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5 Myths About Invisalign, Busted

Here’s what you need to know before getting clear aligners. - by Lucy Bode
  • 13 Dec 2019
5 Myths About Invisalign, Busted
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As someone who was nicknamed ‘tin grin’ throughout their adolescence (courtesy of a palate expander and five long years of braces) you can imagine my disbelief the day I noticed my teeth have shifted. Admittedly, it’s subtle – a crooked canine here, some wonky incisors there – but after being subjected to a decade of dental work, I hit the panic button. What is a girl with a fear of a mouthful of metal to do?

Enter Invisalign clear aligners. After briefly sussing out my options (cheers, Google!) it appears Australia’s popular teeth straightening treatment could be a firm-front runner: custom-made and practically invisible, the plastic trays will improve my smile without the need for wires and brackets.

Still, I have questions (loads of ‘em, actually) about the treatment process. Which is why I’ve recruited a registered dentist and Invisalign provider to bust a few common misconceptions.

RELATED: PSA: Kombucha Is Just As Bad For Your Teeth As Soft Drink

Myth #1: You’ll get better results with braces

In most instances, clear aligners are just as effective as traditional braces. The main difference between them? They’re removable, more discreet and *way* less painful. Not to mention they require fewer check-up visits (think once every 6-8 weeks.)

“Provided you are a candidate for teeth alignment, Invisalign treatment is also suitable for most people, from simple to complex cases,” the Invisalign provider tells Women’s Health.  

invis

Myth #2: Every case requires attachments

Attachments are tiny lumps of bonding that may be applied to certain teeth to help direct the aligners into place. “They are not necessary for everyone”, explains the Invisalign provider. “The number of attachments you need will depend on how much movement is required to achieve your final look.”

As they are tooth-coloured, attachments mostly go unnoticed. But be warned: they can stain if you forget to brush post-coffee or tea! 

Myth #3: Certain foods are off-limits

Unlike with braces, Invisalign clear aligners allow you to chow down on crunchy foods (e.g. carrots, nuts and apples,) chew lollies (like toffee and caramel), and even drink red wine. However, as the Invisalign provider stresses, there is one caveat: “Remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything (apart from water) and brush your teeth ahead of reinserting them.”

If you don’t have your toothbrush on hand? A quick rinse between meals is fine - just make sure your teeth are clean. 

teeth
Getty

Myth #4: Your treatment time is set in stone

Your Invisalign provider will give you a rough estimate as to how many aligners you’ll need, but sometimes teeth are stubborn and don’t move as quickly as planned. In this case, you’ll be given a new batch (aka, ‘refinement trays’) which may extend your total treatment time.

“This is dependent on your personal response to the treatment, your compliance wearing the aligners and the complexity of your treatment which varies with all patients,” the Invisalign provider says. “We don’t recommend removing your aligners for any longer than 2 to 4 hours per day.”

Myth #5: You won’t need aligners after your treatment

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news BUT, you may still need to use a clear retainer after your treatment is done... The catch? This one is for sleeping in only.

“Once your treatment is complete, your Invisalign provider will arrange a follow-up session to check on your new smile!” the Invisalign provider tells us. “They will recommend a tailored after-care plan, which can sometimes include a removable retainer for use at night.” 

And for those of us pretty forgetful when it comes to remembering retainers? Permanent retention (wire behind the teeth) may be an option. Win.  

To find out more about Invisalign treatment, visit www.invisalign.com.au.

Invisalign® treatment is a series of clear plastic removable orthodontic aligners that gently move patients’ teeth. An orthodontist or Invisalign trained dentist will be able to advise whether Invisalign treatment is right for you. You should always read and follow their directions for use. In rare cases, allergies may occur. This article is sponsored by Invisalign Australia Pty Limited.

RELATED: Tired All The Time? Your Teeth Grinding Habit Could Be To Blame 

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Lucy Bode
Lucy Bode
Lucy is Women Health’s digital editor, social media specialist and the go-to girl for all things holistic wellness. Her background as a journalist and passion for food, fitness and integrative medicine has led her to write for some of Australia’s leading publications over the course of her career.

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