Getting Invisalign aligners is a good investment in your teeth. You get to straighten and fix your teeth without having to worry about the appearance of braces or getting teased about it. But although most people won’t notice the difference in your teeth, they may observe a difference in your daily routine.
Putting on aligners is still treatment. Like any other treatment method, it needs its own set of maintenance and adjustment to accommodate it. Dental professionals advise wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day.
So what should you expect? Here are some activities you may have to change up while wearing your aligners:
Eating
You may be quick to dive into a snack, but when you have aligners on, you will need a little more patience. Invisalign aligners have to be taken out of your mouth during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Letting the plastic material have contact with food can cause staining and early damage. It’s safer and less expensive just to remove it rather than risk harming your aligners.
Head to the bathroom to remove the aligners before every meal. When you come back to the table, you can eat without any problems. Remember to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back on.
Drinking
Aside from meals, take out the Invisalign aligners during wine nights or morning coffee sessions. It’s necessary to remove them before consuming any drinks, as beverages can also cause staining. Hot liquids are often notorious for causing discoloration on the aligners’ plastic material.
The only liquid that won’t damage or harm your aligners is water. As per the advice of dental experts, you can have plain drinking water and stay hydrated during your Invisalign treatment with no issue or hassle at all.
Brushing
One critical adjustment you will have to make is when you’re brushing your teeth. It’s not like brushing with braces; you will have to take out the aligners to fully clean your teeth and gums after every meal. Gargle some water before taking a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush your teeth after a meal.
Keep in mind that you will also need to clean and maintain your aligners. Leaving them as they are as you put them on your teeth every day may not be optimal for your dental hygiene. Just brush the plastic material with a gentle hand to ensure that it is in pristine condition.
Speaking
Invisalign aligners can have effects on the way you talk and articulate different words. As aligners are on your teeth the whole day, you’ll find some initial hindrances when you attempt to speak the way you used to. Some people can experience having a lisp as their tongue isn’t familiar with having aligners.
This small change can cause insecurity, but keep practicing! Like other activities, speaking will just need a few adjustments. Rest assured, you will find yourself in a natural conversation soon enough.
Conclusion
Having Invisalign aligners isn’t exactly a walk in the park. After a few weeks of wearing them, though, you’ll be fully adapted to these changes and carry out the rest of the treatment. When you’re getting your aligners off for good, you might even have to adjust back to everyday life without them.
Need Invisalign in Ypsilanti? Dental House MI provides dental services, offers, and discounts to help patients achieve the perfect smile in no time. Get in touch with us today for more information on Invisalign!