Know Before You Go: Potential Complications with Invisalign

Regardless of millions of success stories and changed lives for the better, every medical or dental treatment comes with risks and potential complications. Even with Invisalign, which has been around for far longer than 20 years, some patients may encounter certain roadblocks along the way; however, be assured that your dentist will do everything they can to avoid these possible complications from happening to you.

Discomfort

 When making a permanent change like the alignment of your teeth, you should expect some unpleasant tenderness or soreness. However, with Invisalign this discomfort should be significantly less than what you’d experience with traditional braces. Also, your soreness should last just a few days after you begin and switch to a new set. After this brief period, your mouth should feel normal. If it progresses to pain or persists beyond a few days, contact your dentist.

Nerve Damage

Rearranging teeth can affect the nerves around them, especially if you’ve had a tooth removed or another dental injury before. Prior to the start of treatment, your dentist should identify any potential problems with nerve damage or extra discomfort. Together, you can determine whether this procedure is appropriate or should wait until after other treatment is completed first to keep nerve damage and pain under control.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain

Often known only as TMJ disorder, jaw pain just above the ears often results from a stiff jaw joint and sometimes from an uneven or improper bite. Before you begin Invisalign treatment, you need to tell your dentist if you regularly experience TMJ pain. It could mean that another treatment would better meet your needs and alleviate your discomfort.

Damaged Fillings

If you have fillings, be aware that the custom-fit aligners may press on your teeth in a way that forces these restorations loose. The composite resin is securely bonded to your teeth, but failure primarily depends on their age and condition. While it doesn’t always happen, it’s not uncommon to need new fillings while you have Invisalign. Just be prepared and not surprised if this is the case for you!

As unpleasant as it may feel to discuss unlikely complications, it’s important to address them with your dentist prior to the start. Not only can you be better prepared for treatment, but your dentist can also confirm that you are a good candidate and that treatment should work, as long as you follow instructions and stick to your treatment plan. Your perfectly aligned smile is worth the rare potential risks!

About the Practice

No matter what you need to restore function confidence in your smile, Amherst Dental Group in Williamsville can provide assistance. With seven dentists in our office, we have decades of combines experience, training, and expertise. We are proud to offer Invisalign and other cutting-edge treatments. If you have questions about Invisalign or think it might be a good option for your smile, reach out to us online here or call us at 716-689-8882.