Invisalign is a revolutionary new teeth straightening method that uses plastic aligners to gradually shape your smile over time. It offers great advantages over the old “metal mouth” braces that so many children fear. With this treatment, the Invisalign dentist uses computer imaging to create your aligners. Each is used for a two-week period and then discarded for the next. This method of treatment helps many people straighten their teeth, but there are some small risks.

Nerve damage

If you’ve had a tooth injury before, Invisalign can damage or kill your nerves. Damage to the nerves does not mean the death of your tooth, but it may require more treatment to restore the nerves. It could even mean a root canal! Cases of nerve damage are rare, but you need to take some precautions to be sure. Inform your dentist of all previous dental work you have had so that you know which areas are at risk. A trained professional can do everything possible to make sure there is no damage. You should also let them know if you have had fillings or crowns anywhere because the aligners can dislodge them.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is caused by plaque, that white substance that your dentist always told you about and that thrives on sugar. During treatment with an Invisalign dentist, you should take special care to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Although it is not the fault of the treatment, people who have it are at a higher risk of plaque buildup. Keep your teeth clean and, if possible, avoid eating too much sugar during treatment. It never hurts to get your teeth cleaned before you get your first set of aligners.

Allergic reaction

It is very rare, but some patients are allergic to Invisalign dentist-placed aligners. It’s impossible to test this beforehand, but if you know the symptoms, you can keep an eye out for them. There may be swelling or pain around the aligners, or in severe cases there may be nausea, a sore throat, or a persistent cough. The danger is that these symptoms are mistaken for a cold or the flu, so if you understand that they may be allergic reactions to aligners, you can be treated. Unfortunately, if you are allergic to aligners, you cannot continue with the treatment.

Choking Hazard

Another risk is that part of the aligner may come off and be swallowed. This presents a risk of suffocation. However, aligners are made to be strong and this is only a problem for people who clench or grind their teeth. When you speak with your Invisalign dentist in office, they will ask you about this and assess your eligibility for treatment.

It is always good to know the risks before choosing to start any type of treatment. The good news is that, unlike traditional braces, there is no pain or discomfort associated with this treatment. Although there is a slight risk of nerve damage or tooth decay, it is still less than that of braces. If you have other questions, speak with your dentist before starting treatment.