Starting any type of orthodontic treatment can be a bit nerve wracking because it’s a new experience, but luckily, clear aligners are more straightforward in terms of their initial “kickoff”. Our Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, Invisalign® dentists can walk you through all of the key details so you’re prepared to take on swapping out trays every week or so.
Here are 4 things to keep in mind prior to wearing Invisalign aligners.
What You’re Committing to With Invisalign
It’s important to remember that just because you’ve chosen , it doesn’t mean there are no rules. Sure, you don’t have metal brackets or wires on your teeth but the absence of these components can actually translate into more responsibility on your end.
For example, brackets are bonded to your teeth and can only be removed by an orthodontist. Wires are affixed to the brackets and help apply pressure to your teeth throughout your treatment. All in all, you don’t have to worry about much as they’ll remain on your teeth and get the job done in the background.
On the other hand, aligners can be removed for eating, drinking beverages that aren’t water, flossing, and brushing teeth. Their removability can tempt many wearers to not put them back in place but this will result in consequences such as delayed progress. If you choose clear aligners, you must wear them for at least 22 hours a day for your treatment to go as planned.
Having Clear Aligners in Place Can Result In:
1. A Slightly Different Speaking Voice
Anyone that’s ever worn a retainer, mouth guard, or night guard knows that your speech becomes that teeny bit slurred when the oral appliance is in place. Wearing invisalign aligners is better than that experience as the aligners themselves are a much thinner plastic, but a small lisp can still occur.
Fortunately, this lisp should disappear after the first week but you will need to practice in order to overcome the awkwardness of the trays in your mouth.
Similar to dentures, aligners will feel foreign in the beginning. Our dentists suggest you try reading aloud to yourself, singing a song you love, or simply chat with family and friends. The more you talk, the faster you’ll sound like yourself again.
2. Soreness in Your Teeth, Gums, & Jaw
The road to straighter teeth generally involves some discomfort because, well, your teeth are being moved into new positions. Though it should never be extreme pain, it’s completely natural to feel or switch to a new set of trays during your treatment.
For that first week, any minor soreness that exists should dissipate before you enter the second week. Moving forward, you can expect a lesser form of that discomfort to stick around for only a day or two. Our dentists recommend eating softer foods for a few days when this happens, putting in trays at night to avoid daytime irritation, and using over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
Above all else, keep wearing your aligners and don’t take them out just because you’re not enjoying the feeling. It’s tough, but you’ll thank yourself later for your determination now.
3. Much Less Random Snacking
Meeting the minimum 22 hours a day of wear is crucial to your treatment. Skimping on how much you have your aligners in place will only sabotage your own progress and waste precious time. Because you’ll have your aligners in this much, you may notice that you’re more deliberate with your meals and snacking becomes a thing of the past.
In short, munching on chips or candy is not as easy as it used to be. Now, you have to take your trays out, eat what you’d like, clean your teeth thoroughly, and pop the aligners back in place. This can make you increasingly aware of how much you snack outside of larger meals and depending on how you look at it, can help you make more conscious food choices.
4. Practice Being Required to Take Them Back Out
What could be so difficult about ? You’d be surprised if you’re not used to the task. The entire thing can be further complicated if you have attachments bonded to your teeth but there’s no need to worry, you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
Make sure you apply gentle pressure (don’t bite down) onto each tray as you insert them over upper and lower teeth. Fully seat the aligners using your thumbs and double check they’ve snapped over your molars. You can also use bite sticks or “chewies” to ensure the aligners are tight enough and where they need to be.
Make an Appointment
Our , recommend you come in for a consultation so we can answer any questions you may have and move the process along should you choose this type of treatment. Call one of our Higgins & White Dentistry locations today to request an appointment.