Living With Invisalign
Most people dream of having a beautiful, straight smile. When people are able to smile freely without embarrassment, they often feel happier and more confident. However, people associate straight teeth with having to wear bulky metal braces. Luckily, they can choose Invisalign as a discreet alternative.
While they’re much more attractive than traditional metal braces, some patients experience issues with their aligners. It’s crucial to know how to troubleshoot problems that may arise.
My aligners aren’t fitting properly
Invisalign trays are meant to fit snugly against your teeth and shift them in small increments. Each set of clear aligners are custom made to fit your teeth perfectly as they straighten. If you notice that your aligners aren’t fitting properly, this may be a sign that you’re not wearing them consistently or in the right order.
In cases like these, Dr. Sheehan will suggest you come in for an evaluation. She may tell you to either skip ahead to the next tray or wear the previous one.
I’ve lost weight since I started wearing my aligners
For optimal results, you’ll need to wear your clear aligners is 22 hours a day. Since you have to take out your aligners to eat, this only leaves you with a total of two hours to eat throughout the day. Having limited time to eat may result in you eating less frequently and smaller quantities.
If you notice yourself losing an alarming amount of weight, Dr. Sheehan recommends setting aside specific times to eat and consuming nutrient-rich meals or protein shakes during these times.
I’m starting to notice stains on my aligners
Since your Invisalign aligners are clear, they’re likely to become stained based on the food and beverages you consume. Learning how to clean them properly and how to prevent stains altogether will ensure your aligners remain completely clear.
If you’re noticing stains on your aligners, try brushing them or soaking them in dentist-approved solutions. This will pull out the plaque build-up without harming your aligners. Avoid eating or drinking anything besides water while wearing them, and brush your teeth immediately afterward.
Making the Most of Invisalign
Although wearing Invisalign may seem like a lot of work at first, the end results will be worth it. Taking care of your aligners and wearing them consistently will leave you with a beautiful smile after your treatment is complete.
Dr. Sheehan has successfully provided Invisalign to many of her patients and encourages you to contact her if any issues arise with your aligners or teeth.