Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
Millions of people in the U.S., currently undergo orthodontic treatment. Straightening crooked teeth improves your confidence, makes you more willing to smile and helps protect you against threats to your oral health later in life. In decades past, orthodontic treatment meant getting braces but today there are new methods of treatment available such as clear aligner therapy through Invisalign. This represents an alternative to braces that often works more quickly and is more convenient because the aligners are transparent and removable. Today on the blog, we provide more information on the Invisalign treatment system.
Fact 1: Invisalign aligners need to stay on your teeth in order to work
Clear aligner therapy entails wearing custom-made, removable aligners on your upper and lower teeth. When worn, these aligners exert gentle pressure on your teeth to guide them into their ideal, straight alignment. You receive a new set of aligners every few weeks as your teeth move and shift in your mouth. For maximum effectiveness, you should wear your aligners for about 22 hours each day, only removing them when you eat and drink, or you brush and floss your teeth.
Fact 2: Your aligners may affect your speech at first
Invisalign is very discreet. You can wear your aligners and, generally, people never will notice them on your teeth. However, when you begin treatment, you may speak with a slight lisp at first as your mouth adjusts to wearing the aligners. If this makes you self-conscious, you can try to adjust more quickly by reading out loud or singing when you are by yourself.
Fact 3: Invisalign is not for everyone
Aligner therapy is meant for teens and adults with minor tooth crookedness and/or moderate tooth misalignment. Crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and gapped teeth all can be corrected. Your award-winning dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, evaluates each patient who is interested in this method of treatment during a consultation.
Fact 4: You need to have good oral hygiene
Not only should you continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, but you also need to keep your aligners clean. This is the main reason why we ask patients to remove their aligners before eating, so that they remain free of bacteria. Before replacing the aligners, you should brush your teeth so that they re-enter a clean mouth. You also can help lower the total bacteria and plaque in your mouth by having regular dental cleanings.
Fact 5: Certain foods and drinks can stain your aligners
Your aligners are transparent, but they won’t necessarily stay that way. If you frequently drink coffee, tea, or red wine – all highly acidic – this can stain your aligners and therefore make your teeth seem discolored. Stains also can form from foods or drinks with a high sugar content, such as soft drinks. This is why we recommend that you remove the aligners before you eat and drink.
Fact 6: Your aligners can be damaged
It’s vital to keep your plastic aligners clean, but make sure to use the right products and methods. Never use toothpaste, mouthwash, soap or hot water when cleaning your aligners. Any of them can damage the aligners, leave scratches or make them turn a yellowish color. You should also avoid exposing your aligners to heat, whether that means leaving them in a hot car, exposed to the sun, or near a heater or stove.
Fact 7: Not all dentists can offer Invisalign
You can only receive Invisalign from a certified Invisalign provider in your area. Dr. Christine Tenaglia is proud to offer this method of orthodontic aligner therapy to her patients in Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing and the surrounding areas of Michigan. To learn more about Invisalign, schedule a consultation today by calling (517) 347-6733 or contacting us online.