Invisalign clear aligners are made from a smooth plastic material and are non-invasive, so rest assured; they’re considered to be perfectly safe for most patients. That said, complications can occur in specific situations. Since you’ll likely have to wear the aligners for a couple of months, it’s important to do a risk assessment when trying to decide whether Invisalign is right for you. Here’s what you should know.
Temporary Lisping
Having a completely foreign oral appliance in your mouth can make it difficult to enunciate. Some patients do develop a lisp because they’re not used to having to talk around their aligners. However, as time goes on, you should get more and more used to them, and speaking clearly will become second-nature.
Discomfort
The idea behind orthodontics is to move your teeth as gently as possible while still moving them into more ideal positions. While many patients do find Invisalign to be more comfortable than traditional braces, you’ll likely still feel sore from the pressure at times. Fortunately, this discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Bacteria Build Up
To be fair, bacteria build up can be a problem with or without Invisalign clear aligners. If you’re not brushing twice per day and flossing once daily, the bacteria content in your mouth could very well cause cavities or gum disease. What’s important to remember is that bacteria can accumulate on your aligners as well, meaning it’s just as important to keep them clean!
Allergic Reactions
A very, very small number of people are allergic to the plastic used for Invisalign. Though having an allergic reaction to the trays is rare and many symptoms are mild, it might be worth testing it out by placing a small piece of plastic on your skin. If your skin seems fine, it should be safe for you to wear Invisalign.
If you’re concerned about any of the complications listed above, be sure to talk to your dentist. They’ll be able to go over any possible risks of Invisalign in more detail, as well as provide tips for promoting a positive treatment experience. Remember, Invisalign clear aligners are very safe; it’s simply up to you to decide if they would be a good fit for your smile!
About the Practice
At Cromer & Cairns Dental, we’re proud that our multi-specialist team can offer comprehensive dental care for our patients. As our general dentist, Dr. Julie Cromer is well-qualified to help you weigh the pros and cons of an Invisalign treatment and would be happy to meet with you for a consultation. To find the best way to straighten your smile, contact our office at 772-562-5051.