6 Common Myths About Invisalign Treatment

Myth 1: Invisalign Is Only For Minor Dental Issues

Fact: Invisalign treatment isn’t just for minor orthodontic issues. So what can Invisalign fix? While it’s well-known for correcting mild to moderate cases of misalignment like crooked teeth, gaps, or crowding, Invisalign can also address more complex orthodontic problems — especially in the hands of an experienced Invisalign doctor like Evergreen, CO orthodontist, Dr. DuRussel. In fact, Dr. DuRussel has gone above and beyond for his patients — he recently completed the Invisalign Orthodontic Master Program, a comprehensive curriculum for orthodontists to master advanced Invisalign techniques.

Correcting difficult cases is also built into the Invisalign process. Treatment is designed utilizing high-tech digital planning tools for precise tooth movements from beginning to end. Your Invisalign clear aligners are then custom-made at the Invisalign lab according to that personalized treatment plan. As well, some types of Invisalign treatments can involve attachments and elastics to correct jaw misalignment like overbites, underbites or crossbites.

Myth 2: Invisalign Treatment Takes Longer Than Traditional Braces

Fact: One common perception is that Invisalign treatment takes longer than traditional braces. But as your Evergreen, CO orthodontist, we’re here to let you know that Invisalign treatment time is as unique as your teeth and depends on factors like the complexity of your case, your age, and your oral health.

Invisalign can transform your smile within a similar timeframe as braces or sometimes even faster. What contributes to efficient Invisalign treatment is oversight by an Invisalign doctor like Dr. DuRussel who comes with a high level of Invisalign expertise. 

Invisalign treatment time also depends on you: you have to wear your clear aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day, follow your treatment schedule for changing your tee sets, and check in with your orthodontist at the scheduled intervals. Maintaining excellent oral health is also vital: cavities or tooth decay can interrupt treatment and prolong it.

Myth 3: Invisalign Is Uncomfortable

Fact: One of the advantages of Invisalign clear aligners is the comfort factor. Made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, these aligners custom fit to teeth, ensuring a snug and precise wear. Unlike traditional braces, which can cause irritation and sores on the soft tissue in your mouth, Invisalign aligners don’t have metal brackets or wires that could scrape against your gums, cheeks, or tongue. 

While you may experience mild pressure or discomfort when you begin treatment or when you switch to your next set of aligners, this typically subsides quickly as your teeth get used to wearing them. Invisalign is designed to shift teeth gradually and incrementally, resulting in a relatively gentle orthodontic experience.

Myth 4: Invisalign Aligners Are Visibly Noticeable 

Fact: A key attraction of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are virtually invisible. They’re transparent and cut to fit right to the gum line so they blend seamlessly with your teeth. Some patients even report that their friends, family, or coworkers don’t notice their Invisalign clear aligners unless standing right up close and intentionally looking at the mouth. With Invisalign for adults and teens, this near invisibility is a welcome perk versus the obvious look of traditional metal braces.

Myth 5: Invisalign Treatment Requires A Change To What You Eat

Fact: With braces, you have to modify what you eat to avoid damaging your appliance or getting food stuck in them. But Invisalign aligners offer more freedom — in fact, you can eat and drink as usual because most orthodontists recommend removing your clear aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Once you've finished your meal, simply brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, and put your aligners back in. 

Myth 6: Invisalign Is Only For Adults

Fact: As we mentioned, Invisalign is a great choice for adults seeking discreet orthodontic treatment. But did you know it’s also great for teens who historically would be sporting braces? Invisalign offers a line of aligners specifically for teenagers known as Invisalign Teen®.

Invisalign Teen incorporates features that don’t appear in Invisalign for adults such as:

Eruption Tabs

Teen mouths aren’t always fully developed when it’s time for orthodontics. Invisalign Teen has special ‘eruption tabs’ at the back to accommodate growing molars.

Compliance Indicators

These are small blue dots printed on Invisalign Teen aligners. These dots fade after two weeks of wear to indicate wear time and alert the patient that it’s time to progress to the next set. 

Replacement Aligners

Busy teens with schedules packed with school, jobs, and extra-curriculars might be more prone to misplace their clear aligners in the hustle and bustle. So Invisalign for teens comes with extra sets of aligners in case original ones get lost or damaged.

Your Expert Orthodontist in Evergreen, CO for Amazing Invisalign Treatment

Now that we’ve set the record straight about a few Invisalign misconceptions, are you ready to move forward with Invisalign? If so, contact your board certified orthodontist, Dr. DuRussel and his highly-skilled team at Evergreen Orthodontic Specialists. We’re here to design a custom Invisalign smile that strikes the perfect balance of aesthetics, function and health.

Schedule a complimentary consultation to start your Invisalign journey towards a confident, new smile!