Over the last two decades, