Invisalign aligners have become quite common and a preferable orthodontic treatment option since their introduction in the late 1990s. This clear and convenient alternative to traditional braces gradually moves the teeth to their perfect positions to achieve a straight smile.
The Invisalign aligners are custom-made for each patient, and they inconspicuously straighten the teeth. These features, amongst others, has contributed to their popularity in orthodontics. Although Invisalign is an effective treatment option recommended by many dentists and orthodontists, the treatment has some risks like other orthodontic treatments.
Even with these risks being few compared to the benefits they offer, you still need to know them if you want to use Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth or are already undergoing the treatment.
Some complications with Invisalign treatment include:
· Tooth vitality
If you had a teeth injury in the past, undergoing Invisalign treatment may kill your tooth nerves and cause more damage. Before Invisalign treatment, you may have to get an endodontic treatment, such as a root canal or a restorative surgery to restore the damaged tooth.
· Crowns and fillings
Invisalign aligners are designed to cover the teeth and gradually move them, so if you have a filling, the teeth movement may dislodge it. A crown may also become damaged during Invisalign treatment.
If you are undergoing Invisalign treatment and you’re filling falls out, or the crown becomes damaged, you need to repair or replace it.
· Discomfort
Most people who start Invisalign treatment experience dental tenderness. During the initial phase of your Invisalign treatment, you will likely experience scratching in your lips, cheeks and gums. The discomfort usually lasts for only a couple of days, but as your mouth adjusts to the aligners, you will begin to feel more comfortable.
· Root resorption
For Invisalign to work effectively, it causes a cellular response in the teeth root. In a few cases, the cellular response can damage the ends of the teeth root. The teeth may also become damaged after Invisalign treatment if they lose support from the gum or the gum gets affected by periodontal disease and if root resorption occurs during the Invisalign treatment.
Professional teeth cleaning a minimum of two times a year during your teeth straightening treatment can prevent more teeth damage resulting from periodontal disease.
· Temporomandibular joints disorder (TMD)
Some patients experience reactions such as headaches, ear problems due to TMJ, and jaw joint pains. TMD may also cause the jaw to become stuck, swelling, weakness in the face, and difficulty opening the mouth.
TMJ risk is higher with traditional braces than Invisalign aligners, but if you experience jaw pain during Invisalign treatment, ensure that you inform your orthodontist. If the pain is present before treatment, inform your orthodontist to determine if the treatment will worsen the pain.
These complications from Invisalign treatment are not common, but being aware of them helps you decide your teeth straightening options. If you start your Invisalign treatment and experience these complications, inform your Invisalign provider immediately.
If you want to straighten your teeth with Invisalign but are concerned about your risks for developing Invisalign complications, book your consultation for Invisalign in London!
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