Are you insecure about the way your smile looks? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many Americans wish they had straighter teeth but don’t want to deal with the way braces look and feel. That’s why there’s Invisalign in Grand Prairie, the sleek new way to transform your smile. Sets of clear thermoplastic aligner trays gently shift your teeth into a straighter position. Let’s look at 8 things you need to know before trying Invisalign.
1. You Have to Be Committed
Invisalign simply won’t work unless you wear your trays for a prescribed amount of time each day, usually 20 to 22 hours. You can’t just wear them whenever you feel like it and expect your smile to be straight in a timely manner. Dedication is key.
2. You Will Need Some Time to Adjust
Your aligners will definitely feel a little weird at first and it may take a while to get used to them. In the beginning, you may even talk with a lisp. However, your mouth will soon grow accustomed to your aligners and you will talk normally after a few days.
3. It’s Not for Everyone
For mild to moderate alignment and bite issues, Invisalign works like a charm. However, if you have more severe orthodontic issues, you might need traditional braces to transform your smile.
4. It’s Virtually Painless
Just because the aligners exert pressure on your teeth doesn’t mean it hurts. In fact, that pressure is so light that after the first few days you should barely feel a thing. Also, there is no chance of metal wires breaking off and poking you. Your aligners are designed with your comfort in mind.
5. Don’t Clean Your Trays with Toothpaste
Toothpaste can be abrasive and leave behind unsightly stains that make your aligners noticeable, which defeats the purpose of them being clear. Instead, use a special aligner cleaner that you can get from your dentist in Grand Prairie. You could also use a mild detergent or soap.
6. Invest in Some Travel Toothbrushes
In order to keep your trays clean, you’ll need to brush after every time you eat and before you reinsert them. Those small travel-size toothbrushes are going to be your best friends. Buy some in bulk so you can always have at least one with you.
7. You May Have to Drink Less Coffee
In addition to eating, you’ll have to remove your aligners and brush when you drink anything besides water. This includes coffee. Either drink coffee with your breakfast, or take your aligners out later in the morning, drink your coffee, and then brush again. Although, you might not want to, since brushing that much can be annoying.
8. You Might Accidentally Lose Weight
Since brushing all the time is a bit of a hassle, you’ll probably stop mindlessly snacking throughout the day. It might make your clothes fit a little more loosely. Not only will your smile be transformed, but you might just shed a few pounds in the process.
Now that you know a little more about Invisalign, you’re probably wondering if it’s right for you. If you’re interested, ask your dentist for more details.