Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to straighten crooked teeth and fix bite issues. The treatment can take a year or so to complete but is well worth the results.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not require monthly visits to the dentist for tightening and adjusting. However, it does require routine appointments to evaluate progress.
No Food Restrictions
Unlike traditional braces that utilise brackets and wires, Invisalign is entirely clear and can be worn discreetly without disrupting your daily routine. For the best results, the aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day, with periodic removal for meals and snacking. However, if your teeth are undergoing an adjustment period, it is important to avoid hard or crunchy foods that may cause discomfort.
Chewing gum is also a no-go when wearing Invisalign, as it can pull and tug at the aligners and potentially damage them. Additionally, sticky foods and candies should be avoided, as they can cling to teeth surfaces and encourage tooth decay.
When eating and drinking with Invisalign, it is important to remove the trays before consuming anything other than water. This helps to ensure that any food or drink residue is removed from the aligners and teeth before refitting them. Additionally, it is important to brush and floss before putting the aligners back in your mouth. This helps to prevent bacteria build-up, which can lead to gum disease or tooth decay. By following these simple guidelines, you can confidently dine out and enjoy social meals while maintaining a healthy smile and efficient Invisalign treatment progress.
Easy to Clean
Invisalign is a great way to straighten your smile but you will need to keep your aligners clean. This will remove any food debris and bacteria that naturally accumulates during the day. Brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap is best. You can also use mouthwash that is safe for retainers or a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. It is recommended that you brush your aligners twice a day and rinse them once a day. You should also soak them in the peroxide solution once a day to prevent yellowing.
Using a sterilizing tray and rubbing alcohol or a cleaner such as Invisalign cleaning crystals is another option. They contain sodium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate which acts as a natural antiseptic. You can also soak your aligners in the solution for 3 minutes and then rinse them well with warm water.
Lastly, some patients like to use effervescent tablets that are similar to denture tablets. You can find these at most drug stores or online. Just make sure that you choose a tablet that is specifically formulated for clear aligners. You should also avoid scented or colored soaps as the dyes can stain the plastic of your aligners. Keeping them clean will help you to have a better experience during your treatment.
Comfortable
There are a few things that can cause discomfort while wearing Invisalign. For one, it may be difficult to get the aligners in and out of the mouth. To help alleviate this problem, there are a few tools that patients can use. For example, there are soft ‘chewies’ that help patients to completely seat the trays in their mouths. These can be purchased at many local drugstores. In addition, there are also tiny hook tools that can be used to help patients remove the trays.
Another common cause of discomfort while wearing Invisalign is irritation from the attachments on the trays. This can be reduced by using over-the-counter pain medication or by placing a ball of orthodontic wax on the area that is irritated. In addition, if you have an allergy to the plastic that is used for the trays, this can also cause discomfort. If this is the case, a consultation with your orthodontist will be beneficial.
It is also important to remember that it takes time for your teeth, tongue, and gums to adjust to having a plastic sleeve covering them. In addition, you may experience some discomfort every time you switch to a new tray. This is normal and will only last a few days. If the discomfort is severe, then it may be necessary to talk with your orthodontist about other options such as traditional braces.
Invisible
Invisalign trays are clear plastic, so they’re almost invisible. However, other aspects of the system may be a tip-off that you’re having orthodontic treatment. For instance, the “attachments,” or “buttons,” that affix to certain teeth during treatment can be quite visible. These are small lumps of dental bonding that act as grip points for the aligners to direct force on the teeth, making complex movements possible.
Another potential tip-off is that you might need to wear a retainer after your treatment is over. This is an important part of ensuring that the results of your Invisalign treatment hold up over time. You’ll need to wear the retainer at night, but you’ll be able to take it out during the day so that you can brush and floss your teeth as usual.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that you thoroughly clean your teeth and the alignment trays before wearing them. If you don’t, food particles can become trapped between the teeth and the trays, giving cavity-causing bacteria an opportunity to eat away at the enamel. The best way to avoid this is to rinse your mouth and the trays after every meal and snack. If you find that you are struggling to remember to do this, it may be a good idea to consider alternative orthodontic treatments.