You’ve looked in the mirror enough times to realize that your teeth aren’t quite as straight as you’d like them to be. You’ve thought about talking with your Care Dental Camberwell cosmetic dentist about invisible braces.
If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are the top three questions people contemplating Invisalign braces ask.
Can People See Invisible Braces in My Mouth?
The whole idea behind Invisalign is that they are invisible in your mouth. They look similar to teeth-whitening trays. The primary difference is that the unique thermoplastic material used in invisible braces is custom made to fit your specific needs. Therefore, the fit is better than generic over-the-counter tooth-whitening trays.
If people look closely enough, sure, they might notice your Invisalign braces. However, the aligners are so slim and trim they’re designed to be invisible.
Will I Still Be Able to Eat, Drink, Talk, and Kiss with Invisalign Braces?
It’s not unusual for new orthodontic treatments to cause initial, temporary difficulties. In the case of invisible braces, you may feel pressure, discomfort, speech issues, or a slight lisp for a day or two as your tongue becomes accustomed to the aligners. Eventually, this will disappear.
As for eating and drinking, the removable design of the Invisalign trays mean you can take them out at mealtime. In fact, it’s a requirement for the treatment. Afterwards, you brush, floss, and rinse before replacing your aligners – much healthier for your teeth and gums than conventional metal braces.
Keep in mind that watching what you eat is still essential. Invisalign doesn’t protect your teeth from sugary or acidic food and drink. Coffee and wine will still stain. Citrus and sodas will still wreak havoc on your enamel. Good oral hygiene is required for healthy teeth and gums. No gum chewing with invisible braces either – even sugarless. It will stick to the trays.
The idea behind Invisalign is to allow you to lead as normal a life as possible. That means you can sleep, kiss, and even play sports in them. If you need to wear a mouthguard during sporting activities, just temporarily remove the trays until you’re done.
How Many Hours a Day do I Have to Wear Invisible Braces?
The bottom line is that to ensure Invisalign braces are effective you need to wear them a minimum of 20 hours per day. Many dental professionals recommend 22 hours a day. Ultimately, you should only take them out when necessary for hygiene purposes. No wearing only the top or bottom tray unless your dentist approves it.
And don’t worry about them falling out while you sleep. Your Camberwell dental team designs them to fit your teeth specifically. You should have absolutely no problem with them falling out or even breaking.
For more questions about Invisalign braces and whether they’re the right move for you, talk to your Care Dental Camberwell cosmetic dentist today.
Dr. Anna Chau, BDSc (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, is a skilled dentist in Camberwell with 18 years of experience in both private and public practices. She has specialized training in cosmetic, implant, and laser dentistry and has taught at her alma mater. Dr. Anna Chau is committed to advancing dental care and promoting healthy habits among children through local volunteer work.