08 Dec 2022 INTRODUCTION
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that is used to achieve a beautiful smile. It aligns the teeth for people who have disarrayed teeth, which often causes a disturbance during eating or chewing. Sometimes they may overbite a food, thereby biting over the tongue and causing pain to oneself. However, there are certain precautions that must be taken if opting to wear Invisalign. It is not suggested for people who are frequent snackers and sippers.
Some people need to snack and sip more often, not out of craving, but out of their body requirement which asks for small amounts of food at regular intervals. But for them, it is not suggested, since food particles will get stuck in between, which can cause infection of the gums. Except for water, nothing else is allowed for consumption, while wearing Invisalign.
Based on the crookedness of teeth, dentists suggest different treatments. For people with too crooked teeth, braces are suggested and considered better. Most kids and teens are given braces instead of Invisalign alignments. Invisalign alignments are generally prescribed for adults, who usually want an invisible and comfortable straightening method.
But if adults too have teeth that are too crooked in nature, then braces are the only option left. Invisalign take a minimum of 12 to 18 months, to stabilize teeth and build up enough bone space. Let us look at a few things that we should totally avoid while wearing an Invisalign alignment on our teeth:-
Avoid scratching them: – Scratching can leave scratches on them, and destroy the material. It also makes them look bad.
Don’t get them dirty at any cost: – as already said earlier, avoid having food while putting them on. Food particles stuck in them may cause gum infection and other bacterial infections, and leave a yellow mark on them.
Don’t rush the treatment: – Rushing the treatment may cause more harm to your teeth, and lead to further problems in future.
Don’t play with it: – Your dental braces and artificial alignments are suggested by the dentist to serve a purpose. Please take it seriously and help the dentist complete his treatment.
Don’t leave them in: – You should be careful to remove them while you eat and sleep, without fail. This should be a regular practice.
Don’t forget to brush: – Just like you brush your teeth, brush your Invisalign and braces every day twice.
Soak them every day: – Even if you do not have food, put them on or brush them regularly, don’t forget to soak them every day in Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner. Rinse them with water, before putting them inside the mouth.
Always store your aligners in the Invisalign case: – You should always make sure that you store your Invisalign aligners in the aligner case. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Your pets may scratch or chew them which can destroy them.
Never leave your aligners in the open air: – Make sure not to leave them in the open air, when not using them. This can lead to dust and bacteria buildup. Even if you do, be careful to rinse them properly before putting them back to your mouth. Additionally, since Invisalign are mostly transparent, you may lose them easily, if kept anywhere.
Avoid exposing them to heat: – Drinking hot water or tea while putting the aligners on, can lead them to get wrap and squeezed. This can destroy them completely. Even when rinsing them, do it with lukewarm water and not boiling hot water. While drinking tea and coffee be careful to remove them beforehand.
Never wash them with harsh cleansers:-You should never wash your aligners with harsh soap and chemicals. It can discolor them and they may not taste great when put back to the mouth again.
The reason Invisalign has gained importance, even more than braces are, and standard metal braces can often cause mouth sores, discomfort, and infection in the mouth. Invisalign are often designed with soft and long lasting material, which is tender to the mouth and does not cause mouth sores and other problems.
People usually question, whether they can wear Invisalign while swimming, fearing that it might not be safe. But the fact is you can easily put on your Invisalign and swim. One common fact must be realized that, our life cannot suddenly come to a halt, as soon as I start wearing an Invisalign.
So, you can keep putting them on while swimming, bathing, playing etc. The only thing to remember is they are meant to be with us till our purpose is solved. And we need to accept them and the challenges that come along with as part of our lives.
Foods to be avoided while putting on Invisalign?
Sticky foods, hard candies and other foods that are hard to bite and chew must be avoided so that pressure is not given to the teeth. You must remember that your tooth is under treatment, and you ought to avoid anything that causes a hindrance in the treatment.
Chewing gums are strictly prohibited along with sweets and foods that have sweet content in it. As they residue, they leave behind feeds the plaque in the mouth. Drinks such as soda, carbonated drinks and packaged juices are very acidic in nature, which may destroy the tooth enamel.
Dentists however do not recommend drinking by a straw with the Invisalign on. Although straws are safe and won’t cause staining, doctors strictly ask not to take a chance. Teeth straightening is an easy process, if we obey the rules that come along with it.
After starting the treatment we suddenly find the process to be a cause of burden on us. Our teeth should be in proper alignment always not only to look good when we smile but to maintain better overall oral health.
Conclusion
The research was conducted on patients who have used Invisalign and got results. Reviews were mostly positive with a fewer exceptions. People were mostly happy, with the results and were relieved off the discomfort like tooth crowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps, and open bite conditions, they faced earlier.
You need to check with the doctor every 4 to 6 weeks. Once you are done with the treatment using aligners, your doctor might suggest you use retainers. Although this may vary from case to case basis.
Invisalign may change the shape of your face. Our Tooth gives our face a proper structure and shape. Many times due to improper tooth division, our face shape changes. Once they are restored, you can find your actual face in front of you.
Your Invisalign may hurt in the initial few weeks, which may automatically get right with use over time. However, if it continues to cause discomfort you should immediately consult your doctor and let him know the discomfort that you are facing and the exact location in your mouth where you are facing the discomfort, so that he may find an effective remedy for it.
Invisalign should not be used for kids strictly, as suggested by dentists. It causes unnecessary discomfort to the child. Also children are playful and less careful than adults. While in school they may eat and drink putting them on, which can result in infections and sores in the long run. This is an unnecessary hassle for the child and his or her parents. Invisalign when used on children has not given good reviews. Traditional metal braces are the best for kids. Initially, it may cause discomfort, but gradually it becomes easier.
Teeth straightening treatment is done not only by kids and younger adults but also by older adults, who feel the need for it. Having straight and properly aligned teeth is a benefit that can be enjoyed at any age. Previously there was a perception that Invisalign cannot be used by older adults since their bones have already hardened. But when used by them, it gave positive results, and the patients were actually happy with the results.
Dentists say that you are never too old to receive dental care and treatment. Teeth are parts of our body that remain with us till the time we die. This sentence itself makes it clear that they require preservation and proper care throughout our lives. Regular visits to the dentist is a must if we are to avoid dental problems and preserve our dental health.