Though traditional braces were the norm for teeth misalignment complications, many orthodontists have leaned into the ease of Invisalign over the past ten years. Invisalign has skyrocketed in popularity, allowing dentists to provide treatment without years of bulky wires.
Whether you’re looking for Invisalign in Clarendon Hills, IL, or across the country in California, there are plenty of exceptional options available. If you’re interested in alternative teeth treatments but don’t know where to begin, read on for everything you need to know about Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
The Invisalign system straightens teeth using customized clear trays that cover your teeth and gently move them into an ideal position. The trays do not have wires or brackets, and users remove them to eat and brush their teeth.
Who benefits from Invisalign?
The ideal Invisalign candidate is anyone who needs their teeth straightened and can commit to wearing their trays for prolonged periods. Most orthodontists and dentists recommend approximately 22 hours of wear per day for faster results.
Invisalign is an excellent choice for people with gaps, crowding, overbites, or underbites. However, this simple orthodontic procedure will likely not be enough for patients with severe bite problems.
Do Invisalign trays hurt?
Most orthodontic procedures involve some discomfort. Invisalign trays can make your teeth feel loose as the trays gently force your teeth into a new position. Many wearers report some pressure, especially when switching to a new tray.
That said, metal braces are significantly more uncomfortable than Invisalign trays. People with metal braces often report scratches to their inner cheeks, soreness around the gums, and pain during adjustment periods—which are frequent.
How often do you change Invisalign trays?
For those dedicated to the 22-hour-per-day rule, tray adjustments should occur approximately every two weeks. However, timelines may change by the patient, so talk with your dentist about appropriate schedules.
Can you eat or drink with the trays in your mouth?
One of the more challenging aspects of Invisalign trays is being unable to eat or drink while wearing your set. Unfortunately, any food or liquid (besides water) can damage or stain trays, causing potential bacteria to build up or infection.
Unfortunately, this may throw a wrench in your slowly-sipped morning coffee or multiple afternoon snacks, but the result is worth the hassle.
Is Invisalign more discreet than metal braces?
You’ve probably seen a teen or the occasional adult with braces on their teeth. Unless the orthodontist puts the metal brackets on the backside of teeth, they are easy to see.
On the other hand, Invisalign trays are discreet because they are transparent, allowing your teeth to show through the plastic. That said, while Invisalign braces are more visually inconspicuous, they can change how people speak.
You might notice a slight lisp when you first start wearing the trays. Fortunately, most people lose the lisp as they become more comfortable wearing their Invisalign braces.
Can you use toothpaste to clean your Invisalign trays?
Though you can (and should) continue to brush twice daily during your Invisalign treatment, try to avoid toothpaste contact with your trays, as it can wear down the plastic. Instead of using a paste to clean your trays, simply rinse them with warm water and gently scrub away grime with a clean brush.
Wrap up
Understanding how Invisalign trays work helps you better prepare for the treatment. If you’re considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist or dentist questions, and get ready for the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
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