The Invisalign® aligner system is an efficient solution to straighten teeth without the drawbacks of conventional braces, such as dietary restrictions. Many individuals are wary of getting braces because they think that doing so will limit their diet options. Invisalign offers many advantages over traditional braces, including being able to consume an unrestricted variety of foods.
Invisalign aligners, unlike braces, are removable, so patients will experience minimal restrictions throughout treatment. The aligners need to stay on the teeth for 20 to 22 hours each day, but it is possible to take them out when necessary.
When eating, aligners should be removed, enabling patients to consume foods that would normally harm brackets or get lodged between the wires of conventional braces. Patients will not have to worry about emergency trips to the dentist due to damaged wires or brackets after any meal, regardless of the foods consumed.
Brushing and flossing are essential components of any daily regimen, but the idea of meticulously cleaning around the brackets and wires of traditional metal braces is enough to discourage braces wearers from doing so. Plaque and bacteria may then collect in the crevices between the brackets, which may lead to cavities.
Plaque acids can even wear down tooth surfaces, causing damage or permanent discoloration. Removable aligners make it simpler to keep the teeth and gums healthy because patients do not have to learn new brushing and flossing techniques. They can take off the aligners and clean their teeth as usual.
The aligner trays themselves are also simple to clean. Wearers can brush them carefully with a soft toothbrush. It is important to use cold or lukewarm water to avoid damaging the plastic aligner. Patients can also get an Invisalign cleaning solution to properly cleanse and disinfect the trays.
Traditional metal braces are not aesthetically appealing. The metal pieces are also often harsh on the sensitive tissues of the cheeks and lips. Patients with conventional braces may be afraid to smile because of the bands, brackets, and wires. But other people will hardly notice Invisalign trays because they are transparent and fit snugly over the teeth. They may also be removed for special events and pictures if needed.
Braces may irritate the soft tissues of the mouth. Cuts and sores are common, and permanent scarring of the cheeks may occur over time. The aligner system's smooth, plastic trays are made to fit gently and firmly over the teeth and rarely irritate the delicate tissues of the cheeks and lips.
Patients may eat anything that they want because the aligners are removable. Therefore, there is no risk of damaging the aligners while eating or making an emergency visit to the dentist's office due to food getting stuck. Except when drinking water, patients must take out the aligners when eating.
Leaving in the trays while eating or drinking might seem more convenient, particularly at parties or holidays. Patients may feel self-conscious if they have to keep removing or replacing the aligner trays, and they may be worried about meeting the required number of hours. But wearing the aligners when eating can damage the trays. Food and sugar remnants can get easily caught in them, leading to tooth decay. Also, avoid chewing gum because it will adhere to the trays.
Coffee, tea, and red wine may all cause stains, making the trays even more visible on the teeth. Hot drinks might deform the aligners. For the most part, it is advisable to drink via a straw or remove the Invisalign aligners altogether when consuming these drinks.
Removing Invisalign trays when eating meals or snacks is what might cause more issues than eating or drinking with them. Once they are out of the mouth, there is a risk of damaging or misplacing them. The worst-case scenario is that they end up in the garbage. When removing them, always store them in a case.
Do not return trays immediately after eating or drinking. If feasible, brush the teeth; otherwise, at least rinse the mouth and trays with water. Bacteria may build up under the trays and cause foul breath and cavities if the trays are not cleaned properly.
Patients who use the Invisalign system can improve the appearance of their smile while still removing the aligners as needed for eating and dental care. During treatment, patients can smile confidently, eat whatever they desire, and maintain good dental hygiene without worrying about damaging their aligner trays.
Request an appointment here: https://www.missionvalleydentalarts.com or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at (619) 805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
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