Top 10 Myths About Invisalign Debunked

Invisalign is a popular, innovative treatment in the field of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners straighten teeth by utilizing nearly invisible trays instead of the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces. The result is a discreet, convenient method of achieving a beautiful smile.  Despite Invisalign’s popularity and proven effectiveness, there are still some misconceptions about the treatment. In this post, we will debunk some common myths about Invisalign treatment.

Myth 1: Invisalign is only for minor orthodontic issues

One of the biggest misconceptions about Invisalign is that it can only address minor dental issues. The truth is that Invisalign in Vancouver is an effective treatment for a wide range of orthodontic problems, from mild to complex, including severely crowded teeth, large gaps, and an array of bite issues.

Myth 2: Invisalign is painful

Like any orthodontic treatment, some initial mild discomfort can be expected, especially when transitioning to a new set of aligners. Any discomfort is temporary and signifies that the Invisalign treatment is working to reposition the teeth. Generally, there is less discomfort associated with Invisalign than with traditional braces.

Myth 3: All Invisalign aligners are the same

Your Invisalign aligner trays are fully customized for your teeth. As your teeth align themselves, you will be given new trays. Each aligner set is worn for about two weeks.

Myth 4: You can’t eat what you want when using Invisalign

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that you can eat whatever you want! You don’t have to avoid some of your favourite chewy or sticky foods as you would when wearing traditional braces. Your Invisalign aligners should stay firmly in your mouth for up to 22 hours a day, but they can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.

Myth 5: Invisalign is expensive

The cost of Invisalign is comparable with metal braces but can vary considerably depending on the complexity of your specific case. Many insurance providers cover part of the cost of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign consultations. If the cost of treatment is a concern for you, speak with your insurance provider and orthodontist about your financial options to develop a payment plan.

Expensive Invisalign

Myth 6: Invisalign takes longer than braces

The duration of treatment depends on the specific case, but the treatment time needed with Invisalign in Surrey is often comparable to that required for traditional braces. As long as the patient wears the aligners as instructed, Invisalign aligners can produce quicker and more efficient results due to their precise design. Following all instructions and wearing your aligners for the required amount of time per day will ensure the fastest possible treatment time.

Myth 7: Invisalign is not for teenagers

Invisalign is suitable for people of all ages, including adults and teens. Because of its discreet, inconspicuous design, it may be more appealing to your teenager than metal braces.

Myth 8: Invisalign aligners are fragile

Invisalign aligners are made from a durable thermoplastic material and do not break easily. Invisalign aligner trays should be handled with care, and you should continue to practice good oral hygiene during your treatment. Generally, Invisalign requires less repairs than metal braces

Myth 9: Invisalign will affect my speech

Any orthodontic treatment takes some time, and Invisalign aligners may slightly affect your speech for the first few days only. Some patients don’t experience speech issues; most will adapt within a few days. Talk to your orthodontist if your Invisalign aligners hinder your speech.

Beautiful smile after treatment

Myth 10: Invisalign is noticeable

One of the advantages of Invisalign is its near-invisibility. Invisalign aligner trays are clear and transparent, making them practically undetectable. This is one of the many benefits highlighted in an Invisalign treatment guide, which helps patients understand how these aligners can discreetly enhance their smile without the conspicuous appearance of traditional braces.

Now that We’ve Busted the Myths About Invisalign, it’s Time to Begin your Treatment!

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment capable of discreetly treating various dental issues despite misconceptions. If you’re interested in Invisalign or have more questions, contact us at Pacific West Dental for an initial consultation. We will provide a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

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Dr. Yashodhan Milind Bichu

  • Certified Specialist-Orthodontics, British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals, 2024
  • Dental Speciality Assessment and Training Program Orthodontics, University of British Columbia, 2024
  • M.D.S, Master of Dental Surgery, Goa Dental College & Hospital, Goa University, Goa, India,2010
  • B.D.S, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, MGV’s KBH Dental College & Hospital, Nashik, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, India 2006,

Dr. Yash is a Certified Specialist Orthodontist with an experience of over 14 years gained through specialist orthodontic practices in Mumbai, India and Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He is multilingual and fluent in several languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, and Arabic.

He completed his dental program from India in 2006 with Honors, as a distinguished recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Certificate of Merit for Academic Excellence and subsequently earned his master’s degree in Orthodontics from Government Dental College as a Gold Medalist of the Goa University in 2010. Being an ardent advocate of ‘Learner for Life’ philosophy, Dr. Yash went on to pursue advanced training in Lingual Orthodontics, Micro Implant Anchorage and Surgical Orthodontics at the Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea in 2014. He then completed a mini-residency stint at the UConn Dental School, University of Connecticut, USA (2017) to further hone his skills for accelerated orthodontics and clear aligner therapy.

Dr. Yash moved to Canada with his family in 2022 and completed his orthodontic specialty recertification program at the University of British Columbia in 2024, by securing the single coveted seat offered to internationally trained Orthodontists in 2023. He is also a fellow of the prestigious Royal College of Dentists of Canada- an honor bestowed to the top dental specialists in their field.

Dr. Yash believes in “Practice Passion in Orthodontics” and specializes in treating children with preventive and interceptive orthodontics, and adults with contemporary and esthetic treatment modalities.

In his spare time, Dr. Yash enjoys talking; actually, mostly listening, to his wife, Aditi, an orthodontist herself; and their chatty 6-year-old daughter, Anahita. The trio live in Vancouver and love exploring all the wonderful places, sampling the plethora of cuisines and just soaking in the resplendent beauty that Beautiful British Columbia and Canada offer!

