When it comes to dental aligners in Portland, there’s a lot of chatter—and not all of it’s true. At Pacific Woods Dental, we’ve heard it all: “They don’t really work,” “They’re inconvenient,” “They’re only for teens.” The truth? Clear aligners are a simple, effective, and low-stress option for many patients. Below, we’re setting the record straight on five common myths so you can feel confident and informed about your smile journey.
Myth #1: Clear Aligners Are Less Effective Than Traditional Braces
While it’s true that some severe cases, such as extreme bite issues or complex misalignments, may require traditional braces, clear aligners are remarkably effective for most dental issues.
Aligners can comfortably and effectively treat many alignment problems, including overcrowding, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Advances in aligner technology mean that these custom-made trays can now address more comprehensive orthodontic needs than they could in the past.
Extra Advice from a Raleigh Hills Dentist
The key to success with clear aligners is wearing them as instructed—typically 20-22 hours a day—and following our dentist’s recommendations. When you stay consistent, the results can be just as impressive as those achieved with braces.
Myth #2: Portland Dental Aligners Make You Talk Funny
You might experience some slight speech changes at the beginning, such as a minor lisp. However, these are typically temporary. Most patients adapt to wearing their aligners within a few days. Your tongue naturally adjusts to the shape of the aligners, and any changes in speech usually disappear as you become accustomed to wearing them.
Pro Tip from a Raleigh Hills Dentist
If you’re concerned, try practicing reading aloud or having conversations while you’re getting used to your aligners.
Myth #3: Clear Aligners Are Only for Cosmetic Changes
It’s easy to assume that clear aligners are only for straightening teeth to create a great-looking smile. However, there’s a reason orthodontics is its own field of dentistry, not a form of cosmetic dentistry. Properly aligned teeth aren’t just about aesthetics—they play a crucial role in your overall oral health.
When teeth are crooked or misaligned, they create hard-to-reach areas that can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Clear aligners help bring teeth into their ideal position, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
Additional Perks from a Raleigh Hills Dentist
By correcting issues like overbites or underbites, clear aligners can also prevent uneven wear on your teeth. In the process, you could find relief from problems like jaw pain or headaches caused by misaligned bites and even TMJ disorder.
Myth #4: You Can Be Too Old to Get Dental Aligners in Portland
Who says orthodontic treatment is just for teenagers? The truth is, it’s never too late to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Orthodontic treatment in adulthood can also mean you reap the significant health benefits mentioned above.
Clear aligners are an excellent option for adults and even senior adults who want a subtle way to achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. Unlike traditional braces, aligners are almost invisible, so you don’t have to feel self-conscious about wearing them in social or professional settings.
Pro Tip from a Raleigh Hills Dentist
Clear aligners can work for you as long as your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. That’s the key, not age. If you have underlying oral health issues, it doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 75—we’ll need to take care of those issues first.
Myth #5: Clear Aligners Are High Maintenance
Some people worry that taking care of their dental aligners in Portland will require too much time and effort. The idea of constantly cleaning the trays or worrying about damaging them can seem inconvenient. However, the reality is that clear aligners are quite simple to maintain.
Taking care of your trays is as easy as rinsing them with water and brushing them gently with a soft toothbrush daily. Many patients find that cleaning aligners is much less cumbersome than navigating the wires and brackets of traditional braces.
Extra Reminder from a Raleigh Hills Dentist
It’s also important to brush and floss your teeth after eating to prevent food particles and staining substances from getting trapped in the aligners. While this does require some commitment, these steps benefit your overall oral hygiene, not just your aligners.
Put Aside the Misconceptions—Let’s Find Out If Aligners Are Right for You
While myths about them persist, the truth is that Portland dental aligners are just as effective as traditional braces for most cases, easy to maintain, and suitable for adults of all ages. They improve more than just the appearance of your smile—they also upgrade your oral health.
If you’ve been considering clear aligners but still have questions, we’re here to help. The team at Pacific Woods Dental can help you create a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Get started today!
