8 Things to Know About Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Have you been looking in the mirror, unhappy with your teeth? Maybe you have a gap here or some overcrowding there, making you self-conscious about your smile. Perhaps the thought of traditional braces doesn’t appeal to you either. Fortunately, Invisalign® clear aligners offer the perfect solution to these problems for kids and adults alike. With Invisalign®, you can get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted in an easy, hassle-free way.

Below, we talk about some of the things you’ll need to consider when you’re thinking about getting Invisalign® clear aligners.    

1. What Invisalign® Can and Cannot Treat

The first thing you should know when considering Invisalign® is what it can and can’t treat. When it first came out, Invisalign® was only designed to treat adults who needed mild cosmetic correction. However, the technology has advanced, and Invisalign® can now treat bite issues, including overbites, underbites, and crossbites, as well as close gaps between teeth and resolve tooth overcrowding issues. 

But while Invisalign® technology has progressed quite a bit, there are still some more complex corrections that it cannot address. An examination by your provider will determine if Invisalign® is the proper treatment for you. 

2. Invisalign® Trays Are Custom Fitted to Your Teeth

Just like your unique smile, your Invisalign® trays are also one-of-a-kind. Invisalign® clear aligners are created after your provider performs an in-depth teeth scan. Gone are the days of getting gloppy, gag-inducing goo put into your mouth for dental impressions. Instead, a handpiece is used to capture detailed 3-D images of your teeth, which are then used to create your custom aligners.

3. Invisalign® Costs and Treatment Times Vary

The number of Invisalign® trays you’ll need depends on how much or how little correction your teeth require. If you need more complex correction, you’ll need more trays. The more trays you need, the longer your treatment will last. Trays are typically changed every two weeks and replaced with the next set of aligners in your treatment plan. The good news is that you’ll learn the cost and timing of your treatment upfront, so you’ll know what to expect. Additionally, some dental insurance plans cover the cost of Invisalign®.

4. You May Experience Some Discomfort

Whether you have traditional braces or Invisalign®, the reality is that you’ll experience a bit of discomfort. Invisalign® is an excellent option because it doesn’t require wax or rubber bands, and you don’t have to worry about broken brackets or cuts in your mouth. However, the aligner trays are moving your teeth, so there’s a chance you’ll feel it. Because Invisalign® trays put pressure on your teeth to adjust their placement, you may feel like they’re tight or uncomfortable when you first put them in. Fortunately, you’ll quickly get used to the feeling, and it will no longer bother you. 

5. You May Notice That You’ve Developed a Lisp

Before you worry about a change in your speech, know that, like many of the side effects associated with Invisalign®, this too is temporary. A lisp happens when you have improper tongue placement, affecting airflow and making certain words sound different when you speak. Because the aligners change the space in your mouth and cause your tongue to move around your teeth differently, it can cause a temporary lisp. Your speech will return to normal once you adjust to having the trays in your mouth.  

6. Beware of Removing Your Aligners in Public

Since you can’t eat with your aligners in, you’ll soon be accustomed to popping them out with no problem when you sit down for a meal. However, there are a few things to consider before taking out your Invisalign® trays in public. One, it might be kind of gross, especially if you place them on the table. You could discreetly put them in a pocket or purse, but unless you carry a case for them, you may end up with lint in your teeth. Also, who remembers being a teen and how kids with retainers were constantly losing them at lunch, meaning they had to dig through the trash to find them? No one wants to do that, so it’s best to plan ahead and put your aligner trays in a safe place before heading to a meal.  

7. Keep Your Dental Hygiene on Point

It’s a given that you should continue to brush and floss as usual during Invisalign® treatment. However, you probably want to consider adding extra brushing and flossing sessions to your routine. Without aligner trays, your tongue and saliva do a pretty good job of getting food out of your teeth after meals so that it doesn’t sit on the surface and develop bacteria. However, Invisalign® changes all of that. Putting in your aligner trays after a meal traps leftover bits of food in your teeth, making it easier for bacteria to affect your teeth and gums.

8. You May Need to Adjust Your Beverage Choices

Everyone knows coffee, tea, red wine, colas, and other drinks can stain teeth. But did you know they can also stain your aligner trays? You’re supposed to wear your Invisalign® trays for 20-22 hours per day, avoiding almost every beverage except water when you have them in. Just think of it as a great excuse to stay hydrated while straightening your teeth!

Learn More about Invisalign® in Schaumburg and Norridge

When you visit Royal Dental Care for your Invisalign® consultation, our expert doctors will listen to your concerns, examine your teeth, and let you know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign® treatment. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us today at (847) 999-7620 (Schaumburg) or (773) 232-3929 (Norridge), or fill out our online contact form.