Dr. Brittany Dickinson is one of the finest cosmetic dentists in the city of Chicago. A graduate of the University of Florida, as well as the London School of Economics, Dr. Brittany loves continuing her education year after year. She holds degrees in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Business, and Medical Sciences in addition to her dental education. She has several publications in the field of Periodontal Disease research and is a graduate of numerous additional cosmetic programs including The Dawson Academy in Tampa, Aesthetic Advantage in Manhattan, and FMR Full Mouth Rehabilitation. She is also an American Academy of Facial Aesthetics certified injector for Botox and Fillers. Haute Beauty expert Dr. Dickinson gives answers to the fallacies and highlights the truths behind the Invisalign treatment.  

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Dickinson

There is a multitude of misconceptions about Invisalign, a revolutionary system that inconspicuously straightens misaligned teeth or an incorrect bite. This straightening method is an exceptional alternative to metal braces but unfortunately many don’t know the truth behind the technique. That said, it is time to find out whether these facts are TRUE or FALSE. Here Haute Beauty expert, Dr. Dickinson provides us with the answers:

Invisalign has an age limit. 

FALSE! Invisalign is a great option for any age. My patients are largely adults and our average age for Invisalign is in their 40’s. We have two currently in their 60’s that are almost finished straightening their smile. There is no age limit for a beautiful, straight smile!

Invisalign can cause you to have a lisp or speech impairment.

TRUE (only for a day or so)! Your speech will sound odd for the first day or so as your mouth adjusts to having the trays in. I usually recommend going home and reading a magazine or book out loud for an hour. By the end of the magazine, your speech will be back to normal!

Invisalign prevents you from eating and drinking whatever you want. 

FALSE! One of my favorite things about Invisalign is that there are no restrictions on what you can eat. That means you won’t need to give up any of your favorite treats!

When you remove your Invisalign, your teeth will instantly move.

FALSE! Your teeth will stay right where that tray has them, provided you put the tray back in as soon as you’ve finished eating. Remember,  Invisalign trays need to be worn for 22 hours a day and should only be removed during mealtimes!

Invisalign is less comfortable than braces. 

FALSE! Invisalign is way more comfortable than braces. As anyone who has had both can attest to, Invisalign trays are comfortable and smooth, unlike traditional braces with sharp brackets and wires. 

Leaving Invisalign in warm places can cause them to melt. 

TRUE! Invisalign trays are plastic. If you put them on a hot surface by mistake they will melt or deform. Keep them away from the stove!

If you bite down too hard, you can break your Invisalign.

FALSE (or it would be very rare)! The trays are flexible and are only worn for two weeks at a time, so they should not break. I’ve never had this happen with one of our patients!

Invisalign is painful.

FALSE! As with any tooth movement, your mouth may be sore or tender, but not painful!