You have probably heard about the popular new way to straighten teeth called Invisalign. It involves wearing clear plastic aligning trays that are practically invisible. Teens don’t have to feel the humiliation of metal wires with food clinging to the brackets. Adults can avoid the embarrassment of wearing a metal smile to meetings or social events. Invisalign braces are more comfortable, less noticeable, easier to clean, removable, and other benefits compared to traditional braces. However, there are a few things to consider when you choose Invisalign treatment.
You may become more selective about meals when you have Invisalign braces. Even though the aligners are removable, you may avoid doing it in front of others. Also, the more time you have the aligners off the less effective treatment becomes.
Snacking is another thing that may be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Some patients choose to cut way down on snacks instead of removing the aligners. This can be disappointing to those who habitually enjoy snacking throughout the day. On the other hand, lowered food intake can mean a way to get in shape.
Brushing is another consideration with Invisalign. If you aren’t in the habit of regularly brushing, you will want to commit to keeping up with it. You never want to insert your aligners into a dirty mouth, because food particles that remain in your teeth can lead to decay. Also, brushing helps freshen breath. Bad breath is an extra hazard when wearing Invisalign because the plastic aligners tend to make your mouth dry, which in turns causes bad breath.
A dry mouth also means that you will want to increase your intake of fluids like water. This is no problem for patients who drink lots of water throughout the day, but those who aren’t used to that may need to develop the habit of having a glass nearby.
All of these are simple changes you might need to make about your lifestyle if you are getting Invisalign braces. They are probably things you can grow accustomed to in order to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
An orthodontist for Invisalign can be a better option than a general dentist.
