Invisalign cares for your teeth and helps to prevent dental problems down the road. You will not need to visit your dentist monthly as you do with traditional metal braces, which saves you time and effort.
Invisalign also provides you with a set of clear aligners to wear at home. They are comfortable and don’t leave nicks in your mouth like traditional metal braces can.
No Food Restrictions
As long as you remove your aligners before eating and drinking anything other than water, you can eat most foods you enjoy. However, some foods may irritate your teeth or gums if chewed while wearing the aligners. Some foods may also exert too much pressure on your aligners, which could cause them to become cracked or damaged. If this occurs, your aligners may not fit properly or be effective at moving your teeth, resulting in a longer treatment time and a less attractive smile.
Sticky foods and candies should be avoided as well, since they can pull or tug on the aligners and possibly break them. Additionally, chewing gum is a big no-no with Invisalign, since it can leave sticky residue on your teeth and the aligners that promotes tooth decay and bad breath. Instead, you can always purchase clear aligner mints called Movemints, which will freshen your breath without causing any damage to the aligners or to your teeth.
Acidic foods like citrus fruits, sodas and vinegar-based salad dressings can erode your teeth, weakening the enamel and making them susceptible to damage or sensitivity. While you may be able to have these foods occasionally, you should eat them in moderation and brush your teeth immediately afterward. Doing so will ensure that your teeth and aligners stay healthy throughout the duration of your Invisalign treatment.
No Appointments
Unlike traditional braces, which require a long list of foods to avoid, aligner trays are removable. This allows patients to enjoy a wide variety of meals, snacks, and drinks with minimal restrictions. Just be sure to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in place! This ensures that food, bacteria, and plaque don’t build up on the brackets or wires.
With Invisalign, there’s also no need to schedule multiple appointments for regular checkups. Patients only need to visit the dentist once every four to six weeks. During these appointments, the dentist will provide a new set of clear aligners.
These routine visits allow the dentist to make sure that the treatment is progressing as expected. During this time, the dentist will also be sure that the patient is wearing their aligners correctly. If the aligners are removed too much or not worn for the proper amount of time, it can delay the overall results.
This is why it’s important to choose a dentist who specializes in Invisalign, as they will have experience in this treatment method. Additionally, they will know how to effectively communicate with patients and answer any questions or concerns that may arise during the treatment process. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to speak with several dentists before making a decision. This will ensure that you find the right one who will offer the best results in the shortest amount of time possible.
No Pain
The discomfort from your Invisalign trays is a normal part of the treatment process. They’re made from a patented material designed to be more comfortable than traditional braces. They’re also easy to take out and put back in so you can still eat and drink what you want.
When you first start wearing the aligners, it’s a good idea to stick with foods that require little chewing. Foods like soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies, yoghurt, applesauce, and scrambled eggs are all good choices. Once the pain subsides, you can jump right back to your usual diet.
If you do experience some pain, a cold compress can help to soothe it. Alternatively, you can rinse your mouth with salt water. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth several times a day. If the pain persists, give your dentist a call. They may be able to adjust the trays to reduce the friction that’s causing your gum pain.
If your pain doesn’t subside, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, and aspirin can help to manage it. Just remember that the discomfort is temporary and that it’s worth it for a healthier, straighter smile!
No One Will Know You’re Wearing Aligners
Orthodontic treatment can seem intimidating, especially for adults, but modern technology makes it a much more convenient and aesthetically pleasing experience. Gone are the days of mouth fulls of metal brackets and wires; instead, patients wear clear Invisalign aligners that straighten their teeth without anyone ever noticing.
Invisalign uses breakthrough digital orthodontics to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. They use a digital scanner to take a picture of your teeth, which allows them to zoom in on specific areas and see how they will move with the Invisalign trays. Once the plan is finalized, they will manufacture a series of clear plastic aligners specifically for your teeth.
Each aligner is designed to fit comfortably in your mouth. They are made from a thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, which has been engineered to ensure a great fit and comfort. Once the trays are comfortable, they are virtually invisible, meaning your friends, coworkers, and family members won’t even realize you are wearing them.
The trays are also easily removable, which means you can eat whatever you want, and brush and floss your teeth without any issues. Depending on your customized Invisalign prescription, you will likely need to change out the trays every two weeks until you get the results you desire. For most patients, this is within a year, but the exact timeline varies from one person to another.