Crooked teeth. They’re a reality that too many of our Miami patients face. They can make anyone feel self-conscious, forcing them to hide their smiles behind closed lips. And for too long, the only treatment for crooked teeth wasn’t much better—braces!
But it’s 2017, and dentistry has advanced greatly. Now patients have the opportunity to straighten their teeth with Invisalign, a much more discreet and comfortable treatment. Many of our patients prefer Invisalign to traditional braces, but that doesn’t mean they’re the be all end all treatment.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 things that you should know before committing to Invisalign treatment to help you know what to expect.
1. You Actually Have to Wear Them
You’re only cheating yourself if you leave your aligners out longer than you should. In order to get results, you should be keeping your aligners in for at least 20 hours per day, though 22 is recommended. That means that you have to eat and brush quickly.
2. You Might Talk Differently
While patients love how Invisalign is virtually undetectable to the eye, they often report that they talk with a bit of a lisp while wearing them. Over time, patients usually are able to improve their speech, but you will probably notice a slight change in the way you talk at first.
3. You Need to Bring Your Toothbrush Everywhere
Invisalign requires you to brush your teeth every time you eat, so you’ll have to pack a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in your bag if you’re planning on eating lunch at work or school. That may seem awkward at first, but it’s something that you’re going to have to grow accustomed to.
4. You Might Lose Weight by Accident
Each time you eat, you have to brush your teeth, so that midday snack will no longer be as mindless as it once was. Invisalign provides a built-in speed bump to unnecessary eating: When you have to take out your tray and commit to brushing your teeth, you may think twice about having that extra donut or bag of chips.
5. You’ll Have to Limit Your Morning Coffee
Drinking anything pigmented can stain your teeth, but coffee is a particularly notorious culprit of stained teeth. A lot of us sip on a few cups of coffee throughout the morning, but with Invisalign, you’ll have to take out your aligner until you’re finished drinking. That may take too long and go over your allotted time for keeping your tray out, so you might have to limit your coffee to meal times.
6. It’s Not Right for Everyone
Invisalign can help treat several orthodontic issues. Crooked teeth, over/under bites, and gaps are all treatable with this amazing treatment. But patients with severe orthodontic issues may need to opt for more invasive surgeries or traditional metal braces.
At the end of the day, you need to do what’s best for your smile. Talk to Brickell orthodontist Stephen Grussmark about your options to get started down the path toward a healthy and straight smile.