The convenience and ease of using Invisalign instead of traditional braces is undeniable. Invisalign straightens your teeth with aligner trays that fit over your teeth and gently move them into a more ideal position. Because they are removable, it is easier to eat, drink, and care for your teeth during treatment. Plus, because they’re clear, it’s a lot harder to tell you’re wearing them than it is with wire and bracket braces.
But before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you do your homework first. Here are a few lesser-known things about Invisalign to consider when deciding what kind of orthodontic treatment to get.
Invisalign Might Change Your Diet
While Invisalign aligners are removable for meals and for your oral hygiene care, they are still meant to be worn 22 hours a day. This leaves you only two hours to eat and brush your teeth. But while it may not be an issue if you are a fast eater or a light eater, if you’re a snacker or a grazer, you may have to change up your meal schedule a bit to make the most of your aligner-free time.
Invisalign Can Get Stains
While the good news is that you typically replace your aligners once a month, if you’re not caring for them properly during use, they can sometimes become discolored. This happens if you are not brushing your teeth adequately, are eating or drinking anything but water while still wearing your aligners, are using a colored cleanser or soak to clean them, or are using a colored mouthwash that leaves residue in your mouth.
In some cases, you may have buttons installed on your teeth to help guide your aligners. Though they are tooth colored, these buttons can stain if not cleaned properly, so be sure to give them a scrub too when you brush your teeth.
Your Speech May Be Temporarily Affected
At the beginning of treatment, some patients may experience a bit of difficulty adjusting to speaking in aligners. It’s not uncommon to have a bit of a lisp or speech impediment for the first month or so, but as you get used to them, this should go away on its own. Rest assured that this is temporary and should have no lasting effect.
You Still May Feel Some Discomfort
While you don’t have to worry about poking wires or brackets with Invisalign, you could still experience some discomfort when you change aligners. This is normal and should go away within a few days as your mouth adjusts. In the meantime, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication for faster relief.
In some cases, your aligner may have a sharp edge that can irritate your cheek or gums. If this happens, notify your dentist who can file down the edges, so your aligners fit more comfortably.
While it’s not without its own unique learning curve, Invisalign still provides a faster treatment time, more discreet appearance, and easier maintenance, making it “clearly” an excellent alternative to traditional braces.
About Dr. Akinwande
Dr. Kolade Akinwande is a skilled dentist with extensive training in many areas of dentistry, including general dentistry, restorations, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign. A graduate of Howard University College of Dentistry, Dr. Akinwande is also a member of the American Dental Association, Maryland Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and she holds Mastership status in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
To schedule an appointment for Invisalign at Open Smiles Dental, please visit our website or call us at 301-843-0225.