6 Common Misconceptions About Invisalign
Posted on: 22 December 2015
Invisalign has been around since 1999, and it is responsible for modifying over 2.4 million smiles around the world as of 2014. It involves the use of a series of clear plastic retainers to gently, but firmly, shift teeth into the desired position. Invisalign is particularly popular with adults as an alternative to metal braces, as it is virtually invisible. The plastic trays are even removable for times when you don't want any extra attention on your mouth—job interviews, speeches, etc.
Despite how popular the invisalign system has become, there are still some misconceptions about the process.
- Invisalign Takes Longer Than Traditional Braces. Treatment times for both traditional braces and invisalign very wildly, depending on the issues that need to be fixed. However, the average time of treatment for invisalign is 13.5 months vs. 18 months for traditional braces. Traditional braces are usually recommended for more complex issues, which goes someway to explaining the variance in treatment times.
- Invisalign Is Suitable for Anyone. There are limits to what invisalign can correct. The majority of dental issues are suitable for invisalign, but for more complex issues, traditional braces are usually recommended.
- You Need to Wear Them 24 Hours a Day. While you should wear the retainers for as long as you can, wearing them for a minimum of 20 hours each day is recommended. This gives you plenty of time to eat, drink, and brush your teeth, as well as for the occasional removal for special occasions.
- Invisalign Is Expensive. The cost of any orthodontic treatment is not cheap, but having a great smile is something that can give you extra confidence. Invisalign tends to be slightly more expensive than traditional braces in Australia, but not by a lot. For most people, the fact that invisalign is almost unnoticeable is worth the extra cost.
- You Don't Need to See Your Dentist during the Treatment. No matter what kind of orthodontic treatment you're undertaking, you need to continue to see your dentist every 6 months as normal. Orthodontic treatment is a specialised treatment for straightening teeth, removing gaps, and/or correcting bite issues. You'll still need to have general dentist checkups for general oral health.
- Once Treatment Is Over, No More Retainer! Not quite—in order to keep your teeth in their new position, it's recommended to continue to wear the last retainers (or have a new ones made) at night. Traditional braces also have this same recommendation. Wearing a retainer at night is even more important for adults that have orthodontic treatment, as teeth are more likely to return to their original position in adults than if the same treatment had been performed in your preteen or teen years.
Fixing your smile at any age has always been possible, but the thought of having a mouth full of metal for 1 to 2 years puts a lot of people off. Invisalign is a great option that offers discreet treatment and a lot of flexibility. Having a great smile is a tremendous confidence booster, so if you're not happy with your smile, now's the time to look into some different treatment options. Contact a representative from an office like Macquarie Dental to learn more.
Share