Living with crooked teeth can be a source of self-consciousness. For one, it is often embarrassing and can most definitely knock down your confidence. Plus, it can lead to certain health problems down the road. Traditionally, people with crooked or misaligned teeth have often turned to braces. But today, we have a new, innovative way of addressing this issue: Invisalign. Like braces, Invisalign helps straighten your teeth, the major difference being that it uses plastic braces instead of metal brackets. At our dentist office in University City, Mo, we provide Invisalign treatment to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues ranging from gaps to misaligned teeth and more. We are proud to have one of the best cosmetic dentists in University City, Mo, Dr. Rivka Goldenhersh. So by choosing us, you can be sure you are in safe hands. So is Invisalign the right treatment for you? To help you decide, here’s a roundup of 5 things about Invisalign you must know before starting treatment.
Cosmetic Dentists In University City MO
Using Invisalign requires discipline.
While Invisalign clear aligners can correct your smile within a lesser time, the best results are realized when you wear them as long as possible. Most dentists, including our cosmetic dentist in University City, Mo, Dr. Rivka Goldenhersh, recommend wearing your aligners for up to 22 hours a day. That’s indeed a long time. But the good news is that Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Therefore, no one will know you are undergoing dental treatment unless you tell them.
Invisalign clear braces are virtually pain-free
Bar the little discomfort within the first few days of having something foreign in your mouth, Invisalign aligners are a less painful option compared to metal braces. So not only are they attractive, but they are also a great option if you can’t stand the pain. Any mild discomfort means the aligners are doing their job as intended. Not to worry, though. This will subside as your mouth adjusts to them.
Invisalign clear braces demand that you are conscious of what you drink
If you are a heavy coffee and colored drinks user, you need to be wary that these colors may stain your Invisalign clear braces and make them visible. Luckily, they are removable, and you can take them off for a moment or two while you enjoy a mug of your favorite. Just remember to brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting them back on.
You may need to adjust how you speak in the first few days
Your mouth’s acoustics change with any foreign object in your mouth. That said, you may experience a slight lisp within the first few days as your mouth adjusts to the aligners. But don’t be tempted to remove them to speak well. You’ll soon learn to speak with them, and in no time, you won’t even notice you have them.
Invisalign clear braces may not be the solution to all orthodontic issues
Invisalign clear braces are a brilliant solution to many dental issues like crooked teeth, gaps in teeth, crowded teeth, underbites, or mild over. That said, some orthodontic issues may be well beyond the abilities of Invisalign. And in such cases, traditional metal braces may be more effective. Likewise, the treatment length for each individual will vary depending on the severity of the condition. If yours is a slight misalignment, it may take shorter than if most of your teeth were in bad shape.
Now that you know more about the Invisalign aligners, visit our dentist office in University City, MO, for your first assessment and find out which orthodontic solution is right for you.