Can Invisalign Cause Root Damage?

Can Invisalign cause root damage? Yes, when getting treatment from an inexperienced Invisalign provider, patients may find Invisalign may kill some nerves of the teeth and has the potential to cause root damage. This is why it is imperative to visit an Invisalign Diamond Plus provider that has performed thousands of successful treatments. Gladwell Orthodontics is the #1 Invisalign Provider in the entire state of North Carolina with over 5000 smile transformations using Invisalign technology.

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment here at Gladwell Orthodontics. Patients from all walks of life love it because it allows them to straighten their teeth without the pain and discomfort that is usually associated with traditional metal braces.

With Invisalign, patients have the freedom to remove their aligners any time they wish to eat, drink, brush, or floss their teeth. This can be especially helpful when special events come up because you’ll be able to remove the aligners for pictures when needed! As long as they wear their aligners for about 22 hours each day, they will notice their teeth gradually move into their proper positions.

Sometimes, Invisalign patients ask Dr. Jason Gladwell whether Invisalign can lead to root damage. The truth is, yes, Invisalign may kill some nerves of the teeth and has the potential to cause root damage. A cellular response between the tissues surrounding the roots and the trays may hinder the ends of the roots. However, if patients care for their aligners and make oral hygiene a top priority, their risk of experiencing this issue is low. Tasks as simple as visiting the dentist every six months for routine check ups and cleanings can help to prevent root damage from occurring.

Since root damage may lead to loss of sufficient gum and support for the teeth and call for extensive orthodontic procedures such as root canals, Invisalign patients should do their best to avoid it. It is important to note that root damage is just one possible side effect of Invisalign. All treatments come with side effects so patients should not be afraid of undergoing Invisalign because of them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Invisalign


How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign clear aligners are designed to put gentle force on your teeth to slowly but surely shift them into their proper positions. They are similar to braces in this way, without the added metal! Dr. Gladwell will carefully plan out your tooth movements using a unique type of digital technology, which creates an aligner for each specific tooth movement throughout the treatment plan. With each set of aligners, the teeth will make the proper adjustments accordingly. Typically, you’ll be expected to wear a new set of aligners every two weeks until you’ve achieved a beautiful, new smile.


Will Invisalign affect the way I talk?

As with any orthodontic treatment, it may take a few days for you to adjust to having plastic aligners in your mouth. While you may seem to think you’ll talk “funny” for the first few days, this generally adjusts rather quickly. What can tend to help with speech adjustments is talking aloud either to an audience or alone. You can go over words that you may think sounds more difficult with the aligners while in your mouth until certain words or sounds feel more comfortable to pronounce.


How do I clean aligners?

Cleaning Invisalign aligners is rather simple. All you have to do is brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water as this can warp the special plastic material that the aligners are constructed from! Additionally, we can provide you with special Invisalign cleaner that some patients prefer.


How long does an Invisalign treatment take?

Invisalign treatment time varies and depends heavily on the condition of the mouth. For more complex cases, Invisalign treatment may take longer than someone with simpler tooth movements. To provide a perspective, some patients may wear Invisalign for as little as six months, whereas most patients complete their treatment within a year. As an added bonus, Invisalign typically tends to take less time than treatment with traditional metal braces.


How many patients have been treated with Invisalign?

Invisalign has grown to become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments in the country. Individuals of all ages are tending to choose Invisalign to help achieve the goal of a beautiful smile! In fact, more than 1,000,000 patients across the world have been treated with Invisalign and this number continues to increase each day. Don’t let age be a factor in choosing whether Invisalign is right for you. Instead, try a consultation with us and allow us to show you the advantages of what Invisalign could do for you.


Are there eating restrictions with Invisalign?

There are no eating restrictions with Invisalign because you Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take them out and eat or drink anything you’d like. As long as you brush your teeth after each meal and re-insert your aligners right after, you’ll be in good shape.


Can I get Invisalign treatment for the New Year?

With 2020 upon us, more patients now than ever wish to try Invisalign! In fact, if you happen to create a resolution to start your journey to a beautiful smile, Invisalign can provide you with a great foundation. If interested, a consultation can be made with Dr. Gladwell to see if Invisalign is right for you in the New Year!

Contact Gladwell Orthodontics

2020 could be your year to change up your smile! If you have any questions related to Invisalign or root damage, we encourage you to contact our office at 919-453-6325 for more information. We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions and offer you a complimentary Invisalign consultation.