Additional Invisalign® FAQs
Do DIY braces work?
Also known as mail order braces, DIY refers to “do-it-yourself” teeth straightening systems marketed to correct orthodontic concerns without having to schedule dental appointments. Unfortunately, undergoing orthodontic treatment without the direct supervision of a certified dentist comes with significant risks to a patient’s smile, oral health, and orofacial physiology. Braces are not only designed to straighten crooked teeth — they also aim to realign the upper and lower jaws, which can affect your bite and entire facial structure. Without a qualified dentist or orthodontist to design your treatment plan and personally monitor your progress, patients risk exacerbating their concerns and potentially creating problems that require more time, expense, and invasiveness to repair. Needless to say, a DIY approach to orthodontics can be ineffective at best and outright dangerous at worst.
Can I straighten just my top or bottom teeth?
While your treatment plan will ultimately be developed based on your individual needs, straightening your smile as a whole is generally the best approach to orthodontic treatment — particularly if you exhibit an over- or underbite. Since the upper and lower jaws work together to form your bite, adjustments made to one dental arch will likely require accommodations to the opposite row of teeth in order to preserve proper alignment of the jaws. Consequently, treating only one row of teeth may not be the best approach to facilitate a comfortable and healthy bite. Dr. Narkhede will be able to determine the most optimal orthodontic plan to address your concerns when he evaluates your oral structures in person.
Do Invisalign® aligners stain?
Invisalign® braces are not immune to staining agents, so failing to rinse after eating — or drinking dark beverages while your aligners are in place — can certainly discolor the thermoplastic. If your aligners begin to stain, this can compromise the inconspicuous nature of treatment as well as prolong the amount of time it takes to straighten your teeth. For these reasons, we advise patients to remove their aligners when drinking anything other than water, particularly when consuming coffee, wine, cola, or other sugary beverages.
Does Invisalign® hurt?
One of the main benefits of Invisalign® is that the aligners offer a much more comfortable orthodontic treatment when compared to metal braces! There are no wires and brackets poking and irritating the gum tissue, and there’s no need to tighten your braces during appointments. Although a feeling of slight pressure may occur when you first start treatment, this should diminish the more often you wear your aligners. In most cases, the mild pressure from Invisalign® can signify that the system is working and your teeth are being gently repositioned into a healthier alignment.
Will I have to wear an Invisalign® retainer?
Yes, wearing your retainers after the completion of treatment is a crucial part of maintaining your beautiful smile. Without regular use of Invisalign® retainers, your teeth may migrate out of place or revert to their original positioning. This creates the possibility of further orthodontic treatment in the future, which is commonly why some patients who previously had braces as an adolescent need them again as an adult. Fortunately, it’s only necessary for individuals to wear their retainer at night, while sleeping.
Please contact Dr. Victor Oelbaum for more information on Invisalign® clear teeth aligners.