Helpful Tips From Dr. Grusmark
Invisalign clear aligners offer a discreet, convenient way to straighten your smile, and they’re up to two times faster than traditional braces. Though Invisalign eliminates many of the drawbacks associated with braces, we’ve noticed there are some common issues that our Invisalign patients have asked about. Explore our guide for some valuable tips about Invisalign treatment.
There’s a gap between the aligners and my teeth
When a gap forms between the Invisalign trays and your teeth, this is called an incisal gap. An incisal gap can occur if you’re not wearing your aligners enough, or if your aligners aren’t moving at the same pace as your teeth.
To treat this, Dr. Grussmark may give you cotton balls or something similar to bite down on until your aligners are seated comfortably. If this doesn’t solve the issue, contact our office for further instruction.
The aligners are making me speak with a lisp
When you first start wearing your Invisalign aligners, it’s not uncommon to develop a slight lisp. This should go away within a week as your mouth adjusts to the aligners, allowing you to speak clearly. If your lisp continues past the first week, your aligners likely aren’t fitted correctly and you should contact us right away.
There’s food stuck between my teeth and my aligners
Though Invisalign trays are removed before meals, you still have to be diligent about keeping your teeth clean. Always brush your teeth after you eat to clear your teeth of crumbs and debris before placing the aligners back in your mouth. It’s also essential that you resist the temptation to eat without removing your aligners, as this can result in permanent damage.
I’ve lost weight since I started Invisalign treatment
Since your trays must be worn for 20-22 hours per day, this only leaves you with 2-4 hours when you can eat meals. Some patients have difficulty limiting their eating to specific times, and the tightness of the trays will discourage you from removing them too often for a snack. This can lead to some initial weight loss as your body adjusts to your new eating schedule.
Dr. Grussmark recommends setting aside three to four 30-minute time slots per day for meals. This will ensure that you’re eating enough and providing your body with the energy it needs. If you continue to lose weight, try adding protein shakes or smoothies to your meals.
I’ve been wearing my aligners correctly, but I’m not seeing progress
Even if you feel that your aligners aren’t working, your treatment is most likely progressing according to plan. Invisalign trays shift your teeth very subtly, applying pressure to different areas throughout your treatment as needed. On a day-to-day basis, you may not notice any changes, but by the end of your treatment, we’ll achieve the exact results you expect.