Invisalign 101: Everything You Should Know About Treatment

April 7, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — florencedent @ 8:46 pm
person holding up Invisalign aligner

Many older teens and adults are hesitant to undergo orthodontic treatment because they want to avoid the hassle of traditional metal braces. Luckily, those days are far in the past. Now, you can discreetly and comfortably get the straight smile you’ve always wanted with Invisalign in Florence! Since the process is unique, it’s completely normal to have a few lingering questions in mind. Here’s what you should know before moving forward with the process.

Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?

It shouldn’t be! However, your teeth will likely feel sore and sensitive when you get your Invisalign aligners. You may even develop sore spots on your cheek and gum tissue. Don’t worry – it’s normal for patients to experience all of that! Really, it’s not that different than what you’d experience with traditional metal braces. The good news is that your discomfort should gradually fade after the first week or so. After that initial period, you’ll notice that things will feel significantly better!

How Many Hours a Day Do I Have to Wear My Aligners?

To ensure successful treatment, it’s strongly recommended that you wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Whenever the trays aren’t in your mouth, your teeth will want to push back into their pre-treatment position. If you want to complete your orthodontic treatment as fast as possible, you should keep the aligners in your mouth every second you’re not eating or cleaning your teeth.

What Can I Do to Keep My Invisalign Trays from Staining?

One of the major benefits of Invisalign is that the clear aligners are virtually invisible. However, that’s not the case if you fail to take proper care of them. Your plastic trays can quickly turn yellow or become stained with neglect. Fortunately, here’s what you can do to keep them nice and clean:

  • Brush your aligners and teeth every time you take them out
  • Avoid consuming dark-colored foods and drinks (i.e., coffee, tea, red wine, soy sauce, curry)
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products
  • Invest in a special device that will clean your Invisalign aligners

Will Invisalign Affect How I Speak?

Initially, you’ll find it difficult to make certain sounds or pronounce specific words. That happens because the tongue is not used to speaking with the plastic trays in your mouth. Luckily, any lisp you develop is temporary and should go away as soon as you get used to the aligners. You can speed up the adjustment process by reading aloud, having more conversations with loved ones, and repeating difficult-to-pronounce words.

It’s incredibly important to be well-informed on Invisalign before committing to it. If you have any other questions in mind, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist in Florence!

About the Practice

At Florence Dental Studio, we are passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve optimal oral health. If you’re unhappy with your crooked or misaligned teeth, we offer Invisalign to help you get a smile you can proudly show off. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (609) 757-8623.