It’s an all-too-true reality, but there’s no dancing around it: You have to keep the aligners on for at least 20 hours a day, or you won’t get the best results (22 hours is the rec, but you can boot two hours if it’s more realistic for your lifestyle.
That means breakfast, lunch, and dinner become power meals. Make sure you’re ready for that commitment.
There’s a reason they are called invisible braces—no one could tell I was wearing them. Until I started talking, that is. (I dare anyone with Invisalign to ask, “What’s your skincare secret?” without lisping.)
Luckily, it got better with time—going from cringe-worthy mumbles to coherent sentences—and by the end, no one noticed my lisp, either.
Invisalign can treat most orthodontic issues, like crooked teeth, minor over/under bites, or gaps. But for severe cases, it’s a question of how long you are willing to do the treatment.
Patients with more complex problems (say, if you have too big of a bite) may get quicker results with metal braces. You can use the Invisalign FREE consultation offer to see if it’s right.
You’ll need to use one (with its companion, the mini tube of toothpaste) in between meals so your cereal/salad/chicken doesn’t linger in your mouth longer than it needs to.
Assuming you eat the typical three times a day, you’ll need it for 21 instances in a week. That’s a whole lot of brushing; invest in a few.
Drinking anything that can stain your teeth—coffee, red wine, tea—will stain your Invisalign. So if you rely on a cup (or three) of java to fuel your mornings, be warned: You won’t enjoy it quite like you used to.
You’ll have to factor it into your allotted time to eat breakfast or take it out before your second cup (and always brush before you put the trays back in). The same goes for post-work glasses of wine—something I wish I had known before signing up for the treatment.
Midday snacks will always be different, and mindless eating will become obsolete. It’s the biggest blessing in disguise: After every meal, you must brush your teeth. So when you get that 2 p.m. craving, you must stop and ask yourself, “Is it really worth it?”
Most of the time, it’s not, and you quickly become aware of your senseless snacking. Just remember: When everyone else is eating cake for a colleague’s birthday, you may curse your Invisalign…until you notice your clothes start fitting better.
You have more energy. There are no more sugar crashes!
I remember shrieking—loudly—every time I got my braces tightened in high school (I blame my child-like pain tolerance), so trust me when I say Invisalign does not hurt.
No, you won’t be able to eat raw carrots on your first day, but compared to their metal counterpart, they’re like a walk in the park.
FYI, kissing isn’t as much of a pain, either. (You’ll never have to worry about that dreaded stuck-while-kissing fear you got with braces because you can easily take them out.)
A murky, yellow Invisalign tray is the only thing more noticeable than spinach wedged between your teeth. This can happen if you don’t brush post-meal and also because you’re washing your teeth with toothpaste—as surprising as that may be.
Most people think toothpaste is the best way to clean trays, but toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can cause build-up and odour. Stick to a mild detergent or soap instead.
The average Invisalign treatment takes one year, so I was ecstatic to learn I only needed six months. But then…on my last day of supposed treatment, BAM!
I was told I needed a new set of “finishing” aligners to get them as close to perfection as possible. However, Dr Matt Jones said that most patients need extra trays.
Through all the missed birthday cakes and wine nights, I would do it again in a heartbeat. My teeth no longer bother me; I’ve become a devoted flosser and a mindful eater, making it completely, totally, and wholeheartedly worth it.
While two straight rows of pearly whites are ideal, it’s not all we should be shooting for regarding oral hygiene.
Book your free consultation appointment by calling or simply dropping us an email at info@circdental.co.uk.
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