Many people who wish to have straighter smiles may be hesitant to commit to traditional orthodontic treatments that involve irremovable metal braces and frustrating dietary restrictions. Thankfully, Invisalign offers an easier and more convenient alternative by straightening teeth with a sequence of customized and virtually invisible clear aligners. Here’s a brief overview of what you should know about Invisalign before committing to the treatment.
You May Still Experience Discomfort
Traditional braces are well-known for the uncomfortable adjustment periods they entail. While Invisalign patients consistently report that clear aligner treatments are much more comfortable than metal braces, you can still expect to feel some tightness and pressure around your teeth when you start wearing a new set of aligners. This slight discomfort can be managed through over-the-counter pain medication, and many patients switch to new sets of aligners before bed so that they can sleep through the adjustment period.
You May Develop a Slight Lisp
While Invisalign clear aligners are incredibly thin, they still add mass to your teeth and affect the way air flows around them. When you begin Invisalign treatment, you may need a while to get used to speaking with them and may notice a slight lisp. This lisp should diminish over time as you get more practice speaking with your aligners, and you can get rid of it faster by reading a favorite book out loud and repeating any words that give you trouble until you get the hang of them.
You May Have to Drink Less Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages on Earth, but it is heavy with dyes and pigments that can stain your teeth and aligners if you’re not careful. Your aligners must be removed whenever you eat or drink anything besides water, and you must thoroughly clean your teeth before you put them back in. Since you need to wear your aligners at least twenty hours each day and it’s best to wait at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth, you may need to skip drinking coffee between meals.
Invisalign has allowed many people to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful straight smile without the troublesome metal wires and brackets that come with traditional braces. Consulting with your dentist can determine if this orthodontic treatment is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Shahram Modarres earned his dental degree at the New York University School of Dentistry and regularly completes continuing education courses to stay current with the latest developments in the field. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Rockville, MD, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To book a consultation for Invisalign, contact his office online or dial (301) 816-9400.