Traditional braces were always a gold standard in orthodontic treatments. Still, since Invisalign came into the picture, it managed to gain immense popularity not merely in Colorado but across the entire U.S.
Invisalign lets people correct misalignment problems but, at the same time, is nearly invisible to other people compared to traditional braces, which are pretty apparent and a deal-breaker for people who are really conscious of their outer appearance.
A dentist in Salida, CO, can be of great help in examining the severity of the misalignment and making a custom set of aligners to treat the problem effectively. The visibility and overall convenience of Invisalign add to the prominence.
Some Common Misconceptions about Invisalign
Although Invisalign certainly revolutionized orthodontic treatments and presented an innovative alternative to traditional metal braces, some misconceptions still prevail about Invisalign. In this blog, we are going to talk about such misconceptions and provide some much-needed clarity.
Misconception 01- Invisalign is Merely for Minor Corrections
A plethora of people believe that Invisalign is no good beyond addressing minor misalignment problems, but that is not actually the case anymore. It is true that in the initial phase, Invisalign was meant to target more straightforward cases.
Still, with progression or advancement in technology, the scope of Invisalign expanded significantly, and now it is capable of treating numerous severe complications such as gaps, underbites, overcrowding, overbites, and crossbites.
Such complex cases do require some extensive treatment or additional attachments, but Invisalign is suitable enough for many patients with diverse orthodontic needs.
Misconception 02- Invisalign Works Faster Than Braces
Many people believe that Invisalign is a quicker route to attaining a perfect smile than traditional braces. But in reality, it depends on the complexity of the problem, and the same goes for braces. Invisalign indeed provides a faster solution for mild to moderate misalignment problems.
Still, for more severe issues, it takes almost the same time as braces or, in some cases, even longer. The basic rule is to wear the aligners as recommended by the orthodontist and stick to the routine of wearing them for 20-22 hours every day.
Misconception 03- Invisalign is Completely Invisalign
Some readers may have noticed that we used the term “nearly invisible” in place of “completely invisible” for a reason. Invisalign are clear aligners that are much less noticeable compared to traditional braces, but Invisalign is not entirely invisible by any means.
Under certain lighting conditions and upon looking closely, Invisalign can be apparent and seen. Some patients even need attachments on teeth to help with complex movements, which is slightly more noticeable. However, Invisalign remains one of the most discreet and aesthetically pleasing solutions available for orthodontic treatment.
Misconception 04- Invisalign is Pain-Free
Another misconception is that Invisalign is a completely pain-free treatment, which, again, is not valid. Invisalign works in the same way as some other orthodontic treatments by gradually shifting the teeth in the desired positions, which causes discomfort or pressure.
However, when compared to traditional metal braces, which are known to cause soreness, the discomfort caused by Invisalign is more manageable. OTC pain relievers and eating softer foods, especially in the initial period, help minimize or eliminate the pain.
Misconception 05- Invisalign is Too Expensive
A plethora of people have a misconception that Invisalign is a costly treatment. Although Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional braces, the difference is not really as substantial as people often think.
The cost depends on numerous factors such as geographical location, duration of the treatment, complexity of the misalignment, and the experience of the orthodontist. Some insurance plans now cover Invisalign, too, and there are flexible payment plans available to make it more accessible to people.
Do Not Hesitate to Visit an Orthodontist!
If someone is suffering from misalignment, it is better to contact an orthodontist and get the best treatment according to the specific needs of the patient with proper guidance and utmost precision.
