Invisalign Risks
Invisalign has quickly become one of the most popular new treatment options for those that are looking to straighten their teeth. It is discreet, effective, and won’t make you feel like you have to hide your smile while wearing it.
Yet as with every medical or dental procedure, it is important to make sure that you have evaluated all of the risks and benefits, and are certain that you have weighed those risks against the benefits of using the Invisalign system.
Risks of Invisalign
Thankfully, Invisalign is not a surgery, medicine, or complex procedure. The polyurethane material is safe and non-toxic, and your teeth powerful enough to easily handle the entire treatment. This means there are few risks associated with using Invisalign. But there are still some issues that you will have to consider. These include:
- Invisalign May Not Be 100% Effective
Though Invisalign is a highly rated system with an excellent approval rating, some orthodontic problems require more force than the system can provide. In some cases, you may have a tooth (or teeth) that require more pressure in order to change alignment, especially with some of your stronger molars.
The system also requires computerized models to determine whether or not your teeth will be in the correct location after treatment. In some casessome teeth may have harder time to move, and more aligners may be necessary.
In most cases, all of these issues can be determined before using Invisalign. But in some rare cases, some teeth may simply be too resistant to the system. It is important to keep this in mind when you make your decision.
- Invisalign Can Be Damaged
Polyurethane is not as strong as metal. This means that if you grind your teeth in your sleep, accidentally eat hard foods with your aligner on, or otherwise clench your teeth too strongly, you may damage the aligners, which in turn can affect the success of the entire treatment. However, most patients with severe bruxisim/clenching go through treatment seamlessly without any problem.
- Invisalign Requires Proper Use
While metal braces are easier to “set and forget,” Invisalign does have certain requirements. You have to make sure you wear the aligners consistently. You have to switch aligners every few weeks. You have to clean your teeth before placing the aligners back on so as not to promote tooth decay. You also have to make sure that not one single aligner is ever lost. For those that often find themselves disorganized, this system may not be right for you.
- Allergies
Although rare, some patients may find themselves allergic to Invisalign. Dr. Rashidi will talk to you about what to do in unlikely event of an allergy.
- Speech Impediment
Finally, as you get used to Invisalign, you may find yourself temporarily struggling with a speech impediment, like a lisp, initially. This will almost always go away right away, but it is something to remember as you consider the treatment.
Overall Risks and Benefits of Invisalign
The risks of Invisalign are all generally minor, and the vast majority of patients still choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces. But it is still a good idea to make sure you have carefully considered these potential risks and benefits before you choose Invisalign. For a consultation in Orange County, please call us today at 949-770-8011.
