Does Invisalign Really Work Without Causing Tooth Problems

Does Invisalign Really Work Without Causing Tooth Problems from Prince William Dental in Gainesville, VADoes 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 Gainesville, VA.

    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 Prince William Dental at 703-662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

    Recent Posts

    How Do I Know If I’m A Good Candidate For Dental Bonding?

    Dental bonding is a process that restores the functionality and attractiveness of a patient’s smile by applying a natural-looking substance to a tooth. Patients with cracks, decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth may benefit from the long-lasting composite material that is put on their teeth. The interesting part of dental bonding is that it needs little…

    How Dentists Use Dental Bonding Treatments

    Different restorative dental procedures like dental bonding are available to help people achieve a safe and appealing smile. Dental bonding is a highly efficient and relatively simple dental procedure. The process uses unique composite resins to enhance the appearance of a person's smile, and the dentist can complete the procedure in only one appointment.Dental bonding,…

    Invisalign And Your Gums As Your Teeth Gradually Shift

    If you have opted for Invisalign®, you have taken the first step toward achieving a straighter, healthy smile. With the focus on getting straighter teeth, many people ignore the benefits of the treatment on the gums. Continue reading to learn more about how Invisalign affects the gums.Invisalign is a pair of transparent aligners for patients…

Recent Posts

How Do I Know If I’m A Good Candidate For Dental Bonding?

How Do I Know If I’m A Good Candidate For Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a process that restores the functionality and attractiveness of a patient’s smile by applying a natural-looking substance to a tooth. Patients with cracks, decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth may benefit from the long-lasting composite material that is put on their teeth. The interesting part of dental bonding is that it needs little…

How Dentists Use Dental Bonding Treatments

How Dentists Use Dental Bonding Treatments

Different restorative dental procedures like dental bonding are available to help people achieve a safe and appealing smile. Dental bonding is a highly efficient and relatively simple dental procedure. The process uses unique composite resins to enhance the appearance of a person's smile, and the dentist can complete the procedure in only one appointment.Dental bonding,…