Do you struggle with crooked teeth? Or maybe you feel that your teeth are too spaced or overcrowded, and you cannot live with the ‘not too perfect smile.’ It would help if you considered getting Invisalign.
Everyone, regardless of their age, feels more confident after getting their teeth fixed. The best part about Invisalign is that they are invisible and easier to maintain compared to braces.
Nonetheless, some individuals have so many unanswered questions that hold them from getting the teeth remedy. Can you eat with Invisalign, for instance? Read on for answers to the nine most commonly asked questions about Invisalign.
1. Does Invisalign Work?
Most people assume that Invisalign only works for minor issues. But that is not any further from the truth.
Invisalign aligners have proven to correct a range of teeth problems, from minor to moderate and severe. In fact, aligners can solve issues that metal braces cannot correct.
Some common problems to correct with Invisalign include teeth gaps, crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and turned teeth, to mention a few issues.
Initially, aligners could only correct minor issues until attachments and elastics were introduced to make aligners more reliable.
The most common teeth issues that Invisalign is used to treat today are overbite, underbite, crossbite, and crooked teeth.
2. How Do Invisalign Work?
You will love that aligners are custom-made to suit everyone’s specific problems. Upon visiting your dental provider, they will evaluate your issue before customizing a series of aligners that will shift your teeth’ alignment to its ideal state.
Your first placement will resemble your current teeth alignment but with minor changes to straighten the teeth. As time goes by, the dental provider will shift the orthodontic Invisaligns until you achieve your desired look. Each set of aligners is made to force the teeth to their preferred position.
3. Can You Eat With Invisalign?
Among the commonly asked questions by individuals who wish to get Invisalign is whether they can eat with them.
The discreteness you get from Invisalign is a significant pro, and to add to it; you can comfortably eat well with them. Nonetheless, getting the trays out before eating is of great importance. The only exception is when you are drinking water, as it does not cause any harm to the trays.
Eating with the Invisalign can harm the trays due to the force exerted on your teeth as you chew. The trays may get cracks, or stains, which will ruin your Invisalign smile. Removing the trays before eating is the secret to increasing the functionality and lifespan of your Invisalign.
4. Which Foods Should You Avoid?
It is highly recommended that you avoid colored foods and drinks with Invisalign.
Drinks such as coffee, soda, and wine can easily stain the aligners. Moreover, even if you remove the aligners before drinking your coffee or soda, the drinks will discolor the attachments. It would help if you also avoided too hot beverages as the temperature could damage the Invisalign.
5. Can Invisalign Fix Overbite?
Also referred to as a deep bite, an overbite is a condition where your upper front teeth and lower front teeth overlap.
Reports show that about 20% of individuals globally lack an ideal bite. Invisalign can perfectly fix this issue over time, but you must look for a reliable clinician to design your aligners for the best results.
However, some aspects come into play when determining if Invisalign can resolve overbite issues. Such factors include;
- The age of the individual
- The extent of the overbite
- How well the individual takes care of the Invisalign
The younger the patient, the easier it is to fix their overbite issue using their growth.
6. How Long Before Seeing Results?
The period taken for the aligners to straighten teeth varies from one person to the next. It mainly depends on the severity of your condition. On average, it takes six months for a minor case and up to 18 months for severe cases.
7. Can You Chew Gum With Invisalign?
You may assume that it is okay to chew gum with Invisalign because it is not as hard as food. But you will be seeking trouble if you do so.
Gums are sticky and will stick on the aligners. What’s more? The constant chewing causes the Invisalign to rub against your teeth, putting them at risk of damage.
Chewing gum will not do any good to your recovery process. For instance, if you are looking to eliminate crooked teeth, the constant rubbing against teeth will compromise the aligner’s ability to push your teeth forward.
The sugar in the gum is also not suitable for the aligners, not to forget that it puts your teeth at risk of developing cavities.
8. Can You Brush Your Teeth With Aligners?
Invisalign is comfortable, and it can be tempting to brush your teeth in them.
Nonetheless, it would help if you removed the aligners before brushing and flossing your teeth. Aligners are easy to remove and put on, so you have no excuse for leaving them on.
As you brush your teeth after every meal, you should rinse the Invisalign before putting them back. Keeping them on while brushing your teeth will prevent you from reaching some surface of your teeth.
Keep in mind that aligners hug your teeth, and you, therefore, don’t want food or bacteria buildup in between the teeth and aligners. Removing the Invisalign when brushing prevents cavities and keeps the aligners in their best shape.
9. Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign does not hurt but can leave your teeth feeling sore. You may feel uncomfortable at first due to pressure exerted on your teeth, but it gets better over time.
The discomfort lasts for a few days after the aligner’s placements. You can relieve the soreness by sucking on something cold or putting the aligners before going to bed. It would also help if you took soft foods every few days after getting new aligners.
Boost Your Confidence and Self Esteem With Invisalign Smile
Invisalign has become most people’s favorite compared to the traditional braves because the former is clear and invisible.
Questions such as can you eat with Invisalign, can you brush with Invisalign, and whether the aligners work have left people with so many doubts. Now that you have a better idea of what to expect, you have no reason not to go after the perfect smile.
We are your go-to provider for all your dental needs. Contact us for any inquiries on Invisalign, and let’s get started on customizing the best set for you.