Invisalign clear aligners are one of the most convenient and effective ways to address dental misalignment. If you are thinking about getting them, however, there are some important details that you should know. Invisalign may have some unexpected effects on your daily life. Here are a few notes on what you should anticipate:
You Need to Be Committed
Invisalign trays only work when you are wearing them. In order for them to be effective, you should keep them in your mouth for 20 – 22 hours each day. Failing to reach that goal could slow down the movements of your teeth, delay your final results, and cause you to experience extra discomfort when you transition to new aligners. Ideally, you should only remove Invisalign when you are eating or tending to your oral hygiene.
You Might Develop a Temporary Lisp
Some patients find that their aligners cause them to develop a slight lisp. After all, they can change the way your tongue interacts with your teeth. If that happens to you, do not be alarmed. Most people find that after a short adjustment period, their speech normalizes. Practice and purposeful pronunciation can help you to adapt to talking with your aligners.
Your Eating Habits May Change
You should not eat or drink anything other than plain water while you are wearing Invisalign. Since you should aim to keep your aligners in your mouth as much as possible, you might find that your eating habits change. You might be less likely to snack throughout the day. To make sure you get enough nutrition, be sure to eat satisfying main meals that can sustain you for several hours.
The Discomfort Is Minimal
Invisalign aligners are constructed of smooth plastic, which is designed to rest as comfortably as possible against the soft oral tissues. However, you may still feel some discomfort as your treatment applies pressure to your teeth. Many patients describe a sensation of “tightness” whenever they switch to a new aligner. Usually, the aligners start to become comfortable after a few days of wear.
You Might Need Special Accessories
On their own, Invisalign aligners can accomplish a lot. However, they sometimes need the assistance of specialized accessories, such as small attachments, rubber bands, and other devices. If your dentist determines that you need accessories, you should be sure to comply with their instructions. Otherwise, you might compromise the final results of your treatment.
Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic treatment, but you can expect it to slightly alter your daily experience. You can be confident that any inconveniences you experience along the way will be well worth it in the end!
Meet the Practice
Torrington Dental Care is proud to provide Invisalign, traditional braces, and a range of other treatments to our community. If you would like to straighten your teeth and have questions about what to expect with clear aligners, our team would be happy to speak with you. To request your consultation, contact our friendly team at 860-259-4073.