For adult with crooked teeth, traditional braces are not the only option for alignment and correction; Invisalign® is a proven system that straightens teeth almost invisibly. Some patients using this treatment may be particularly worried about how it will affect their eating habits or diet. The good news is that patients generally have very few changes that they need to make.
The patient wears clear trays that are used to gently put pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into a straight position. New trays are made every few weeks until the desired correction is reached.
While using these trays, called aligners, may seem easy, it does put more of the burden of success on the patient. Because they are removable, it is important that the patient listen carefully to the dentist’s instructions and follow them closely. Following good practices helps ensure that Invisalign® is successful and that it does not disrupt everyday activities like mealtimes.
Clear aligners make it possible to correct crooked teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. However, like with any medical procedure, it is important that the aligners are used correctly. Living with Invisalign® is typically easy if patients follow a few simple rules each day.
The most important part of using aligner trays is wearing them for the appropriate amount of time. For optimal results, the aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours. If worn for less time on a regular basis, desired results may take longer or even be impossible to achieve. Parents of children using Invisalign® should opt for the blue compliance indicator dots, which can reveal if the aligners are being worn for the correct number of hours each day.
While most of the day trays can be worn and mostly forgotten about, mealtime is a little different. The great thing about Invisalign® is that there are no restricted foods and drinks, unlike with traditional braces. Patients can eat and drink whatever they like, with one caveat: The aligners must be removed before eating and drinking anything besides water. Even with soft foods like yogurt or ice cream, trays need to be removed before partaking.
Some aligners have attachments to help secure them that are glued onto patient’s back molars. Care needs to be taken in this situation to avoid very hard or crunchy foods that could damage the attachment points. Another important rule to follow is to always brush and floss after eating and before putting the trays back. All food particles and residue need to be removed from teeth so that they do not get trapped under the trays, potentially causing tooth decay and gum disease. If there are no other options, patients should rinse their mouth thoroughly with water after eating and before replacing their aligners.
Invisalign® can be a great way to straighten your teeth with little impact on your overall lifestyle and appearance. The biggest difference to most daily routines will be removing the aligner trays for every meal and brushing and flossing afterward.
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