Invisalign® Clear Braces Cumming

Does Wearing Invisalign Aligners Hurt?

Unlike traditional braces that utilize metal brackets and wires, Invisalign’s clear aligners are custom-made from a single piece of smooth, biocompatible plastic. So, while it’s normal to experience some soreness (especially when starting a new set of trays), most patients find straightening their teeth with Invisalign to be significantly more comfortable. Plus, any discomfort stemming from your aligners can be easily addressed with a cold compress or OTC pain relievers!

How Long Do I Need to Wear My Aligners Every Day?

Remember, although Invisalign aligners are removable, you still need to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. The more you wear them, the more likely you are to stay on track with your treatment timeline. Therefore, you should only remove them to eat, brush, floss, and drink anything other than water. That way, your teeth won’t begin to revert to their previous positions, requiring backtracking. Since this results in more time and money spent on braces, it’s best to commit to wearing your aligners for at least 20 hours each day.

What Foods Can I Eat During My Invisalign Treatment?

Since Invisalign’s clear aligners are removable, you don’t have to abide by a long list of dietary restrictions! As a result, you can indulge in all of your favorite meals throughout your treatment. It is important to note, however, that dental problems (like tooth decay) can set you back on your treatment timeline. So, it’s best to implement good dental hygiene practices, like brushing after each meal and limiting your sugar consumption. You should also avoid drinking anything other than water with your trays in since this can warp their shape and leave behind yellow stains.

Will Wearing Invisalign Aligners Change How I Talk?

When you first get your trays, you may experience a slight lisp. However, the adjustment period is typically short-lived, lasting no longer than a few days. Plus, you can expedite the process by reading aloud and repeating the more difficult words, like “sixty” and “Mississippi.” This will allow your tongue to quickly adjust to the presence of your aligners. In short, the possibility of a minor learning curve isn’t a reason to miss out on the straight, healthy, beautiful smile of your dreams.

Can I Get Invisalign If I’ve Had Metal Braces Before?

Possibly! If you had braces in the past but have experienced orthodontic relapse, you may be a candidate for Invisalign in Cumming. The best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation with our orthodontists. From there, they can conduct a dental exam to learn more about your unique needs and smile goals. Once they confirm your candidacy, they’ll put a custom treatment plan in place to move your teeth into their properly aligned positions!

What Does Invisalign Look Like?

You know that Invisalign is “clear,” but what do the trays look like exactly? The best way to describe them is as see-through, plastic molds of your teeth. Naturally, there are variations in how they look since each one is completely customized to the patient. However, some also have little bumps, which are commonly referred to as attachments.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

In addition to providing you with an estimate of the cost, we will also provide an approximation regarding your treatment timeline at your initial consultation. If you’re interested in learning more general numbers, however, the average treatment is between 12 and 18 months. Of course, your time with clear aligners could be significantly longer or shorter depending on factors like how complex your case is and how well you follow all of your treatment guidelines.

Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

Good news: you don’t have to give up this caffeinated beverage during your orthodontic treatment! There is one rule, however. Before enjoying your morning or afternoon cup of coffee, you must remove your aligners, rinse them off, and store them away properly. If you really want to go the extra mile, you should drink your coffee with a meal. That way, you cut down on the amount of time they are out of your mouth.

How Do I Clean My Aligners?

It’s common to overcomplicate the process of cleaning your aligners. However, you can keep it simple by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and some lukewarm water. After rinsing your trays, dampen the bristles of your toothbrush and use them to carefully scrub each surface. Once you’re done, rinse the aligners with water again and place them back in your mouth.

Note: if your aligners are beginning to look yellow even though you are cleaning them after each meal, you can use the Invisalign cleaning crystals.

What Should I Do If I Break an Aligner?

Let’s start with what you shouldn’t do. First, do not use super glue to try and put them back together. Second, do not move on to the next set of aligners without telling your orthodontist. Remember, each tray has a specific purpose, and moving forward too soon can negatively impact your treatment even further. Simply put, the best course of action is to notify your orthodontic team right away. From there, they can provide a specific recommendation on what to do.

What Happens After My Invisalign Treatment?

At your “final” appointment, we will remove any attachments you have, take impressions of your teeth (as well as a few pictures), and get to work on having your retainer made! Although some patients are disappointed that they need to wear one, it serves an important purpose: preserving your results. If you don’t wear it consistently, then there’s a good chance that your teeth will begin to drift out of position, negatively impacting the look, health, and function of your smile in the process.

What Should I Do If I Lose an Aligner?

Having see-through aligners is a major perk… until you can’t find them. If you find yourself in this situation, then we recommend trying the age-old advice: retracing your steps. Starting from the last place you remember having them, look everywhere you might have placed them, from the center console of your car to the pockets of the pants you were wearing earlier. If you don’t have any luck finding them, then call our orthodontists in Cumming right away to explain what happened. After taking a look at your treatment plan, they can determine if you can move on to your next set of aligners a bit early or if you need to wear your previous set until a replacement arrives.

How Do I Use the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?

Fortunately, using the cleaning crystals that come in your Invisalign welcome kit is pretty simple. First, fill a small, clean container with some lukewarm water. Then, pour the cleaning crystals into the water and gently shake the container so they begin to dissolve. Lastly, place your trays gently in the mixture and let them soak for 15 minutes or so.

Tip: Allow your aligners to soak while you’re eating dinner! This will help you meet the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time.

Is There a Way to Speed Up My Invisalign Treatment?

At Serenity Orthodontics, we utilize cutting-edge technology that can speed up the teeth-straightening process by 30% or more. Outside of that, however, there isn’t a way to achieve the results you desire faster. In fact, trying to take matters into your own hands by moving onto each new set of aligners a bit early can actually have the opposite effect! That’s why we encourage our patients to do their best to abide by all of the treatment guidelines, like wearing their trays for 22 hours every day.

How Do I Floss with Invisalign?

Since patients with traditional braces sometimes need special oral hygiene products, like pre-threaded floss, you might be wondering if the same applies to those with Invisalign. It doesn’t! That’s because you can remove your trays when it comes time to complete your dental care regimen. In other words, you won’t have to adjust your brushing and flossing routine because your braces won’t get in your way.

Am I “Too Old” for Invisalign?

Remember, orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teens. Whether you’re 35 or 65, you shouldn’t let your age stop you from scheduling a consultation. After learning more about your dental history, the condition of your oral health, and the complexity of your case, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.