Invisalign is designed to deliver impressive results. After the treatment is complete, a retainer is used to keep your teeth from shifting back into their old positions.
You should consider finding an orthodontist who offers Invisalign before committing to a treatment plan. Look for a provider who is honest and upfront about their pricing.
No Food Restrictions
Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign does not have specific food restrictions. However, it is important to be aware of the risks of certain foods while wearing Invisalign. These foods can get stuck between the teeth and the aligner, causing tooth decay. The acidic content of some foods can also erode the enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity.
During Invisalign treatment, it is important to avoid hot beverages and chewy foods like unpopped popcorn kernels or meaty slices of beef. These foods can damage the clear aligner trays, which can increase your treatment time and cost. Additionally, if you chew gum with your Invisalign trays in, the aligners may become stuck on the teeth and unable to exert pressure against them. This can lead to bacterial build-up between the teeth and the aligner, which defeats the purpose of Invisalign.
Invisalign patients should always remove the clear aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This will help minimise the risk of the trays becoming damaged, and it will allow for better cleaning of the mouth and teeth. Similarly, it is important to avoid starchy and sugary foods and drinks like chips, cookies, soft breads, candy, soda, fruit juices, and energy drinks, as these can contribute to tooth decay, cavities, and enamel erosion. Instead, focus on enjoying softer, more dietary-friendly foods like salads, cooked vegetables and lean protein sources like grilled chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, and quinoa.
Comfortable
Unlike traditional braces, which use wires and metal brackets that chafe against the inside of your mouth, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays. This allows them to slide over your teeth with minimal irritation and doesn’t rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips as metal can.
The first week of wearing Invisalign may feel uncomfortable, as the trays will be snug and tight on your teeth. This is normal and will begin to loosen as you get used to them. You may also notice that you speak with a lisp for a few days as your tongue adjusts to having them in place. This is also normal and should resolve as your tongue gets used to the presence of the trays.
While Invisalign does require more time commitment, as you get used to having them in your mouth they will slip into the background of your life. They are discreet enough that unless someone is looking at your teeth closely, they will not be able to tell you have them in.
However, you should still remove the trays to brush and floss and avoid food particles from sticking in or around the trays. You should also rinse them regularly to prevent them from developing odors. A dental cleaner tablet such as Biotene or XyliMelts is ideal to help freshen them and keep them clean.
Easier to Clean
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are clear and can be hidden easily when you’re eating. However, if your trays aren’t cleaned properly, they can become discolored and attract food particles. To avoid these problems, make sure you follow a daily cleaning routine. Fortunately, there are a number of easy and effective cleaning solutions that can be found in your kitchen.
The simplest method is to simply rinse your aligners with lukewarm water each time you remove them. This will kill bacteria and prevent odors from building up. However, if you use too much hot water, the aligners may warp and lose their shape, which could interfere with their effectiveness.
Vinegar is another quick and easy way to clean your aligners. Distilled white vinegar is inexpensive and effective at removing plaque, germs, and stains from the clear plastic. Just mix one part vinegar with three parts water to create a solution and soak your aligners for a few minutes each day.
You can also use denture cleaner tablets or cleaning crystals to sanitize your aligners. These work in the same way as toothpaste and dissolve when submerged in warm water. They’re also a safe and effective alternative to mouthwash, which can contain chemicals that can stain the trays. Finally, baking soda has a mild abrasive quality that can help to remove stains from your Invisalign aligners.
Invisible
As the name suggests, invisible aligners are designed to be as unnoticeable as possible. The clear plastic material fits snugly over the teeth, so they are almost impossible to see from the front. However, they may still be noticeable when you open your mouth to talk or eat.
The best way to minimize the likelihood that others will notice your aligners is to be diligent about cleaning them. You should brush them daily before or after you use them and rinse them in lukewarm water at least twice a day. This is to prevent bacteria from building up and causing bad smells. You should also use cleaning crystals or dental cleaner tablets to remove any stains that may develop.
You should always wear your aligners for the amount of time specified in your treatment plan, which is typically 22 hours a day. If you do not, your results may be affected.
Invisalign is effective in correcting a number of structural and functional dental issues, including crooked teeth, bite problems, and gaps in your smile. However, it is not a solution for every patient. If you have more complex dental issues, you may require additional treatments such as metal brackets or rubber bands, or jaw surgery. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly during the course of your Invisalign treatment, as missing appointments may prolong the duration of your treatment or result in less desirable results.