Decades prior, patients wishing to straighten their teeth and correct their bite would have to endure years of wearing metal brackets and pesky wires. That all changed when Invisalign introduced clear aligners that were equally as effective but practically undetectable. With that being said, there is a lot more to this teeth-straightening solution than just clear trays and perfectly straight teeth. Read on for the answers to a few of the most frequently asked Invisalign questions!
Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?
Since braces are designed to shift your teeth into a new position, it’s natural for any orthodontic treatment to come with a bit of soreness. With that being said, Invisalign trays are custom-made for each patient for maximum comfort and minimal irritation. While you can expect some aching in the hours following a new set of trays, you can start each new phase at night to sleep through it. That way, you get the results you want with as little pain as possible.
How Do I Care for My Invisalign Aligners?
To prevent your trays from staining, warping, or breaking altogether, proper maintenance is key. To begin, make sure to brush them nightly with an Invisalign-friendly toothbrush and cleaner to remove food particles, bacteria, and debris. Next, make sure to remove them when you eat or drink (with the exception of water). Anytime they are out of your mouth, store them in a sturdy, preferably colorful case, which will prevent them from accidentally being thrown away. When it comes time to put them back in, make sure to rinse them thoroughly.
Will Invisalign Affect How I Speak?
Your tongue makes a series of distinct movements against the back of your teeth to produce words. As your tongue adapts to your trays, you may experience a slight lisp. However, this typically goes away within a few days, especially if you practice!
Are There Any Food Restrictions With Invisalign?
Unlike traditional braces, there are no food restrictions that come with Invisalign. With that being said, it is still a good idea to avoid sugary, sticky, hard foods that can compromise the integrity of your oral health. Even a small cavity can derail your treatment timeline, so make sure to stick to smile-friendly foods as much as possible!
What Happens Once I Finish Invisalign Treatment?
Once you’ve completed each set of trays, you will be given a retainer to preserve your hard-earned results. Neglecting to wear it can cause your teeth to begin to shift back to their previous position, so make sure to be diligent about wearing them!
If you have difficulty smiling confidently due to crooked or gapped teeth, Invisalign can help! If you have more questions about treatment with clear braces, contact your dental team right away.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice earned his dental doctorate at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School, and he has been helping patients nearby achieve their smile goals ever since! When he isn’t helping his patients leave crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth in the past, he is taking advanced continuing education courses to perfect his clinical expertise. If you would like to schedule your initial consultation or simply have more questions about getting Invisalign in San Antonio, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 210-680-3611.