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 Tomball, TX.

    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 Heather Feray Bohan, DDS, PA at 281-864-1581 for an appointment in our Tomball office.

    Recent Posts

    How Dental Bonding Is Used For Cosmetic And Restorative Dentistry

    Dental bonding is an efficient way to restore the appearance and function of teeth. Your cosmetic dentist can use this to repair any damage, discoloration, or decay. Cracked, chipped, broken, or stained teeth can look new. This type of treatment can also close gaps between teeth. If you want to know how dental bonding works…

    Root Canal Aftercare: Tips For A Smooth Recovery

    Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking. Caring for the treated tooth can be even more stressful. Knowing what to do after the treatment can help you prepare well for it. Here are some tips for a smooth and quick recovery after your root canal.The patient must wait to eat as…

    How A Dentist Can Save A Broken Tooth

    A broken tooth can happen with an injury to the mouth or from dental problems. A sports injury to the face, a car accident, or a lost filling are common ways for teeth to break. These situations can be frightening and traumatic, but a dentist can save a damaged tooth in some cases. The key…

Heather Feray Bohan, DDS, PA

Share
Published by
Heather Feray Bohan, DDS, PA

Recent Posts

How Dental Bonding Is Used for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

Dental bonding is an efficient way to restore the appearance and function of teeth.

20 hours ago

Root Canal Aftercare: Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking.

1 month ago

How a Dentist Can Save a Broken Tooth

If you have a broken tooth, seek your dentist's advice right away.

2 months ago

Can All-on-4 Replace Multiple Teeth?

The technology in All-on-4 is the same as the technology in traditional dental implants.

3 months ago

What to Do When You Have a Chipped Tooth

Crowns can match the rest of the teeth and be unnoticeable within the mouth.

4 months ago

3 Material Options For Dental Crowns

Looking for further information on dental crowns? Talking with a general dentist is the best…

5 months ago