Invisalign© has become a wildly popular option for straightening teeth. The fact that they’re invisible, removable and – get this – they actually work is why an estimated 2+ million people worldwide have been treated with Invisalign.
But as my 9 year old constantly reminds me – “nothing’s perfect” – and Invisalign is no exception. So let’s take a look at some Invisalign problems patients have reported.
Speech Issues
Some people report having a slight lisp while wearing Invisalign. It’s not a big deal for most but if you do a lot of talking for your job, it’s something you should at least be aware of.
Kissing can be Awkward
Or more awkward if you’re on a first date. Seriously though, this is one of the biggest concerns many people have with Invisalign.
While some patients report that kissing can be a little awkward or uncomfortable when wearing Invisalign, most (and their significant others) say they get used to it pretty quickly. And, worst case scenario, Invisalign aligners are removable so can take them off if you’re expecting some lovin’.
Maintenance Required (A lot of it)
To keep your Invisalign aligners clean and in good shape takes a lot of maintenance. Mainly you’ll have to do a thorough job of cleaning your teeth (brushing and flossing) every time you eat. This can get to be a big hassle if you eat out a lot or like to snack a lot.
Pain
When wearing a new set of aligners, some discomfort or pain is to be expected as your teeth start moving in response to the pressure the aligners put on them as they do their job.
Some patients report that the aligners themselves can cause some pain due to sharp edges rubbing against their gum/mouth. In these cases, you can use wax to cover the sharp edges or have the dentist file the edges down.
Dry Mouth
Many patients do experience dry mouth when wearing Invisalign. Drinking a lot of water can help fix this issue.
Can Only Drink Cold Water
When wearing Invisalign, you’re only supposed to drink cold water. Hot beverages as well as sugary or alcoholic drinks are a no-no as they can ruin the aligners.
No Lipstick
Probably not a big deal for guys, but women may not like that they shouldn’t wear lipstick with Invisalign aligners. The lipstick will likely adhere to the aligner and be quite noticeable to others.
Attachments/Buttons/Elastics
Often you’ll need to have attachments/buttons/elastics with your Invisalign aligners which help them do their job effectively and efficiently.
However, these things can be noticeable and make your invisible braces, well, visible (kind of as if you were wearing clear regular braces).
Never-ending Treatment?
After you’re done with your Invisalign treatment, you’ll still need to wear a retainer at night to keep your newly straightened teeth in their full and upright/straight positions.
If you were expecting to wear them for a year or two and then be done, unfortunately, it usually doesn’t work that way.
YOU
At the end of the day, for Invisalign to work, you have to comply with the rules for wearing them. That can take a bit of discipline. You should honestly assess whether you think you can stick to the rules before dropping thousands of dollars on Invisalign.
None of the above Invisalign problems above are necessarily deal breakers. Many people are extremely happy with their Invisalign aligners and the straight teeth they’ve gotten from them. You should just be aware of these problems going in and think about how they might affect your life if you choose to get Invisalign.
To find out more about Invisalign from a dentist near you that specializes in them, search our listings here.