If you’re considering using Invisalign to straighten your teeth, or if you’ve already begun, you definitely have a lot of questions.
You may already be aware that Invisalign is a more convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, but did you realize there are ways to make it even easier?
Dr. Doug Crosby, a Board-Certified Invisalign Orthodontist, offers us the straight scoop on some of the most often asked Invisalign treatment questions, as well as helpful hints on how to prepare for Invisalign and make your teeth alignment treatment go more smoothly.
Timing is EVERYTHING When it Comes to Straightening Your Teeth
“How long will it take to achieve straighter teeth?” is one of the most often asked questions about Invisalign treatment.
Because each smile is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all response to this issue. Smiles that only need minor adjustments could take as little as four months to repair, while those that need major correction could take up to 18 months.
You’ll have a better sense of how long your Invisalign treatment will last after your initial evaluation with your orthodontist. You might be wondering how long you’ll have to wear your aligners during the day to complete the treatment in the time limit your orthodontist specified.
“It’s great to wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day,” Dr. Crosby advises. Of course, we don’t want you to keep track of every minute you wear them.” A good rule to follow is to wear your Invisalign aligners both day and night, removing them only to eat or brush your teeth.
Will My Aligners Have an Impact on My Speech?
You’ve probably heard that your speech may be impaired while assessing your options or just getting started with your Invisalign treatment. When talking, some Invisalign patients endure a brief period of lisping or “sounding strange.”
So, how long will it take you to get used to talking with your braces on? “Feeling uncomfortable when talking is a transient condition,” says Dr. Crosby. Your speech returns to normal after the first 2-3 days in aligners.”
When Using Invisalign Aligners, Can I Eat The Same Foods As Before?
So, what additional ‘adjustments’ will you have to make in your life? “What foods can I consume while wearing my Invisalign?” you might wonder. ” Do you recall those two to four hours a day when you could take your aligners out? That is, those are the hours when you will be eating your daily meals. It’s advised not to eat anything with your aligners in.
While you may be concerned about being unable to eat while wearing your aligners, there is a silver lining. You’ll notice that you’re adopting some positive habits, such as being more aware of when you eat and brushing your teeth after each meal. You’ll also have to be more careful about drinking substances that discolor your teeth. Brushing your teeth after drinking liquids such as coffee or red wine is also vital to help prevent Invisalign from discoloring your teeth.
No way! I misplaced a tray. What am I supposed to do now?
Because Invisalign treatment relies on a series of progressively larger and shaped aligners, it’s critical to wear each set consistently and transition to the next set at the appropriate time to gradually align your teeth. What happens, though, if you misplace your current set of aligners?
If you lose an aligner, Dr. Crosby advises that you move on to the next set of aligners. “It may feel a little tighter than usual, therefore we recommend staying with that aligner for 10-14 days rather than seven.”
What Would Happen if I Forgot to Wear My Invisalign Aligners for the Entire Day?
Let’s say you took your aligners out for an evening snack, didn’t put them back in before going to bed, and didn’t wear them to work the next day. When you get home and start preparing dinner, you start to feel panicked! What might go wrong? Will your teeth begin to move and become crooked once more? Will you have to start from scratch?
Hopefully, this won’t happen, but if it does, make sure you wear your current aligners for at least 7 days before switching to the next set. If you have missed several hours of wear in a row, consider adding a day or two.
What Should I Do With My Invisalign Aligners That Have Been Removed?
Are you unsure what to do with your old aligners once you’ve upgraded to the next set? “Throw them away,” Dr. Crosby says. We’d never travel backward in time. In addition, the aligners are recyclable, which is a little-known fact. ” There’s no need to save your previous aligners because they could be confusing. You don’t want to put in an old aligner by accident and reverse your progress.
