Are you thinking about teeth straightening with Invisalign aligners? An excellent decision. Invisalign aligners have become one of the most preferred orthodontic treatment options worldwide due to their comfort and ease of use. But before you make a decision, it is best to learn more about clear braces treatment.
This article will help you understand the dos and don’ts of clear aligner therapy so that you can make the most out of your orthodontic treatment.
And, just so you are fully aware, there are also other types of clear Aligner such as SureSmile which is often more cost effective than Invisalign… So continue reading to find out more.
Can You Smoke With Invisalign?
Smoking is not only harmful to your physical health, but it can also affect your dental health. More importantly, it is not a good idea to smoke while undergoing aligner therapy. Nicotine, being the major constituent of cigarettes, can damage the structure of your clear aligners besides staining them. According to the British Orthodontic Society, nicotine and other cigarette ingredients can harm one’s oral healthy by damaging the periodontal tissues, slowing down tooth movement, and increasing the risk of oral cancer. However, if you cannot control your urge to smoke during aligner treatment, best do it while not wearing them. The heat generated from the cigarette alone is sufficient to warp and de-shape the aligners.
Can You Drink With Invisalign?
The best thing about clear aligners is that you can remove them whenever you wish to eat or drink something. While there is no harm in drinking water while wearing Invisalign aligners, it is not recommended to consume any other drinks such as milk, soft drinks, and alcohol. This is because, on the one hand, these drinks may stain your aligners, while on the other hand, they may penetrate beneath the aligners and stick to your teeth, causing teeth cavities. That is why it is always better to remove your aligners before drinking or eating anything.
Can You Eat Food With Invisalign?
The Invisalign aligners are not designed to help with chewing food. If you eat anything with your aligners, it may crack them or change their shape permanently. That is why the manufacturers of Invisalign aligners recommend removing them before you eat or drink anything and putting them back on only once you have washed them with lukewarm water.
Can You Brush Your Teeth While Wearing Invisalign?
The idea behind burying and flossing is to remove the food deposits that promote plaque and tartar accumulation that can cause various dental problems like teeth cavities and periodontal issues. If you brush your teeth while wearing your aligners, you would only be cleaning your removable aligners and not your teeth. Besides, the abrasives present in the toothpaste can also damage your aligners. Hence, you should always remove your aligners before brushing your teeth.
Do You Really Have To Wear Invisalign For 22 Hours?
For optimal tooth alignment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends wearing your aligners, including Sure Smile for at least 22 hours each day – removing them only for eating, speaking and oral hygiene maintenance. The reason is that the longer you wear them each day, the more pressure the aligners will exert on your teeth and move them in the desired direction, thereby reducing your treatment time. So, the best practice is to wear your aligners each day for as long as you can.
How Many Times A Day Can I Remove Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are most effective when they are worn for maximum duration each day. While there is no restriction to the number of times you can remove your aligners in a day, you must ensure that you wear them for at least 22 hours. Apart from that, there is no harm if you remove the aligners for either eating, drinking, brushing or flossing. If you remove your aligners frequently, there is a higher chance that you forget to put them back on, which can significantly affect your treatment progress.
Foods To Avoid With Invisalign Attachments
Perhaps the most significant advantage of the Invisalign aligners is that they allow you to eat all your favourite foods, unlike the metal braces that have a long list of foods you must not eat. Since the Invisalign aligners are removable, you can simply take them off while eating or drinking and enjoy all types of foods and drinks. However, when you have finished eating, make sure to clean your aligners with lukewarm water before putting them back on.
What Are Some Tips For Getting Used To Braces?
Wearing braces for the first time can be an overwhelming experience for some people. Whether you are wearing fixed braces or Invisalign aligners, you may feel something additional placed in your mouth. Initially, braces and aligners may cause discomfort and pain that can be managed by taking pain medication. If your braces are impinging on your cheeks, you can cover the sharp edges with utility wax or sugar-free chewing gum. You should also avoid sticky and hard foods if you are wearing braces, as they can dislodge the brackets.
If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasant, comfortable, and convenient option for straightening your teeth, Invisalign aligners should be at the top of your list. At Pembroke Dental Balsbridge in Dublin D4, we offer all types of orthodontic treatments to our esteemed patients. No matter how complex your problem is, we have the expertise, skill and equipment to fix it.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a free consultation appointment with us today, and let us give you a set of perfectly aligned teeth and a beautiful, healthy and lasting smile.
There once was a time when the only way to correct crooked teeth was to get metal braces— but not anymore. These days, Invisalign and other types of clear aligners are the new norm. If you are ready to improve the look of your smile, chances are you’re considering Invisalign too.
