Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No

Myths and Facts About Invisalign

If you’ve been dreaming of straighter teeth — but hesitate to try traditional braces — you aren’t out of options. Invisalign is becoming a household name as more and more people trust Invisalign aligners to transform their smile. 

Even though Invisalign isn’t new (it’s been around since 1997), there are still plenty of myths that surround this orthodontic treatment. Here at Bucktown Wicker Park Dental, Dr. Melissa Daza and Dr. Michelle Schwartz want you to feel good about your decision to try Invisalign. That’s why we’ve created this guide to sort fact from fiction.

Myth #1: Invisalign is only for teens

This is false! Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment among adults thanks to the discreet trays, but Invisalign treatment isn’t limited to adults or teens. Invisalign First® can address crowding or spacing issues in children (even as young as 6). 

If your teen has Invisalign trays, you can monitor the blue progress indicators to ensure that they’re wearing the trays daily.

Myth #2: Invisalign can’t address bite issues

False! Invisalign aligners can address a variety of orthodontic issues, including:

Invisalign can also straighten out crooked teeth and close gaps between teeth.

Myth #3: Oral care with Invisalign is easier than traditional braces

This is true! Taking care of your teeth is much easier with Invisalign treatment. Why? There are no metal brackets and wires to brush or floss around with Invisalign. You simply remove your trays and then brush and floss as normal.

There is one caveat though: You’ll need to wear your trays for 20-22 hours each day for the best results. This means you’ll need to place your trays back in your mouth after eating and brushing. 

Myth #4: Invisalign trays are made from impressions

False! Before your Invisalign trays are made, you’ll need scans of your mouth. Instead of the impressions and molds, you’ll get digital scans with the state-of-the-art iTero scanner. These 3D scans lead to highly accurate images — without any need for the goopy molds!

Myth #5: You won’t know when your treatment ends

False! With Invisalign, your entire treatment plan is created just for you. When you receive your first set of aligners, we’ll send you home with your next set, too. Depending on your specific needs and treatment goals, we’ll let you know when you need to move to your next tray, but it’s usually every one to two weeks.

Invisalign treatments are up to 50% faster when compared to traditional metal braces. This means you can start seeing results in just a few weeks, with the average treatment length ranging from 12-18 months.

Myth #6: Invisalign is the same as mail-order clear trays

False! Invisalign isn’t like the mail-order orthodontic aligner systems. Invisalign is the only clear aligner system that uses SmartTrack material, which means your treatment is both effective and comfortable. Additionally, Invisalign requires no physical impressions or molds. Your 3D digital scans (which just aren’t possibly with mail-order systems) mean your trays fit perfectly, ensuring that your treatment is effective, predictable, and consistent.

In addition, you’ll benefit from Dr. Daza or Dr. Schwartz overseeing your entire treatment. 

Ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Call Bucktown Wicker Park Dental at 773-252-3203, or request an appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Home and Medical Remedies for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects many people in the United States. The good news is there are a number of treatment options that can help people with sleep apnea get better sleep. Read on to learn more.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Dental veneers can give you the smile of your dreams and even serve essential functional purposes. But you may be wondering how long your investment will last. Here’s what you need to know.

6 Problems that Invisalign Corrects

If you or your teen have crooked teeth, it’s time to explore the corrective magic of Invisalign®. Even more serious dental problems can be solved using these convenient, discreet clear aligners. Why not learn more?

Help! My Teeth Are Yellow

Yellow teeth are embarrassing, but they can also be frustrating if your attempts to brighten your smile aren’t working. If you need help brightening your smile, then read on. We’ve got the scoop on what causes stains and how we eliminate them.

The Link Between Obesity and Sleep Apnea

Did you know that carrying excess pounds can increase your risk of a potentially serious sleep disorder? This common problem not only affects your sleep quality, but it also puts your health — and life — at risk. Learn more about sleep apnea here.