Woman holding Invisalign Aligner

Straighten Your Smile Out At Your Dentist Office With Invisalign®

Crooked teeth can have dramatic effects on your appearance and self-confidence. Misalignment can also impact your oral health, increasing your risk for decay, erosion, and TMJ Disorder. However, you may balk at the idea of orthodontic care, especially if you are an adult or older teen. After all, metal braces may make you just as self-conscious as your crooked smile. Fortunately, at our Toronto dentist office, we proudly offer Invisalign®.

This innovative orthodontic treatment uses clear aligner trays, rather than metal wires, to straighten teeth. Although Invisalign® has been available for the last 15 years, a number of myths about the treatment persist. If you are considering this option, our team will answer all your questions, dispel any misconceptions, and help you choose the right treatment for your needs.

Let’s break down these myths.

Invisalign® Can Only Correct Cosmetic Issues.

False.  When Invisalign® first came out, the treatment was only suitable for minor misalignment. With rapidly developing technology, however, it is now a good option for many different orthodontic concerns. You may even benefit from this treatment if you suffer from an overbite, underbite, or some other type of malocclusion. Nevertheless, it may take longer to address severe orthodontic issues with Invisalign®. If you have particularly dramatic misalignment, you may see faster results with traditional braces or even with oral surgery.

Invisalign® Hurts.

Invisalign® involves minor discomfort. It is true that you may experience some slight irritation, especially right after you start wearing your aligners. At first, you may find it difficult to eat very hard or very chewy foods. Nevertheless, Invisalign® will exert a much gentler force on your teeth than metal braces. Additionally, the smooth trays will not irritate your lips or cheeks.

Invisalign® Aligners Do Not Stain.

Actually, they do. Invisalign® trays are virtually undetectable – but only if you follow all instructions carefully. Dark colored foods and drinks will stain the plastic. It is vital that you remove your aligners when eating and drinking. Because you should wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours a day, you may have to change your eating habits. For example, you may not be able to linger over a glass of red wine multiple nights a week.

You Can Clean Your Aligners the Same Way You Clean Your Teeth.

False. You should clean your Invisalign® trays at least once a day. To maintain your aligners, simply rinse them with warm water or use the special Invisalign® cleaning kit. However, while toothpaste is essential for your smile, it can be detrimental to your aligners. The abrasive elements in toothpaste can lend a yellowish tinge to your trays. In some cases, it could also cause bad breath. Of course, you should continue to brush your teeth regularly. In fact, this routine becomes even more important when you are going through Invisalign®. To prevent decay and discoloration, you should brush after every meal or snack.

Find Out If Invisalign® Is Right for You

Do you have additional questions about Invisalign®?  Contact our office today to learn more and to find out if this treatment is the most appropriate option for you.