Committing To Invisalign? Little-Known Facts That Will Help You Prepare For Treatment

If your malocclusions aren't too severe, you may be a great candidate for Invisalign trays. Invisalign trays are incredibly popular because they are inconspicuous, and you can remove them to eat and brush your teeth. While you may understand the basics of treatment, here are a few little-known facts about Invisalign to keep in mind so you can better prepare yourself.

There Will Be Some Soreness

While many patients know that their teeth are going to shift with orthodontic work, they may not be prepared for the initial soreness. Invisalign trays don't cause as much soreness as traditional braces, but because your teeth are shifting, you can expect a little tenderness. Your doctor may recommend some over-the-counter medications to ease this discomfort.

Also, because you may be a little sore, you may be tempted to take the trays out. This is a bad idea because if you remove them too often, your teeth could shift back to old positions and you'll be sorer than if you'd kept them in. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to wear the trays, but many wearers need to keep them in for about twenty hours every day.

You May Still Need Brackets

Some orthodontists use Invisalign in conjunction with enamel-colored brackets. The Invisalign trays actually click into these attachments and are vital for efficient treatment times. The good news is that these attachments are practically invisible, so you will still reap the benefits of having clear trays.

Expect to Stay on Top of Your Oral Hygiene

Some patients think that since they have removable trays, they can be lax with their oral hygiene. You need to be just as diligent with your oral hygiene as you would with traditional braces. It's actually a good idea to brush your teeth and rinse with water after each meal if possible. If you don't clean your teeth thoroughly, then the plastic trays can compress food debris against the enamel, thus causing plaque and calculus buildup. Many stores have travel-size toothbrushes and toothpaste, so you can easily bring these items along if you need to take care of your teeth at work, school, etc.

You Will Need to Change Out the Trays Regularly

Some people think that they will only need a few trays and that will do the trick. Just like traditional braces, you will need to see your orthodontist regularly when you have Invisalign. Aligners may need to be changed as often as every two weeks. As your teeth start to shift into new positions, the old aligners won't be effective anymore, so new ones will need to be made.

As you can see, Invisalign is a commitment. However, if you are committed to your treatment, there are numerous benefits with this orthodontic route. Contact a dentist or orthodontist today for more information on Invisalign trays.

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