Invisalign™ can give you the confidence to show off your smile. The treatment involves a series of clear aligners that adjust the placement of your teeth into the proper position. They are a comfortable, quick solution to correct gapped teeth and bite problems. Your dentist in NE Calgary will advise you if this is the right treatment for your situation after a full consultation. If you decide on Invisalign™ then there are things you should know.
Issues You May Run Into with Invisalign™
Though Invisalign™ is often a clear solution to a great smile, it can take some getting used to.
- Speech Complications – You may find it difficult to speak normally when your first set of Invisalign™ aligners are placed in your mouth. This is a common occurrence but with a little time, you will get accustomed to your oral appliance and the way your mouth forms around it. It is suggested to slow down your speech and note how you move your tongue. You may want to try reading out loud. All these things can help you get used to the aligners quicker.
- Dry Feeling – If your mouth feels dry it may be because you are breathing through your mouth more when adjusting to your new aligners. Make a note of this and try to be aware of your actions. Drinking more water often alleviates the sensation and will help increase your saliva flow so your mouth stays hydrated.
- Taste Changes – Did you bite into a piece of juicy pineapple that you used to love only to find it tastes a bit off? Your aligners can impede the way you experience flavour. You should be removing your aligners while eating to avoid damage and getting food particles stuck in them. Changes to your sense of taste are only temporary and will not be affected when your aligners are out of your mouth.
- Bad Breath – If you sense a slight smell coming from your mouth you may not be cleaning your teeth or aligners as well as you should. Take time to make sure you wash your Invisalign™ at least twice a day. Using scent-free soap and lukewarm water or cleaning crystals with water will help avoid bad breath. Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would and visit your dentist in NE Calgary for regular check-ups. This will ensure nothing is stuck where it shouldn’t be, causing a smelly mouth.
Garlic and other potent-smelling ingredients can be avoided to help keep your breath fresh. You can chew on some mints to freshen your breath but avoid gum as it could damage your aligners. Take the time to ensure your mouth is an inviting place so your significant other will still want that smooch. 😉
Complications can be avoided with a little effort on your part. Just because you have Invisalign™ in NE Calgary doesn’t mean you stop taking care of your oral health.
How to Properly Deal with Invisalign™
Refrain from making mistakes during your Invisalign™ treatment. Here are some ways to a successful outcome.
- Take Time to Listen to Advice – Your dentist will provide you with advice on things to do and what to avoid while wearing Invisalign™. They will also give you food and drink suggestions and advise you on how to properly wash your aligners with a step-by-step guide. Following this advice will give you the highest chance of obtaining the results you desire.
- Wear Them as You Should – Wearing Invisalign™ diligently ensures it does the job correctly. Make sure to follow a schedule and note how long you are keeping your clear aligners in. Wearing them for 22 hours every day is crucial, so they have time to gradually move your teeth into position.
- Protect Them – Avoid dropping your Invisalign™ on the floor or getting bacteria on them and placing them back in your mouth. Your clear aligners need to be stored in a protective place when they are not on your teeth. Placing them in an air-tight container will keep them safe and keep your mouth healthy. Make sure to clean and thoroughly dry them every time before you put them back in your mouth.
A Confident Smile with Invisalign™
Early correction of tooth issues will help provide a solid oral foundation for your future. Invisalign™ can take you from a closed-mouth smile to wanting to show off your straight teeth at every opportunity. At Savanna Market Dental, we are your dentist in NE Calgary, ready to help with all your oral health needs.