The benefits that exist with Invisalign treatment extend far beyond those of traditional metal braces. From greater flexibility when eating to greater comfort thanks to its smooth materials, it’s no surprise these aligners are a preferred solution among self-conscious teenagers and adults. But is it the right orthodontic treatment for everyone? Unfortunately, it is not, which can mean potential complications if an appropriate evaluation is not performed first. Read on to discover why the benefits far outweigh any possible pitfalls and why you can count on your dentist to help you determine if Invisalign is right for you.
What Makes a Person a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Although many orthodontic advancements have occurred since the introduction of Invisalign, including the ability to treat more complex cases with these aligners, there are still situations that require traditional braces to fix (i.e., severe malocclusion).
This is why your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth during an initial consultation. In addition to a visual evaluation, they will also take digital images to help indicate what is happening beneath the surface.
If your dentist discovers that you have mild to moderate overcrowding, bite misalignment, crookedness, or gaps between teeth, you will likely be considered for Invisalign.
What Kind of Complications Could Occur with Invisalign?
Invisalign is customized to each patient’s mouth and orthodontic needs; however, it is possible to experience a few complications along the way. It’s important to know what to do should you be faced with one of these scenarios so that you don’t experience a delay in treatment.
- Discomfort: This is normal while wearing Invisalign and can be remedied with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. You can expect this to occur immediately following initial placement and when switching to a new set of trays.
- Loose Filling: If you previously received a dental filling, you may accidentally cause it to loosen when removing your aligner each time you take it out of your mouth. If this happens, call your dentist so they can put the filling back in place.
- Dry Mouth: Wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day can cause dry mouth to occur. The lengthy wear time can reduce saliva production, creating a more desirable environment for bacteria to grow. This is why it’s essential to drink lots of water during treatment, as it will keep your mouth moist. You can also have water while wearing your aligners.
Do the Pros Outweigh the Cons?
When contemplating whether to choose Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you’ll find that the benefits are far greater than any potential problem that could occur. First, your dentist will make sure you are a good candidate, thus reducing the possibility of complications. Second, Invisalign offers a more comfortable form of treatment than traditional braces, even if minimal discomfort does occur.
Finally, it’s possible that you could achieve results faster with Invisalign than with metal braces. Each case is different, so this is not guaranteed; however, the average timeframe for completion is 12-18 months.
Don’t discount Invisalign just because some risks exist. The advantages that come with clear aligner treatment will make your decision to move forward with a more subtle approach one you will not regret.
About the Author
Dr. Priya Chougule is a trusted cosmetic dentist in Southlake who has more than 15 years of experience in the field. Earning her DMD degree at the University of Connecticut, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. She and her colleague, Dr. Ashley Fasone, work together to provide patients of Southlake Family Dentistry with Invisalign clear aligners as a more comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. Offering clear instructions and explanations about these trays, they ensure each patient is a good candidate before starting treatment. If you are considering Invisalign and have questions, contact us at (803) 548-3342.