Invisalign is not for everyone. Here are 10 tried and true facts regarding Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. Dr. Cynthia Brush and Dr. Sara Potter provide this information so patients can make informed decisions. Making an investment in your mouth and teeth is very important. www.TiogaDental.com

1. 10 Truths about Invisalign
Posted on: February 1, 2017 . By: Tioga Dental & Orthodontics
There is no doubt that Invisalign braces have received a fair bit of media interest in recent years.
Most people are aware of the clear brace technology that has made Invisalign a popular cosmetic
treatment for straightening teeth. “Invisible braces”– as they are affectionately nicknamed – have
certainly found a niche amongst adult patients who prefer a discreet alternative to traditional
orthodontics, and they are also catching on with teenagers. Perhaps due to its growing popularity,
like many products enjoying a healthy buzz through social media outlets, the Invisalign innovation is
shrouded in popular myths and urban legends.
For those of you still undecided about going for an Invisalign treatment, here is a little primer that will
hopefully clear a bit of the confusion and provide more details about the modern braces.
Truth 1: The aligners need to stay on your teeth to work
One of the most attractive features of Invisalign braces – they are called aligners – is that they are
removable. Unlike traditional wire-and-bracket type of braces, you can remove your aligner during
meal times for eating, brushing and flossing. That means you won’t have to avoid certain types of
food or clean with caution for fear of loosening or damaging the braces. However, for optimum
results, you will need to keep your aligners on for 22 hours or more per day. Failing to wear the
mouth-guard-like contraption for a minimum of 20 hours a day may be counterproductive to the
treatment. Aligner wearers should be mindful of this during extended meal hours.
Truth 2: You will need to clean your teeth after every meal
Let’s just say a travel toothbrush will become indispensible. You will need to maintain proper oral
hygiene to reduce the risk of infections or decay throughout the treatment period. Brushing and
flossing needs to be thorough, in order to remove food debris trapped in the crevices and clean
those areas where there is contact between teeth and aligners. That’s a lot of brushing so it may be
wise to invest in a few travel toothbrushes.

2. Truth 3: Set realistic expectations
Just because Invisalign is billed as a modern teeth-straightening innovation does not mean it works
magic. Invisalign’s recognition as a viable alternative to traditional braces, in terms of aesthetics and
comfort, does not diminish the fact that teeth straightening takes time. Although the average
treatment times for Invisalign are shorter as compared to traditional orthodontic treatment, you will
still need to set realistic expectations. Some Invisalign patients are surprised to learn of the need for
“finishing aligners” on the last day of completing their supposed treatment. These are actually post-
treatment retainers that are worn during sleep to maintain your corrected teeth in the right position.
The orthodontic appliance is being used on a case-by case basis.
Truth 4: The treatment is not painful (for most)
More than half of Invisalign users (54%) surveyed said they experienced only mild pain during the
treatment, while 35% did not experience any discomfort wearing the aligners.1Among those who
experienced some form of discomfort, said it usually occurred when switching to a new set of
aligners. This sensation usually subsided within 2 to 3 days. The discomfort experienced in the initial
days of wearing a new set of aligners may be attributed to pressure that is needed to realign the
teeth. The good news is, you will get used to this feeling – what most of the evaluated patients
considered as mild pain – when the teeth begin to shift and conform.
Truth 5: Invisalign is not for everyone.
Invisalign can treat most of the common orthodontic problems such as crowded teeth, overbites/
underbites or gaps. However, removable brace systems like Invisalign have certain limitations and
are not considered the best solution for handling complex orthodontic cases such as severe deep
overbites or severely rotated teeth. As such, Invisalign is typically recommended to treat mild to
moderate cases of malocclusions, although it is also used to treat some severe cases. To check
whether you would make a good candidate for Invisalign, you may use the Invisalign’s Smile
Assessment. You should also talk to an Invisalign dentist to get a better idea about your suitability,
related costs and what to expect for the treatment.
Truth 6: Stain-causing beverages are a no-no
There is a two-pronged reason why Invisalign users would need to cut down on their morning
coffees: First, they will stain your aligner; and second, they will use up your allotted time for
removing the oral device. The same principle goes for red wine and tea. If you do happen to drink –

3. not indulge in – these beverages, don’t forget to use the limited allotted time to brush your teeth
before putting the aligners back on.
Truth 7: Do not clean your aligners with toothpaste
The aligners may be worn over your teeth but do not brush them with toothpaste. The abrasive
ingredients found in toothpastes can cause bacteria build-up and leave a bad smell. Instead, clean
your aligners with soap or mild detergent. Failing to do so will result in a yellowish and murky
appearance, which probably isn’t the look you’re going for when you decided on a clear brace
treatment.
Truth 8: Accidental weight loss may be a bonus
If you happen to be on a slimming program, the Invisalign treatment may give you a nudge or two in
the same direction. After all, the aligner-wearing routine would force you to eat within allotted meal
times and avoid snacking in-between. The hassle of removing the aligner just to eat a chocolate
wafer or a slice of cake would prevent your intake of those needless calories. When the bathroom
scale starts to tip in your favour, you may have a dubious, but effective, method to thank for.
Truth 9: The aligners are virtually invisible
Of course they are not invisible, invisible. Still, they appear invisible for all intents and purposes of
the innovation – that is, others won’t notice them in your mouth, even when they are looking directly
at you. Put it this way, Invisalign has been around for some time now. I doubt, however, that you
have ever noticed anyone wearing the clear braces? Conversely, I am sure you remember the last
person you saw wearing traditional metal braces. That alone underlines the effectiveness of the
clear brace technology that Invisalign offers.
Truth 10: Not all Invisalign dentists offer the same results
For all the technological advancements and R&D investments that spawned it, the Invisalign system
demands careful diagnosis and treatment planning to work effectively. Invisalign care, therefore is
not necessarily the same from one dentist to another. The dentist’s experience, knowledge and
expertise working with the Invisalign system is imperative to a successful outcome. Do your
homework and ask around before you settle on the dentist to provide you the best solution for your
specific case.