Braces help us to have a better set of teeth that are in alignment. However, they can also bring down the quality of life of the wearer by quite a bit. They make it so that chewing tough food becomes a nuisance, and they can be quite painful every time an adjustment is made. And let’s not even get started on the fact that they aren’t the most fashionable things in the world. Fortunately, technology has given us more options. With Invisalign, you can get a good set of aligned teeth without having to worry about any of these issues. If you’re looking to use Invisalign as an alternative for braces, here are nine things you need to know:
The aligners have to be on your teeth for most of the day
Although they can be removed for convenience, you still have to make sure that the aligners are on your teeth most of the time. The process of teeth realignment happens gradually, and you have to be patient with it. You can take them off when you eat or when you’re brushing your teeth, but they have to be on for the rest of the day. You have to have them on for at least 20 to 22 hours per day to see results; otherwise, your treatment will be extended for months on end.
Clean your teeth after every meal
The aligners aren’t fused onto the surface of your teeth, and you can remove them to eat. The problem is that when you’re eating, food particles can get stuck in between the aligners and your teeth. Combine this with the fact that your saliva — a mild antiseptic agent — can’t get to your teeth, and the risk of cavities will increase significantly. You have to make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly after a meal and before you put on the aligners.
Set realistic expectations
As we said, the process of dental realignment takes time. You can’t expect your teeth to come into alignment in a week, but it will happen eventually if you’re patient and disciplined. It’s like other orthodontic treatments – it may take months or even years to work, depending on the condition of your teeth and how well you care for them. Even after the treatment is complete, you still have to wear retainers to make sure that your teeth stay aligned.
The treatment is usually not painful
Braces can be quite painful for the first few weeks or months, and that’s to be expected. With Invisalign, though, 54% of users reported that they experienced only mild pain while 35% experienced no pain at all. This means that you can continue to enjoy your way of life without having to worry that your orthodontic care will make your life miserable. The aligners will just sit on your teeth, and you will feel a slight pressure on them, but they won’t hurt. That’s the best part about them!
Avoid sugary drinks
You can still consume your favorite drinks, whether it’s soda, coffee, tea, or wine, but you have to make sure that everything is done in moderation. These drinks can stain your aligners, and they aren’t all that easy to clean. Plus, your teeth are already at a higher risk of cavities than usual. You don’t want to increase the odds, and that’s why you should stay away from these drinks if possible.
Do not clean your aligners with toothpaste
Toothpaste, especially the whitening ones, has abrasive properties that could damage the surface of the aligners. There could be microscopic abrasions caused by the mildly corrosive ingredients, and those will be the perfect places for germs and bacteria to grow. If you want to clean your aligners, go with mild soap or detergent instead.
You may lose some weight
For the Invisalign to work as intended, they have to be on for most of the day, and you will be suggested to avoid snacks in between meals. This semi-strict eating pattern may result in weight loss, and that’s a side benefit that you may enjoy.
The aligners are clear
Invisalign, as the name suggests, is nearly invisible. If people look at your teeth from a distance, they won’t be able to tell that you have your aligners on. This means that these aligners are perfect for people of any age. Whether you’re in school and trying to avoid being called names or if you’re a serious entrepreneur who has to meet clients frequently, Invisalign is a great orthodontic treatment option for you.
Follow the dentist’s orders
Like any other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign has to be measured, and the pressure has to be calculated according to the condition of your teeth. If they are very much out of alignment, it’s a given they will take longer and you may have to see your dentist more frequently. Whatever the case may be, the key is that you have to be consistent with how you take care of the aligners so that the treatment is as effective as it can be.
Icon Dental Center is a dental office in Seattle, if you’re looking for a new local dentist in Seattle, come to visit us today!