When it comes to teeth straightening,Invisalign is one of the most recognized and popular brand names in the dental world.
The appeal is obvious. According to an orthodontist at -,one of the highest volume Invisalign providers in the country,the realignment process is fairly simple compared to braces,and the results are generally powerful. It’s easy to see why Invisalign has become a big brand name,but there is a potential downside. Many people don’t know that there can be side effects with Invisalign,and those who are aware of them often have little idea how they work and how severe they may be.
With that in mind,let’s take a look at the Invisalign process,how the side effects can occur and just how potentially dangerous they really are.
The Process and the Potential Problem
Invisalign works by having the patient wear a series of plastic molds that slowly shape the wearer’s teeth to eliminate irregularities,straighten teeth and improve dental health in the process. The molds are measured to fit the patient’s teeth,and new ones are swapped in every two weeks.
The potential problem with this is simple and obvious: These molds are made of plastic,and some people don’t react well to having a piece of plastic in their mouths for extended periods. Allergic reactions are possible,and they can range from extremely mild to potentially severe.
The Solutions
Fortunately,there are several options to reduce or eliminate these kinds of reactions. According to -,the first is a plastic test,which is exactly what it sounds like,i.e.,dentists take a piece of the same kind of plastic used in the Invisalign product and tape it to the skin of potential patients to see if they react badly.
This helps eliminate the possibility of seriously bad reactions,but there are other steps that can be taken if the reaction is milder. Patients who experience sensitive teeth and gums or a tingling feeling in their mouth,the solution is basically to add water.
Why? The big reason the plastic causes a problem is because it reduces saliva production,which can be alleviated by drinking more water,and dental visits that feature more cleaning that usual can also help with this problem by eliminating the accumulation of bacteria and increasing saliva production.
So that’s the rundown on the Invisalign solution and possible side effects. What we’ve explained here should give you more than enough information to weigh the risks of side effects,and to factor that into your decision about whether Invisalign is right for you.