More FAQs About Invisible Aligners
A while back, we did a blog article on some of the frequently asked questions about invisible aligners. Many of our patients know that invisible aligners are a great alternative to braces, especially for our adult patients, who want a more discrete option. We thought it would be a good time to follow up that first FAQ article with some additional questions about invisible aligners that we often hear from our Warren area dental patients.
Do I Need to Change my Diet with Invisible Aligners?
When we put traditional braces on patients, we give them a list of foods that they should avoid. For the most part, these foods are sticky, crunchy and hard. All of these foods can damage your braces or contribute to tooth decay while wearing braces. None of these foods are of concern to patients with invisible aligners. Because you take your aligners off to eat, you can continue to enjoy foods that you love, like popcorn, nuts, apples and chewing gum. The only diet related suggestion that we make, is that you only drink water when your aligners are in. Colored beverages like coffee, soda and wine can stain your aligners. Stained aligners defeat the purpose of a more discrete way of straightening your teeth.
What if I’m Older? Will Invisible Aligners Work for Me?
We don’t recommend invisible aligners for patients that are under the age of 18. The ability to take the aligners out mean that while they make eating easier, it also makes losing them easier. Invisible aligners are a perfect option for our adult patients. Because they are a gentle way to move your teeth compared to braces, they are easier on your teeth. Adult teeth need to be moved slower than children’s teeth so that damages to the jaw and nerves can be avoided. Invisible aligners are the perfect, gentle way to move adult teeth. This option is great for patients ranging from their 30s clear into their 50s or 60s.
Does my Daily Hygiene Routine Change?
The great thing about invisible aligners is that you really don’t have to change your daily oral hygiene routine. If you are already brushing twice per day and flossing once a day, your routine is perfect for working with your invisible aligners. You will take out your aligners to brush and floss, so you don’t have to worry about not keeping your smile healthy. Some patients choose to brush more than twice per day when they are wearing their aligners, but that is not necessary. The only change you will make to your regular routine is to brush your aligners. You may need a different toothbrush or toothpaste for your aligners to avoid damaging them. If you are not sure what to use, let us know and we can help.
What About Whitening? Can I Still Whiten my Teeth?
If you are taking on the process of having a straighter smile, you are probably aware of your smile’s appearance and want to have the best smile possible. Many patients that chose invisible aligners to straighten their teeth also want to have a beautiful white smile. The good news about invisible aligners is that you can still continue to whiten your smile. Whether you chose an in-office product like Kor Whitening or dental bleaching, or you have an in-home product that you love, you can continue to whiten your teeth while you have your invisible aligners. To protect your smile, make sure you follow all instructions and make sure you remove your aligner trays before you start to whiten.
I Want Straight Teeth and Need More Information on Invisible Aligners!
For many of our Warren area dental patients, invisible aligners are the answer to having the smile they’ve always wanted. If you are ready for a straighter, more beautiful smile, today is the day to ask if invisible aligners are right for your smile. Dr. Apsey and the team at Smile Brightly are here to answer all of your questions, and get you on the right track to an amazing smile. For more information on invisible aligners or any of our dental services, please call us today at (586) 573-7700.