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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 San Francisco, CA.
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 Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry at 415-362-1102 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
Silver vs. Tooth-Colored Fillings When faced with the decision of choosing between silver (amalgam) and tooth-colored (composite) fillings, understanding the differences and benefits of each can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your dental health goals. Let's explore the characteristics, advantages, and considerations of both types of fillings to help you decide…
Tooth-Colored Fillings In the realm of modern dentistry, tooth-colored fillings have revolutionized the way we approach dental care. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, which stand out against natural teeth, tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Let's delve into why tooth-colored fillings have become a preferred choice for dental restoration and…
Cosmetic Dental Bonding A confident smile can often be the key to making a lasting impression. Whether it's for a job interview, a date, or simply feeling good about yourself, the appearance of our teeth can significantly impact our self-esteem. Fortunately, cosmetic dental bonding offers a simple and effective solution to address various imperfections and…