We weren’t all born with that perfectly aligned smile that we hoped for. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s unachievable. You don’t even have to spend a couple of years with a mouthful of metal brackets and wires. Invisalign used a series of clear aligners to slowly shift the teeth to their new, aligned positions. However, it pays to be well informed. Here are a few things that you should know before you begin your Invisalign treatment.
You May Need Attachments
Your Invisalign treatment may include attachments, or enamel-colored ridges, that stick to your teeth as braces would. These are there to help the aligners click into place so the teeth can move more effectively. However, even if you aren’t wearing your aligners, the bumps are virtually invisible!
You Should Wear Your Aligners 20-22 Hours Each Day
You should be wearing your aligners for most of the day. You pretty much need to wear them at all times unless you’re eating, drinking, or cleaning your teeth. If you aren’t wearing your aligners enough, your teeth won’t move as effectively, and your treatment could take longer.
Be Careful with Lipstick
As stunning as your favorite lipstick shade is, it probably isn’t the best idea to wear it when you’re wearing Invisalign. Colored lip gloss and lipstick can easily stick to the aligners and attachments. Stick to a clear lip balm or gloss instead.
You Will Need to Brush A LOT!
If you follow an excellent oral hygiene routine, you are used to brushing your teeth twice and flossing once a day. With Invisalign, you will need to be cleaning your teeth more often. Every time you take your aligners out to eat or drink something that isn’t plain water, you will need to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before putting them back in.
No Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is not an option when you have Invisalign with attachments. You could end up with an uneven tone, and the whitening agent won’t be able to access the enamel located beneath the attachments. However, brushing your teeth frequently and avoiding pigmented beverages can help to keep your teeth bright until you finish your treatment.
Invisalign Attachments Stain Easily
If you’re a fan of drinking coffee in the morning, you may want to think twice. Invisalign attachments stain very easily, so it’s important that you brush your teeth immediately after sipping on the beverage. You may want to consider drinking darkly pigmented beverages with a straw to avoid contact with your teeth.
Invisalign is an excellent option for straightening teeth, but it’s important that you are well-informed. By considering these facts before you begin your treatment, you will be even more prepared to undergo orthodontic treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Mike Rudolph is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the Maryland School of Dentistry before serving in the US Navy for seven years. Currently, he is a proud member of the Kosciusko County Dental Society, Indiana Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. To learn more about Invisalign, or to schedule an appointment at his office in Warsaw, visit his website or call (574) 269-1787.