While many people have alignment issues like gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites that can be addressed with orthodontic work, conventional braces can be frustrating or difficult for some people. Thankfully, Invisalign is a modern alternative to metal braces that straightens teeth using customized sequences of clear and removable plastic aligners. Here’s a quick look at what you should know before you commit to Invisalign treatment.
You’ll Have to Wear Your Aligners for at Least Twenty Hours Every Day
As soon as your Invisalign aligners are removed, your teeth will begin to slowly drift back toward their original positions, so you’ll have to wear your aligners for at least twenty hours daily to prevent this and keep your treatment on track. It’s typically best to make sure you only remove your appliances for hygiene sessions and when you eat or drink anything but water.
You’ll Perform a Lot of Oral Hygiene
Getting plaque and food debris stuck between your teeth and your clear aligners will protect that nasty stuff from the mouth’s natural cleaning process, so it can increase your risks of oral infections as well as staining of your enamel or aligners. To prevent this, you will have to brush and floss thoroughly each time before reinserting your aligners. Since it’s recommended that everyone waits at least thirty minutes between eating or drinking anything but water and brushing their teeth, you will probably have to get used to scheduling your meals and snacks so you can keep your teeth clean while maximizing your daily wear time.
You May Develop a Temporary Lisp
The mass of Invisalign clear aligners adds a small amount of volume to your teeth when they are worn, and this can alter the way sound waves move through the mouth during speech. When you begin your Invisalign treatment, you may develop a mild lisp that should go away after a few days as you get used to speaking with your appliances. If you wish to accelerate this process, consider reading a favorite book out loud and repeating any difficult words until you get the hang of them.
Invisalign can be an excellent way to achieve a gorgeous and healthy new smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to maintain stellar oral health.
About the Practice
Glastonbury Dental Care offers the best oral health services in town. Led by Drs. Mimansha and Shobhit Agarwal, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign clear aligners. If you wish to schedule a consultation for Invisalign treatment, contact the office online or dial (860) 659-0278.