Things To Know About Invisalign

Dentist Blog

Do you need braces but are afraid of the impact they may make on your professional appearance? Many adults are concerned about getting braces. This is especially true when one thinks about how they can impact speech or about the limitations of traditional braces when it comes to food choices. Fortunately, there are alternatives like Invisalign. Invisalign uses a series of clear trays called aligners. You wear them for the majority of the day, but you can take them out to eat, so there are no food limitations. They also fit snugly, so there is little impact on your speech. Here are some things you should know before investing in this treatment.

Do you only need the aligners?

Yes and no. First and foremost, it's important to understand that every mouth and alignment issue is unique. Some people only need to use a couple of aligners, while more severe issues may require several aligners used progressively over a year or more. Aligner trays can also differ, with some being equipped with attachments. These attachments are typically clear or tooth-colored, and they snap into the aligner trays and act as brackets on specific teeth that will require a bit more work to align than the others. Just be aware that attachments aren't completely invisible.

Can you take them out for events?

In order to be effective, you will need to leave the aligners in except for when you are eating or brushing your teeth. This works out to wearing them for about 22 hours a day. You need to keep an aligner case and a toothbrush with you if there is any chance you will be dining out. This may mean keeping a backup case and brush in your office drawer, car, purse, or briefcase. You can be discrete and go to the restroom to remove and replace the aligner, but you will need to minimize the time the aligner is out.

Are stains possible?

A common complaint of traditional braces is that there is visible staining once the brackets are removed. Generally, Invisalign doesn't have this issue, since you don't have a lot of adhesives on your teeth. There may be some minor staining if you have to have attachments affixed to your teeth, but this can usually be remedied by a deep cleaning upon their removal. The main concern for staining is the aligners themselves. Dark beverages, like coffee and soda, can permanently discolor the aligners, so you need to remove them before drinking any non-clear beverage. It's also imperative to brush thoroughly before putting the aligners back in so that no food residue is left to stain the aligners or your teeth.

Talk to a dental office like Eberting Orthodontics today for more information.

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2 December 2018

Dealing With Dental Dilemmas: Soft Teeth and Dental Care

Being born with naturally soft teeth, I've spent a lot of time in and out of the dentist's office. Not only have I learned a lot about basic dental care, I've also discovered many tips for dealing with broken teeth, extractions, implants, and more. I decided that I wanted to make the most of my experience by sharing what I've learned with others. True first-hand experience is a great teacher, and I knew that my story could help. I created this site to do just that, and I hope that the information here helps you to understand what to expect from your dental problems.