Find Our More About Surrey Orthodontics

To find out more about the orthodontic specialties, braces for teeth and treatments at PacificWest Dental Group, please call PacificWest Dental Surrey or Vancouver offices to book an appointment. 

Dr. Yan Liu

  • University of British Columbia 2021, Vancouver, Certified Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, 2004, San Francisco, Postdoctoral Fellowship
  • Pecking University, 2001, Beijing, PH.D.
  • Beijing Medical University 1997 Beijing, DDM,

Dr. Yan Liu is a Certified Specialist of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics with over 20 years of experience as both a practitioner and an educator. She has been practicing at Pacificwest Dental Group in Vancouver BC, since 2021.

She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Beijing Medical University in 1997 and later acquired her Ph.D. from Peking University in 2001. In 2004 Dr. Liu finished her postdoctoral fellowship at the Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. She is now a part-time faculty at UBC Dentistry School, where she spends considerable time advancing research and mentoring students. Her clinical researches are about Assessment of Treatment Results of Invisalign and Comparison of Root Resorption Between Cases Treated with Invisalign and Fixed Edgewise Appliance.

When asked what gets her up in the morning, Dr. Liu says it’s seeing her patients thrive in life with their new smiles. She strives to explore efficient treatment modalities that serve patients well and keep her knowledge and skills updated. She also cares about the ongoing research and development in Orthodontics and how to improve the long-term impact on patients’ beautiful smiles. Her enthusiasm for her work is further evident in her active involvement in the Canadian Association of Orthodontics as well as the BC Society of Orthodontists.

In her spare time, Dr. Liu enjoys spending time with her family. She loves to golf, bike and practice yoga, too.

Professional Memberships

  • The Canadian Association of Orthodontists
  • The British Columbia Society of Orthodontists
  • The Chinese Association of Orthodontists
  • Invisalign Annual Summit Speaker

Find Our More About Surrey Orthodontics

To find out more about the orthodontic specialties, braces for teeth and treatments at PacificWest Dental Group, please call PacificWest Dental Surrey or Vancouver offices to book an appointment. 

Dr. Kevin Lee

Dr. Kevin Lee

  • University of British Columbia 2015 Combined MSc and Diploma in Orthodontics, Vancouver, BC
  • University of British Columbia 2011 DMD, Vancouver, BC
  • University of British Columbia 2006 Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry, Vancouver, BC

Born and raised in Taiwan, Dr. Kevin Lee moved to Richmond, BC with my family in 1999 when he was 15 years old. Dr. Lee received his Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) Degree and Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of British Columbia in 2011. After spending a year working as a full-time hospital dental resident at the Montefiore Medical Center in the exciting city of Bronx, New York (Yankees!), Dr. Lee came home to British Columbia, where he spent three years at UBC to complete graduate training in orthodontics. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Craniofacial Biology for his study of Dentofacial Morphology in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Dr. Lee is a certified specialist in Orthodontics, a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Lee is also a director of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in BC.

Dr. Lee lives in Richmond with his wife Dr. Sherry Liu, a local family dentist, and their two kids. In his spare time, Dr. Lee enjoys photography, cooking, movies, and spending time with families and friends. He also volunteers at Willingdon Church as photographer and First Aid Responder.

“The unique combination of art, mechanics, and science required to treat every patient is what made orthodontics fascinating to me. Because every smile and patient is unique and different, a customized treatment plan is formed for each person to provide a balance between function, aesthetic, and health. As a board-certified orthodontist, I am passionate in updating myself with the most advanced knowledge and skill to provide quicker, easier, and most predictable treatment options for my patients. I am excited for the opportunities to meet with every one of my patients to share my knowledge, skill, and passion in orthodontics, and to form a long lasting partnership with them.”

Find Our More About Surrey Orthodontics

To find out more about the orthodontic specialties, braces for teeth and treatments at PacificWest Dental Group, please call PacificWest Dental Surrey or Vancouver offices to book an appointment. 

Dr. Cheng Lun Wang

  • DDS. Doctor of Dental surgery, University of Western Onterio, 1989
  • MSc. University of Manitoba 1994
  • Cert. of Orthodontics, University of Manitoba 1994

Orthodontic specialist, Dr. Wang, is the founder and sole-proprietor of PacificWest Orthodontics and Dental Group in Surrey and Vancouver. Dr. Cheng Lun Wang graduated with a degree in Dental Surgery from the University of Western Ontario in 1989.

After graduation, he completed an internship with the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, transitioning later into a full-time position with the I.W.K. Hospital for Children in Halifax and specializing as a pediatric orthodontist. During this time, Dr. Wang continued to teach undergraduate dental students from Dalhousie University, while also building a part-time private practice in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Dr. Wang entered the orthodontic program at the University of Manitoba in 1991. After three years of intensive Clinical Orthodontic training, he earned a Masters of Science degree in Craniofacial Biology in 1994.

An enthusiasm for continuing education has led Dr. Wang to share his years of professional experience on Orthodontic and Pediatric dentistry at various lectures and professional presentations throughout Canada. In addition to actively practicing lingual and labial Orthodontics in his private clinics, he also serves as a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) School of Dentistry. His clinical research has been published in the Journal of Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology.

Dr. Wang’s primary focus is working directly with you to meet your specific orthodontic needs. Working with his orthodontic associates and support team, Dr. Wang practices out of two PacificWest Dental Group clinics – one in Vancouver BC and the other in Surrey BC. 

Professional Memberships

Find Our More About Surrey Orthodontics

To find out more about the orthodontic specialties, braces for teeth and treatments at PacificWest Dental Group, please call PacificWest Dental Surrey or Vancouver offices to book an appointment. 

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