Mouthguards are typically used to protect the teeth and gums from injury during sports or other physical activities. They are usually made of soft rubber or plastic and fit over the teeth. Invisalign® is a clear, removable alternative to metal braces. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, customized, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisible. Invisalign® is FDA-cleared, safe, and effective.
So, can Invisalign® be used as a mouthguard? While Invisalign® is not specifically designed to function as a mouthguard, some people do wear their aligners during sports or other physical activities. It is important to consult with your orthodontist to see if Invisalign® is right for you and if wearing your aligners during physical activities is recommended. If you do wear your aligners during physical activities, it is important to take extra care of them to prevent damage.
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What is invisalign?
Invisalign is an invisible orthodontic system used to straighten teeth. It is made up of a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. Invisalign is virtually undetectable, so you can smile confidently during treatment as well as after.
Invisalign treatment is FDA-cleared and has been proven effective. In a clinical study, Invisalign was shown to be up to 51% more effective than traditional wire and bracket braces. Plus, wearing Invisalign is more comfortable than braces, and you avoid the pain and irritation that can come with having metal in your mouth.
If you're considering Invisalign, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist who is trained in Invisalign treatment. They will be able to answer any questions you have and determine if Invisalign is right for you.
For more insights, see: Missing Teeth
What are the drawbacks of invisalign?
There are several drawbacks of Invisalign that should be considered before beginning treatment. One of the most notable drawbacks is the cost. Invisalign is often more expensive than traditional metal braces, due to the custom nature of the treatment. Additionally, treatment with Invisalign can take longer than traditional braces, sometimes up to a year or more. And finally, Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to be effective, which can be difficult to commit to for some patients.
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Is invisalign covered by insurance?
Invisalign is a form of clear orthodontic aligners used to straighten teeth. They are considered a cosmetic procedure and are not usually covered by dental insurance. Some insurers may consider them to be necessary if they are needed to correct a bite or malocclusion, but this is usually not the case. Invisalign may be covered by some health insurance plans if the treatment is deemed medically necessary.
A fresh viewpoint: What Foods Can You Not Eat with Invisalign?
How long does invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign treatment generally takes about a year for adults, though the exact amount of time will vary depending on the individual case. Invisalign is an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into their correct positions. Because Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, they are a popular choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth without drawi
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Can I eat with invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using clear, plastic aligners. Many people wonder if they can still eat normally with Invisalign. The good news is that you can! You can still eat all of your favorite foods with Invisalign, you just need to be a little bit more careful.
When you first get your Invisalign aligners, you will need to be careful of what you eat. Avoiding hard and sticky foods is important, as these can damage the aligners. Once your aligners are adjusted to your mouth, you can start eating normally again. Just be sure to brush your teeth after eating, and to take your aligners out before eating anything.
In general, eating with Invisalign is no different than eating without Invisalign. Just be sure to take extra care of your teeth and aligners, and you’ll be fine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign substitute for a mouth guard?
Not necessarily. A mouth guard is designed to provide protection for your teeth, while Invisalign is primarily marketed as a treatment for tooth shortening and irregularity. A properly fitted mouth guard can provide significant coverage for your teeth and help to prevent them from being broken or damaged in the event of an accident or sudden impact. In contrast, Invisalign treatments are only supposed to result in minor tooth changes; often times there will still be some visible areas where teeth meet, even with regular wear of the braces. As such, a mouth guard may be more important for those who wear Invisalign routinely, as it can help to keep their teeth safer overall.
Can I use my Invisalign aligners as a night guard?
While you can use your Invisalign aligners as a night guard during your tooth straightening journey, we generally recommend that you ditch the night guard until your teeth are straight.
Can I get Invisalign If I have bruxism?
Yes, bruxism can often be treated successfully with Invisalign. The quick change schedule of Invisalign aligners means you’ll likely be back to your regular therapy within a few weeks. If your treatment requires periodic adjustments or use of retainers, these will need to be replaced as prescribed by your orthodontist but usually within six months.
Will a mouth guard Stop Me from grinding my teeth?
A properly fitted mouth guard should help to stop you from clenching and grinding your teeth, but it is ultimately up to you to ensure that you keep your bite in check.
Do I need a mouth guard with Invisalign?
Yes, you should always wear a mouth guard with Invisalign to protect your teeth from breaking.
Sources
- https://dentalhealthsociety.com/invisalign/how-does-invisalign-work/
- https://generationsdentalcare.com/invisalign-for-a-mouthguard-in-football/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch
- https://hellootis.com/blogs/blog/mouth-guards-night-guards-invisalign-what-s-the-difference
- https://franklindentalcareoakland.com/blog/what-are-the-9-benefits-of-getting-invisalign/
- https://www.inverness-ns.ca/benefits-of-invisalign-treatment-you-should-be-aware-of/
- https://theholbornmag.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-getting-invisalign/
- https://designsinortho.com/can-i-use-my-invisalign-tray-as-a-mouthguard-during-sports/
- https://www.springvalleydentalcare.com/blog/835745-what-are-the-benefits-of-invisalign
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Invisalign/comments/9u89b7/how_can_i_wear_a_mouth_guard_with_invisalign/
- https://www.invisalign.com/
- https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-is-invisalign/
- https://elaraorthodontics.com/blog/what-are-the-advantages-of-invisalign-the-5-benefits/
- https://www.wauwatosadentists.com/can-you-wear-a-mouthguard-with-invisalign/
- https://www.sachardental.com/2022/11/21/invisalign-for-crooked-teeth-a-case-study/
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