With more than 12 million happy patients, Invisalign is one of the most sought-after teeth-straightening treatments. After all, who wouldn’t want discreet braces that deliver results in an average of just 12 months? If you are interested in getting clear aligners but you have a few questions you’d like answered first, you’re in the right place. To learn the answers to a few of the most frequently asked Invisalign questions, read on!
How Often Do I Have to Wear the Invisalign Trays?
The recommended amount of time is 22 hours a day. Since your aligners are only putting pressure on your teeth when they are in your mouth, it’s of the utmost importance that you wear them as often as possible. To meet your wear time, only take them out when you’re eating, drinking anything other than water, and completing your oral hygiene regimen.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
While orthodontic treatment of any kind comes with some discomfort, you may be surprised how pain-free Invisalign is. In fact, since there aren’t any metal brackets or wires, there’s a good chance you won’t experience any mouth sores or irritation to your gums and cheeks at all! If you do experience any soreness, you can alleviate it with a cold compress and an over-the-counter pain reliever.
What Should I Do If My Invisalign Trays Turn Yellow?
If your trays begin to discolor, the best thing to do is re-commit to a solid oral hygiene regimen. That includes brushing your teeth (and your aligners!) after each meal and flossing at least once a day. You should also avoid drinking anything other than water with your aligners in, even coffee. If needed, you can soak your aligners in a cup of water with the cleaning crystals, which should help remove food particles, plaque, and other debris.
Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?
The good news is that the large majority of patients don’t experience any changes to their speech. Plus, on the off chance you do, you can have peace of mind knowing it will be short-lived. You can even expedite the adjustment period by reading out loud and practicing the more difficult words (like “Mississippi”) a few times.
What Should I Do If I Lost a Tray?
If you lose a tray, do your best not to panic. Simply re-trace your steps slowly and carefully. If you’re absolutely sure that your aligners are gone, then call your dentist’s office. Over the phone, they can determine what the best course of action is, like wearing your previous set of aligners, ordering a replacement, or moving onto your next trays.
Questions aren’t just normal – they are encouraged! That way, you can have an active role in your journey to a straighter, healthier smile. So, if you want to learn more about Invisalign, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist.
About the Practice
With Dr. Jack Markusen leading the way, our team is thrilled to be helping patients in and around Myrtle Beach discreetly achieve the smiles of their dreams with Invisalign. Since we utilize the latest dental technology, each treatment is as smooth and efficient as possible. Plus, we welcome dental insurance and happily accept flexible financing to ensure you don’t stress about the cost either. If you have a specific question about Invisalign or you’d like to schedule your consultation, then don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (843) 916-0990.