Helpful Tips From Dr. Grussmark
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce the likelihood of cracks or breaks in my Invisalign aligners?
While Invisalign aligners are durable enough to withstand 22 hours of wear, they may crack or break when removed. Aligners typically break during the first weeks of treatment or when the aligners are repeatedly stressed in the same spot. When removing your aligners, be sure to avoid pulling them out from the same side each time to prevent wear and tear from stress.
To avoid breaking an aligner when starting a new treatment phase, it’s a good idea to switch over to a new aligner before bed. Doing so will allow your teeth to adapt to the new trays without needing to remove the aligners when they’re at their tightest.
What should I do if I lose or break an aligner?
If your aligner becomes lost or broken, it’s important to act quickly to prevent losing progress in your treatment. We recommend that you keep an aligner from your previous treatment phase to wear in case your current aligner is unavailable. Only keep the most recent aligners, however, as any older ones may compromise your treatment.
Contact our Brickell office at (786) 563-4973 as soon as possible to get a replacement for your broken or lost aligner. Unless instructed to do so, don’t move on to the next aligner in your treatment.
How can I speed up my Invisalign treatment?
Straightening your smile is a process that takes time. If you’re interested in speeding up your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Grussmark may recommend AcceleDent, a clinically proven way to straighten your smile up to 50 percent faster.
Unless you’re using a device such as AcceleDent, you’ll want to avoid attempting to speed up your Invisalign treatment so your teeth have time to adjust to wearing each set of trays.
It’s also important to schedule biannual appointments with Dr. Grussmark at our Brickell office. During these visits, we’ll perform a professional cleaning and examination to ensure your smile is in prime condition. Maintaining good oral health helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can prolong your Invisalign treatment.
What do I do if my Invisalign isn't tracking?
If you’re wearing your aligners for the required 20 to 22 hours a day and you notice gaps between your aligners and the edge of your teeth, your Invisalign may not be tracking properly. If this is the case, contact Dr. Grussmark at our Brickell office to discuss backtracking.
Backtracking is when you return to wearing the aligners from your previous treatment stage. It’s possible your teeth may need a bit longer to adjust. Don’t backtrack your treatment without first speaking to Dr. Grussmark.
Let Dr. Grussmark Answer Your Invisalign Questions
Dr. Grussmark is available to offer guidance and answer any questions you might have about your Invisalign treatment! Call our office in Brickell at 786-563-4973 and schedule a free consultation with Dr. Grussmark today.