While traditional braces have allowed millions of people to straighten out their teeth, many are hesitant about committing to a treatment that takes a year or more to complete and involves irremovable metal appliances and irksome dietary restrictions. Luckily, Invisalign can allow many patients to realign their smiles in a shorter time with clear aligners that allow them to eat whatever they want. Here’s what you should know about Invisalign before beginning the treatment.
The Process Involves Some Discomfort
Wearing traditional braces is well-known for being stressful at times, and while Invisalign involves some discomfort, it is much more manageable. Patients report that when they first put their aligners on, they notice a sensation of tightness rather than pain. This sensation may last for as few as several hours, and it can completely disappear when the aligners are removed. When you switch to a new set of aligners, you may experience the same tightness again, but this will gradually lessen as you move forward with your treatment.
Invisalign Can Affect Your Speech Patterns
Your teeth play a key role in forming words as you speak, and you’ve undoubtedly gotten used to the way they are shaped. While your clear aligners will be incredibly thin, they will still add enough mass to your teeth to change how air flows around them. This can lead to a troublesome lisp that will gradually disappear as you get used to wearing your aligners. If you want to get rid of it sooner, try reading a favorite book aloud while repeating the words you have trouble with until you get the hang of them.
You May Have to Be More Mindful about Drinking Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and many people use it as a primary beverage. If you enjoy drinking lots of coffee, you should know that you’ll only be able to drink water when wearing your clear aligners. Eating or drinking anything else can lead to particles getting stuck between the aligners and the teeth, which can lead to dental stains or tooth decay. Coffee can also stain the aligners themselves, making them much more conspicuous to casual observers. However, you can drink as much coffee as you like when not wearing your aligners.
While Invisalign requires no small amount of discipline on the part of the patient, it is well worth the effort. You may even start seeing the results much more quickly than you would with braces, which can provide some powerful encouragement during the process.
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Emory University School of Dentistry and completed a periodontal specialty residency to further expand his skillset. He has also received advanced training through the Pikos Institute, the Misch International Implant Institute, the Dawson Academy, and the Pankey Institute. His offices in Fort Myers and Naples, FL offer general, restorative cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, contact his office online or dial (239) 939-7299.