Can Invisalign® Cause Dental Problems?

This is a common question since Invisalign® aligners do not allow a patient’s upper and lower jaws to fully come together while being worn because of the aligner itself. While it may seem that this minor – and temporary – restriction could cause dental problems, it does not, provided that all wearing instructions and follow-up appointments are adhered to.

Another reason that this question gets asked is that there can be minor discomfort when patients begin to wear their aligners or change trays during treatment. Instead of associating this discomfort with possible bite problems, it is more likely caused by the movement of the patient’s teeth, which is the goal of aligner therapy. That said, one of the advantages of choosing Invisalign from our dental clinic is that our dentists are here to answer any concerns in person or make adjustments if needed – two things that over-the-counter (OTC) aligners do not provide.

Suppose you’re searching for “Invisalign Brandon” to locate an Invisalign dentist near you. In that case, we invite you to contact Smiles of Canada – Brandon for one-on-one answers to your questions from one of our trusted and compassionate family dentists. In the meantime, here are answers to a few other questions that you may have as you’re reading this.

Is Invisalign Painful?

The answer to this question aligns somewhat with the title question. Although tooth braces and retainers can sometimes be described as painful to wear because they are causing the movement of teeth, Invisalign uses the most advanced materials and state-of-the-art technology to ensure that comfort is at the forefront of treatment.

For example, Invisalign uses SmartTrack® material, which makes your aligners easier to put on and take off and more comfortable to wear during treatment. Remember, too, that discomfort can be subjective and patient-specific. In other words, what one patient may classify as discomfort, another will not. That being said, our dentists at Smiles of Canada – Brandon are available to address any level of discomfort that a patient may be experiencing during their aligner treatment.

A patient may experience discomfort when a tray becomes rough due to teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Our dentists can smooth out the roughened edges or create a new tray when this happens. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching should disappear over time as your aligners begin to perform alignment problems.

The major takeaway is that your aligners can be modified at any point during your Invisalign treatment by our dentists near you.

Is It Normal to Have Gaps Between Teeth and Aligners?

Invisalign is the aligner of choice for many patients because they are comfortable to wear. Although they fit comfortably over a patient’s teeth, they do not create a pressure point between the aligner and teeth. The “gap” that may be causing this question is subjective without a visit to your dentist, but chances are, what you are experiencing is the comfort level that Invisalign is known for. Keep in mind that as your teeth move in response to treatment, a perception of a gap may be experienced until a new tray is used. We understand that every patient’s experience with Invisalign will be unique. That’s why we are here to answer concerns and questions to ensure that your Invisalign experience is comfortable and effective. Remember that if you are concerned about the fit of your aligners or any discomfort associated with wearing them, you should not stop wearing them. Doing that will only prolong your treatment time. We take pride in solving your aligner concerns so you can enjoy the full benefits of a renewed smile with Invisalign.

What Are Some Other Advantages of Invisalign?

Although clear aligners have a common benefit of being able to remove them while eating, drinking, and flossing, here are a few other advantages for patients to consider:

• Invisalign clear aligners are made from SmartTrack material
• Invisalign clear aligners include in-person consultations with an Invisalign-approved dentist near you
• Invisalign aligners are trimmed to each patient’s gum line for maximum comfort, appearance, and speaking

Clear aligners are often the preferred treatment for patients, especially adults who want to avoid the inconveniences of metal braces. However, keep in mind that there are advantages of traditional braces for particular smile concerns. Visit us today to learn more about various treatment protocols for your smile.