Grove office.

    Recent Posts

    A Clear Solution To Straightening Teeth

    Invisalign involves clear plastic aligners that you wear over the teeth throughout the day.Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are customized to the teeth of each individual patient. Invisalign is discreet, so few will know you are wearing aligners. Start straightening your smile with Invisalign today.Does Invisalign Really WorkAt Long Grove Dental…

    CEREC® Crowns Vs. Traditional Dental Crowns

    CEREC® crowns are a great dental restoration option that offers convenience, ease, and efficient results. However, they are still rather new to dentistry, which can cause those that are considering their options to have a lot of questions. CEREC® crowns achieve the same goal as traditional crowns do, but the way the process is executed…

    Emergency Dentist: When To Seek Immediate Dental Care

    Wondering when you should see an emergency dentist? Read on to learn more. Regular dental care can prevent emergency dental treatment. Unfortunately, dental emergencies do happen unexpectedly, even if you brush and floss regularly. In such cases, it is a great idea to visit an emergency dentist immediately.Many people do not know whether their dental…

Long Grove Dental

Share
Published by
Long Grove Dental

Recent Posts

CEREC® Crowns vs. Traditional Dental Crowns

CEREC® crowns are a great dental restoration option that offers convenience, ease, and efficient results.

2 weeks ago

Emergency Dentist: When To Seek Immediate Dental Care

Pain is often the first indicator that you may require a visit to the emergency…

1 month ago

Caring for Your Dental Bridge: Tips for Longevity

A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the…

2 months ago

Are Dental Veneers Right for You? Explore Your Options

Minor flaws in your teeth might make you hide your smile. If so, dental veneers…

3 months ago

How a Restorative Dentist Can Help After a Traumatic Accident

One of the primary concerns that often develops after a traumatic incident is the development…

5 months ago

How an Experienced Implant Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

An implant dentist can replace one or more missing teeth and thereby improve the appearance…

6 months ago