What do you need to know about Invisalign before your next appointment with the orthodontist?

Every time a celebrity smiles for the camera, we can't help but notice the perfect set of teeth they have. Some people feel envious of the perfectly straight set of pearls, while others can only hope that they get new ones just like Dustin (Stranger Things). Sometimes, even after wearing braces for a decade, teeth don't become flawless. People, who have gone through the pain of wearing traditional braces know the discomfort of the entire process. Even after taking them off, there might be significant space between the teeth. It can cause difficulty in chewing.

Apart from the functional challenges, uneven teeth can cause a significant lack of confidence. We have seen teenagers, and young adults shy away from photos and selfies because they are conscious of their crooked teeth. Some impressionable children spend hours in front of the mirror practicing closed-mouth smiles or daydreaming about the day they will have straight teeth.

Teeth can be stubborn, and it can take multiple rounds of braces and jaw surgeries to correct the dental alignment. It is not only a costly procedure but also a painful one. Most adults do not have a health insurance plan that covers dental surgeries. Moreover, these surgeries can take multiple sittings over two to four weeks, depending upon the complications. One modern and almost pain-less alternative is the Invisalign method. 

According to an expert Orthodontist, Invisalign is similar to braces, but instead of metal wires and brackets, Invisalign uses invisible, custom-made aligners or retainers of plastic. These are significantly less noticeable than regular braces. If you are an adult, who has always shied away from wearing braces as a kid, or someone who remembers how odd it felt wearing colorful "straightjacket" on your teeth, the Invisalign braces are worth a try. 

Since these are relatively new and not a lot of orthodontists in the city work with them, you might find it challenging to find consolidated information on Invisalign and their benefits. We are happy to share the insight from Invisalign users from the last few years –

i. You will have to wear them 22 hours per day

We have seen actors wear their retainers before sleeping and take them off before leaving for work. Like many Hollywood fantasies, their retainer wear time is one as well. You might want to rethink your plans of taking them off for going on date night. You have to keep them unless it is time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Moreover, you might want to invest in a couple of travel-sized toothbrushes for emergencies.

ii. You will go on a spontaneous diet

Taking them off and putting them back on is quite the responsibility. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are the three meals you cannot skip. So you might want to pack in as many calories as possible. However, you might completely withdraw from ungodly snacking hours. That might just help you reach your target weight.

iii. You might receive more attachments that you expect

Sometimes, Invisalign includes attachments. These ridges stick to your teeth like the conventional brace brackets, but since they are clear, they are almost invisible. These attachments hold the Invisalign aligners in place. When you don't put the aligners in, the bumps are entirely invisible. It is quite similar to wearing braces, except the Invisalign attachments are inconspicuous and less uncomfortable.

iiii. You will be more careful about oral hygiene

Brushing will become like an addiction once you get the Invisalign braces. It is quite easy to get food and bits of snacks in the attachments. Unless you brush more than thrice a day, at least once every meal, you will suffer from bad breath and cavities. Not brushing is the leading cause of plaque buildup and tartar formation. Always carry a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste set with you, along with a small bottle of any mouthwash you orthodontist recommends.

v. The Invisalign attachments capture stains

When you drink tea and coffee, without a complementary brushing habit, you are at full risk of developing stains on your attachments. Although Invisalign is almost invisible, these stains can take away that advantage. You might end up with blotchy looking attachments with bits of sugary stacks stuck all over your teeth. 

vi. No hot food

You can only drink cold water, or drinks at room temperature. Hot water and other hot beverages will stain the aligners. They might even warp the attachments. You might want to avoid sugar and alcoholic drinks. Alcohol with high congener content can increase the plaque buildup and stain the aligners. Reports from regular Invisalign users state that drinking red wine can stain the retainers almost immediately. 

vii. You will receive a refinement aligner

Once you complete your basic set of Invisalign retainers, you will receive another set of custom designed refinement aligners that can fix any stubborn crooked teeth. These can take care of the slightly misaligned teeth and the unsightly spaces between them. You should speak with your orthodontist before you begin your Invisalign treatment. 

viii. Planning vacations after consulting with your orthodontist

Find out from your orthodontist about the next set of appointment dates before you head off to the tropics for summer. Although the Invisalign attachments require next to no maintenance, as long as you are regular with your brushing and honest with your oral hygiene, you might want to consult your dental expert before you make big plans in the next few months. 

ix. It’s a small sacrifice for a big gain

Wearing Invisalign retainers is a breeze compared to wearing the metal braces we received as children. The duration of wearing this retainer will vary from one person to another depending on the condition of their teeth. You should consult your orthodontist regarding the different stages of Invisalign and refinement retainer attachments. 

There aren't too many cons of wearing Invisalign instead of going for metal braces or corrective surgery. The cost is negligible considering the long-term positive effect of the retainers on teeth alignment and self-confidence. Invisalign will help you make the right choice in life, and it will give you the perfect teeth you have always desired.