Top 10 Invisalign Myths

FACT: Orthodontists do not require a referral for treatment. In fact, unlike most dentists, many orthodontists don't charge for an initial consultation. Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in straightening teeth. Additional training and years of practice allow an experienced orthodontist to reduce the number of invisalign attachments and even reduce the time in treatment.

FACT: Success with Invisalign relies on advanced training and experience with tooth movement. Any dentist can submit an Invisalign case and get aligners made by technicians with no advanced training. Truly impressive results with Invisalign require the finesse and expertise of an orthodontist that understands tooth movement with Invisalign.

Invisalign is an instrument, somewhat like a scalpel. Just because you hand someone a scalpel it does not make them a surgeon. Invisalign is only as good as the practitioner who is using it to align the teeth. When comparing one quote for treatment to another it is important to also consider the skill of the doctor providing the treatment.

FACT: Invisalign, in the hands of a skilled practitioner, can be used to correct almost any orthodontic problem that braces can. Invisalign moves teeth differently than braces do, so the success of the treatment plan relies on the orthodontist’s understanding of the mechanics of aligner therapy.

FACT: Orthodontists with considerable experience with Invisalign are able to keep costs down for patients. For the same cost as braces, Invisalign is an affordable, comfortable way to straighten teeth without metal or wires.

FACT: With proper treatment planning and staging, patients can go 3 or 4 months between appointments while wearing their aligners.

FACT: This is False. Invisalign is only available by visiting your local Orthodontist or Dentist. You cannot buy Invisalign through a smile club, Amazon, or any other internet outlet. These online vendors make their products sound like Invisalign but they are not.

As 3d printers and CNC technology continues to become more sophisticated, companies are starting to offer DIY orthodontic aligners. There are 2 major concerns with online Doctor Directed (DIY) treatment. 1) Technicians, not dentists, create the aligners without ever seeing the patient. 2) The aligners can be completely ineffective due to the use of poor quality plastic and a generic prescription created by a technician or novice dentist.

FACT: Proper fitting aligners made from a digital scan or accurate impressions should not affect speech.

FACT: It is important to do your research. The experience of the practitioner will determine the complexity of the case that they can treat. Only an orthodontist experienced in multiple treatment techniques is going to be able to effectively diagnose and treat a difficult case.

A General Dentist will often insist that an “instant” artificial solution is your only option. The artificial fix is due to the lack of experience / training to provide you with an organic solution to straightening your “real” teeth. Research the doctor, research the practice, make sure you know which clinician is actually creating your prescription. The fastest way to a beautiful smile is to Google “Invisalign”; skip the ads and click on a local orthodontist, read about the doctor’s feedback on Yelp, and look at the doctor’s website. If they don’t offer a Free Consultation, move on to the next orthodontist.

FACT: Aligntech is constantly improving their Invisalign SmartTrack Aligner Material. A new proprietary formula for 2013 brings More Constant Force, Higher Elasticity, More Precise Aligner Fit, and Improved Patient Comfort.

FACT: This couldn't be more false. If you take a look at any real orthodontist's Before and After Gallery you will see some examples of patient treatments that use a combination of technology. A specially trained orthodontist can employ all modes of treatment in order to best meet the patients time frames and desired results.