We have already covered the most common myths surrounding traditional braces, but even modern and state-of-the-art Invisalign has some myths surrounding it that may make patients wary. We are here to dispel these myths and help you discover Invisalign’s life-changing capabilities. Here are some of the most common myths about Invisalign and why they are far from the truth!

Invisalign Is Only for Minor Orthodontic Issues

This is probably one of the most prevalent myths about Invisalign. However, the transparent and removable aligners can help resolve minor to moderate orthodontic issues, including:

  • Bite Issues: Invisalign can help to treat different types of bite issues, such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite, by gradually moving the teeth and adjusting the jaw.
  • Orthodontic Relapse: This happens when patients may have already had braces. Over the years, their teeth may shift back into their original position.
  • Crowding: Invisalign can help to gradually shift teeth into a straighter alignment, even in cases where there is significant crowding.
  • Spacing: Invisalign can also treat gaps or spaces between teeth by gradually moving teeth into a more aligned position.
  • Malocclusion: Malocclusion refers to a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth, which leads to difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing.

While it is true that Invisalign may not be the recommended treatment for more complex issues, do not give up hope! Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. They can look at your smile and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

Invisalign Is Painful

Some people believe Invisalign is painful because your teeth are gradually moving; however, while you may experience discomfort or pressure during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners, it is typically mild and temporary. You may also experience some pressure on your teeth as the aligners exert gentle, consistent force to gradually move them into the desired position.

There are some at-home pain relief methods you can use to alleviate any discomfort. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling, while over-the-counter medications can help reduce any pain.

Invisalign Takes Longer Than Braces

Another one of the myths about Invisalign is that it takes too long. How can plastic aligners straighten teeth more quickly than metal wires? However, Invisalign treatment times can vary depending on the complexity of your case, but in some cases, Invisalign can be faster than traditional braces. Treatment with Invisalign takes between 6 and 18 months, with the average treatment time being around 12 months.

The length of treatment can depend on several factors, including:

  • The severity of the orthodontic issues being treated
  • The number of aligners required to achieve the desired results (these must be changed every one to two weeks)
  • The patient’s compliance with wearing the aligners as instructed
  • The patient’s oral health and response to treatment

Invisalign Is Only for Adults

While Invisalign was initially marketed to adults, it is now a popular treatment option for teens as well. Invisalign treatment is generally recommended for patients who have lost all their baby teeth and have all their permanent teeth erupted, which typically occurs around the age of 12 or 13.

Invisalign can work wonders for teens! However, if your teen has trouble remembering their chores or needs constant coaxing, Invisalign may not be as effective for them as it is for others. The success of Invisalign depends on the patient’s compliance. Younger patients may find it more challenging to wear the aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day, which could prolong the treatment time or affect their outcome. In addition, children and teens may be more susceptible to losing or damaging the aligners and may not be able to clean them as effectively as they should be.

Invisalign Aligners Need to be Worn 24/7

This is another one of the myths about Invisalign that makes patients anxious. However, Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours per day. You can remove them when eating, brushing, and flossing. This is why they’re so popular! This convenience is one of their greatest benefits. Patients can still eat all of their favorite foods during their treatment.

Invisalign is More Expensive Than Traditional Braces

They may cost slightly more than traditional braces in some cases, but they’re not out of reach. At Exeter Orthodontics, we work hard to keep our prices low.

Has dispelling these myths about Invisalign put you at ease? If you’re ready to learn more about Invisalign aligners and their benefits, request a free consultation with our team here at Exeter Orthodontics.