Are you ready to begin your journey to a straight, beautiful smile? That’s great! 1 in 5 orthodontic patients is over the age of 18 thanks to less noticeable treatments, like clear aligners. While Invisalign is a discreet, convenient, and comfortable alternative to metal braces, you’re going to need to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle. Here are 5 things you should know before getting your aligners.
What to Know Before Getting Invisalign?
Invisalign differs from traditional orthodontics because it doesn’t require brackets or wires to move your teeth. Instead, you’ll wear a series of aligners to apply continual pressure to your teeth to reposition them. The average treatment takes about 12 months; however, every case is unique. To ensure there aren’t any unpleasant surprises along the way, here are a few things you should know:
1. You may need attachments.
Although you won’t need brackets or wires, some patients require attachments, which are enamel-colored ridges that stick to your teeth. They hold your aligners in place to make your treatment more effective. While they are virtually invisible, you will have small bumps on your teeth.
2. You need to wear your aligners for 22 hours daily.
Invisalign is appealing because the aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat or brush your teeth. Although removing them is convenient, you need to commit to wearing them for at least 22 hours per day. If you don’t wear them enough, you’re going to add unnecessary delays to your treatment plan.
3. Think twice before wearing lipstick.
It’s not uncommon for colored lip gloss and lipsticks to cling to the aligners and the attachments, which can stain them. You can still wear those that are clear, but they may leave a waxy residue on the aligners that you’ll need to clean off.
4. Watch what you drink.
You should only drink cold water while wearing your aligners to prevent stains. It’s best to skip hot beverages as well because they can warp your aligners. As a result, they won’t fit correctly. Not to mention, sugary drinks can result in cavity-causing bacteria getting trapped between the aligners and your enamel, which can cause tooth decay. If you can’t skip your morning coffee or afternoon tea, be sure to remove your aligners first and brush your teeth before putting them back in your mouth.
5. You’re going to feel amazing.
You’ll instantly boost your confidence while on your way to the straight smile you’ve always wanted. You won’t need to worry about metal braces drawing attention to your mouth, so you can talk and smile without any apprehensions.
Your dentist will explain exactly what you can expect with Invisalign. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for more information.
About Dr. Scott Wehrkamp
Dr. Wehrkamp earned his dental degree from the Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry before continuing his training in orthodontics. He has advanced qualifications in both straight wire and Invisalign treatments. If you’re ready to achieve your best smile, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.