Invisalign has allowed tens of millions of people around the globe to straighten their teeth and fix their bites without having to wear metal braces, but should it be used by every person who needs orthodontics? The truth is that while this treatment is safe and effective, there are a few complications that can occur, and it’s best to consider them before you begin. What are they, and more importantly, is Invisalign still worth it?
Tooth Decay
With Invisalign, you’ll be asked to wear a set of mouth trays for 20-22 hours a day, meaning you’ll only take them out to eat or clean your teeth. Ideally, you’ll rinse your trays and brush after every meal or snack, as not doing so can trap food particles against your teeth and increase your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath.
Soreness
The way Invisalign moves the teeth is actually the exact same as braces—a small amount of pressure is applied to guide them to their final positions. As a result, this can create some pain and tenderness in the teeth and gums. While this might be unpleasant, it’s a sign that the treatment is working! And fortunately, this discomfort is typically short-lived, only lasting about a day or so.
Speech Issues
There is an intricate interaction between your teeth and tongue when you speak, so adding Invisalign trays to the mix can have a notable effect. Namely, some patients develop a lisp or have trouble saying certain syllables because their mouth has to adapt. Thankfully, this adjustment period doesn’t last long, so you don’t have to worry about not sounding like yourself throughout treatment!
What Are the Pros and Cons of Invisalign?
So with all this in mind, is Invisalign still worth it? If you ask anyone who has undergone the treatment, they’ll tell you it’s a resounding yes.
Despite these complications, the discreet appearance, improved comfort compared to metal braces, and ability to eat whatever you want far outweigh all of the issues touched on above. Any pain or speech difficulties typically go away after a day or so, and it only requires a small adjustment to your daily habits to keep your cavity risk in check. In fact, many Invisalign patients report that they keep brushing their teeth after every meal because they like how it feels, and their dentist definitely notices during their regular checkups.
About the Practice
With 40+ years of combined experience, Dr. Ricke and Dr. Douglas are dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. They take the time to get to know your unique needs and then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver fully individualized treatments to meet them. If you would like to straighten your smile with Invisalign, you can schedule a consultation on our website or call (919)781-8610.