Debunking fact from fiction to determine if Invisalign is right for you!
A lot of people think Invisalign can only be utilized to fix slight dental problems, but that’s simply not true. Since Invisalign came into existence in 1997, the technology has come a long, long way! Now Invisalign trays can fix almost any issue, big or small. The problem I notice in my practice is that there is a lot of misinformation on the Internet about Invisalign. Therefore, I thought it was time to sort the fact from the fiction.
This information is brought to you by Dr. Dana Martin of Dana Martin Orthodontics.
1. Invisalign is only for people with slight orthodontic problems. FALSE.
Invisalign doesn’t just fix minor overbites and underbites, or those few teeth that have crowded together. It can fix even more than that! The key is to understand the severity of the problem you want to fix and determine with your orthodontist whether Invisalign is right for you. Most cases can be easily fixed with Invisalign. Only in extreme cases will an orthodontist suggest another approach besides Invisalign.
2. Invisalign doesn’t have an age limit. TRUE.
Invisalign is perfect for anyone at almost any age. It’s great for teens because it’s virtually invisible, which helps with their self-esteem. Let’s face it; with dating, prom, sports and active social lives, getting metal braces probably isn’t at the top of your teen’s list of things they want to do. Invisalign is also a great option for adults because it’s discreet and allows them to approach both professional and personal situations with a confident smile. It also serves as a great tool for older people who want to get their smile back to where it was 20 years ago. It’s a picture-perfect solution for just about everyone.
3. Remembering to wear the trays is going to be hard. FALSE.
For Invisalign to work its magic, you need to wear your trays for 20-22 hours a day. That leaves two hours a day to eat, drink, floss and brush. A lot of people worry that they won’t have what it takes to wear their aligner trays for 22 hours every day, but we know you can do it. Truly, you’ll hardly notice them after the first hour. Think of them like contacts. Once they’re in place, you don’t even notice them.
4. The aligners will make me talk with a lisp. (Mostly) FALSE.
It’s normal to have a lisp for the first few days of wearing your Invisalign trays. However, you should remember that the human body, and the mouth in particular, have amazing adaptive abilities. You’ll be talking normally in no time!
5. You can see the results happening right before your eyes. TRUE.
Getting your perfect smile is not going to happen overnight, but it does happen rather quickly. In fact, most people see visible results within the first three months of wearing their trays. Plus, since they’re clear, and you won’t have all that metal in your mouth, you’ll be able to notice the difference even more easily!
6. I won’t be able to eat whatever I want. FALSE.
With Invisalign, you can eat and drink anything you want. The key is to just take out your aligners first and make sure you brush, floss, and rinse your teeth before you put them back in. If you’re out and about and are unable to brush your teeth before you put your aligners back in, simply rinse your mouth out well, replace the aligners, and make sure to brush and floss once you get home.
7. I can take them out for special occasions. TRUE.
Weddings. Prom. Homecoming. Board meetings. Interviews. Whatever the reason or occasion, the beauty of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners anytime you want. If you have a big event coming up for which you don’t want to wear your aligners, then don’t. You’re free to take them out and put them back in after. It’s literally that simple.
8. Invisalign costs much more than braces. FALSE.
You may be surprised to hear that in most cases, Invisalign costs the same or very close to the same as braces. Oftentimes, if you have orthodontic insurance, Invisalign is covered exactly the same as braces are! Given the choice between Invisalign and traditional braces, with the cost being the same, it should be a no-brainer! Invisalign provides all of the benefits of traditional braces without any of the drawbacks.
So stop waiting, and stop by my office to talk about Invisalign and take advantage of our limited-time Summer Special: $750 OFF Invisalign + a free scan! Who knows – you could have the smile you’ve always dreamed of in six months to a year if you do!
With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Martin is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality orthodontic care. He regularly attends continuing education courses and seminars throughout the United States each year to learn the latest in not only orthodontic care, but in technology as well. Dr. Martin has been awarded by Tennessee Dental Association (TDA) for continuously exceeding the required continuing education units.
Dr. Martin attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to graduate with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, and then completed his Orthodontic Certificate and Master of Science degree at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, Dr. Martin instructed post doctorate periodontics, prosthodontic, and orthodontic students at Emory University, as well as in his orthodontic practice.
Dr. Martin and his wife Gina have three children and two grandchildren. They enjoy being active in their community, and they volunteer for several organizations.
