A lot of individuals especially adults, would rather put off orthodontic treatment than get treated with traditional metal braces over again. This is probably why they would jump at the offer of an invisible, customised treatment, as offered by Invisalign clear aligners.
A great many dentists in London for Invisalign will testify that Invisalign is a better alternative to traditional metal braces, it is important that you know exactly what you are getting into before you begin treatment. On that note, below are 11 things you should know before you get invisalign.
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You might receive more attachments than expected
Attachments are enamel coloured ridges that stick to the teeth like the braces brackets. They are usually included in recent Invisalign procedures, and help move the teeth more effectively by clicking into the Invisalign aligners. The attachments are virtually invisible without the aligners, however they end up looking like clear braces with the aligners. Depending on the severity of your case, you may be needing 2 – 20 attachments.
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They must be worn for 22 hours
The aligners must be worn for 22 hours daily, meaning that they must be worn even as you sleep. They are only to be removed when eating or drinking with the exception of water.
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No more lipstick
When undergoing treatment with invisalign clear aligners, you would have to stay away from coloured lipstick or lipgloss. This is because they end up sticking to the aligners or the attachments. While you can use clear lip gloss, they can still leave a waxy residue on the aligners. The best option would be to stay away from lip stain until treatment is completed.
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Expect a little weight loss
The wear time for the aligners is 22 hours daily. This means that you have just 2 hours for three meals a day. Even with the two hours for meals, you would have to take the aligners off your teeth each time you want to eat or drink, not to mention brushing afterwards. This can be super uncomfortable, as the aligners are pretty tight and can be hard to remove. For the first few months, it can be hard, but after a while, not so hard anymore.
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Kissing becomes awkward
No one said it was going to be easy to kiss with a mouth full of plastic aligners. It can even end up being a turnoff for some people. However, it would be so much easier if you have a partner that is understanding as well as patient.
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Say goodbye to manicures
Removing the aligners can be very difficult, owing to the fact that your teeth may be sore already. Without the help of your nails, removing the aligners will be almost impossible. With manicured nails, you stand the chance of ruining them just because you want to have a drink or because you wish to eat. For the time being, or as long as your treatment will last, you may be better off with short, buffed nails instead of long, painted ones.
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You will have to brush more often
Treatment with Invisalign means brushing after every meal, drink or snack. Flossing is equally important, and it is to ensure the removal of food particles between the teeth that can lead to bad breath, decay or plaque. Also, after having a coloured drink, brushing is necessary, to avoid staining the teeth and aligners.
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Cold water only
The only thing you can take with your aligners on is water. Avoid water or other drinks that are either hot or warm. The aligners are plastic, and as such, can become warped with a hot drink. Furthermore, sugary drinks will lead to build-up of plaque.
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The attachments can get stained
Coloured food and drinks are not the only materials that can stain the attachments of the aligners. Not sticking to a regimented tooth brushing habit can also stain the attachments. This is why it is important to brush your teeth after every meal and drink to avoid having splotches of colour on your aligners afterwards.
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Whitening is not an option
With or without attachments in place, whitening during treatment is not an option until treatment is completed. However, avoiding stain-causing beverages and brushing regularly will help keep your teeth clean.
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There is a refinement period
Unless your case is quite mild, there is a chance you will have to get another set of refinement aligners for stubborn teeth. Even after treatment is completed, there are still the retainers to think about, and this is to be worn at night for as long as possible.
Despite all that you would have to deny yourself during the course of your treatment, in the end, it will be worth it when you see the results. For consultations and Invisalign treatment in London, contact us at London Braces.