You may have heard about Invisalign, the series of clear plastic aligners that subtly yet effectively straighten your smile. However, before you invest in them, you undoubtedly have some questions. That’s why we’ve written this guide with some frequently asked questions about how Invisalign affects your lifestyle.
Does Invisalign Affect What I Eat and Drink?
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign has no effect on the foods and drinks you can consume. This is because your aligners are fully removable. Braces limit your options on what to eat because certain foods can get stuck in the wires and brackets. However, with Invisalign, simply take out your aligners right before you eat. There are no restrictions!
Will Invisalign Change How I Talk?
When you first get a new pair of aligners, it may take some time for your mouth to get adjusted to the new object you’ve placed inside it. As a result, you may have a slight lisp. Don’t worry, this should fade away within a few days.
How Can I Keep My Aligners Clean?
The first step to keeping your aligners clean is to keep your mouth clean. After every snack and meal, brush and floss your teeth before placing your aligners back in. If you skip this step, bacteria could build up between your teeth and your trays, causing your aligners to stain and increasing your risk of tooth decay.
The other step is to regularly clean the aligners themselves. While you’re eating, soak the trays in clear mouthwash, a 50-50 blend of water and hydrogen peroxide, or a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar. Invisalign also sells their own cleaning kit you can use. Whichever method you choose, be sure to employ it every day to cut down on bacterial buildup.
Will Invisalign Give Me Bad Breath?
If you take proper care of your aligners, they shouldn’t affect your breath in the slightest. You might want to take a closer look at your oral hygiene regimen if you have persistent bad breath. You should be brushing your teeth several times a day with Invisalign, so your breath should actually be fresher than most people’s.
Can I Still Play an Instrument with Invisalign?
If your aligners make it hard to play a brass or woodwind instrument, don’t worry. You can remove them temporarily while you have to play. Just remember to place them back in afterwards so you get the recommended 22 hours of use a day.
Will I Still Be Able to Kiss?
The aligners are barely noticeable visually, so it’s likely that your partner won’t even be able to feel them. If they question the aligners, simply mention that it’s a lot easier to kiss with them than with braces!
Invisalign is a great way to achieve the straight smile you deserve. Hopefully this post answered some of your common questions about Invisalign.
About the Author
Dr. Asra Javeed is a cosmetic dentist who earned her dental degree from Boston University School of Dental Medicine. While there, she was elected into the elite Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society. She provides Invisalign treatment to patients in the Virginia Beach area. To get started on straightening your smile, contact Dr. Javeed here or call (757) 498-6420.