Invisalign has become an increasingly popular choice for adults looking to straighten their teeth. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, removable, and more comfortable than traditional metal braces. However, some patients wonder if Invisalign can cause allergic reactions. At Lansdowne Family Dental, we receive this question often. Below we discuss:
- What materials make up Invisalign aligners
- Potential allergy concerns with Invisalign
- Signs of an allergic reaction
- Steps to take if you experience an Invisalign allergy
- Alternative orthodontic options
Can Invisalign Cause Allergic Reactions?
Invisalign allergies are uncommon but certainly possible. According to Align Technology, fewer than 5% of patients experience sensitivity to Invisalign. The most common causes of Invisalign allergies include:
- Contact allergies to plastics or resin materials
- Reactions to pigments, dyes, or slurry used when making the aligners
- Sensitivity to cleaning solutions or crystallization detergents used to maintain aligners
For many people, allergies go away on their own after an initial adjustment period of wearing the aligners. But for some, the reactions persist or get worse over time.
To schedule your Invisalign treatment in Ashburn, Leesburg, or Lansdowne, VA, choose Lansdowne Family Dental for quality dental care. We offer various dental services with a patient-centric approach. Start your dental journey with us. Contact us!
Signs of an Invisalign Allergy
How do you know if you’re having an allergic reaction to Invisalign? Potential allergy symptoms include:
- Red, irritation, puffy aligners tracks on teeth and gums
- Itching and discomfort in the mouth
- Burning sensation on the gums or cheeks
- Canker sores
- Swelling of lips, face, or throat
- Hives or rash around the mouth
These reactions typically start mild but can worsen if the allergens aren’t addressed. If untreated for too long, they pose a risk of infection or dental damage.
What to Do if You’re Allergic to Invisalign
Don’t panic if you develop symptoms of an Invisalign allergy. There are several steps you can take:
- See your dentist – Make an appointment with your dentist to identify the cause of the reaction and appropriate next steps.
- Use allergy medication – Over-the-counter antihistamines can provide relief for mild allergies. Use as directed.
- Try aligner cleaning solutions – Switching to hypoallergenic Invisalign cleaning products may allow you to keep wearing aligners. Ask our office for options.
- Take a break – Your dentist may advise taking aligners out for several days to see if symptoms improve.
- Use glass ionomer cement – Placing a protective liner between teeth and aligners can act as a barrier for those with plastic allergies.
- Consider acrylic or metal braces – More severe aligner allergies may require transitioning to traditional braces if issues persist.
Always consult your orthodontist before making major changes to Invisalign treatment. Trying the above solutions will help most people continue treatment.
Alternatives if You’re Allergic to Invisalign
If your Invisalign allergy doesn’t get better, don’t lose hope for straighter teeth! Here are some orthodontic options to discuss with your dentist:
- Clear ceramic braces – Made of translucent ceramic, these braces blend in better than metal for appearance. Less likely to cause plastic reactions.
- Lingual braces – Attached to the backs of teeth, lingual braces aren’t visible but achieve the same straightening over time.
- Metal braces – Stainless steel braces don’t contain plastics/acrylics and may suit those with severe aligner allergies.
- ClearCorrect – Similar to Invisalign, ClearCorrect aligners use different plastics that could be alternatives for those with SmartTrack material allergies.
- Gold aligners – Gold aligners involve 3D printing aligners with 24-karat gold. Eliminates plastic contact but is very expensive.
Don’t lose hope if Invisalign causes reactions. By partnering with your orthodontist, you can find alternate paths to your perfect smile!
Schedule an appointment with Lansdowne Family Dental today if you experience any symptoms of Invisalign allergies or want to discuss other teeth straightening options.
Call us to make an appointment with our knowledgeable doctors. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, straight smile comfortably!
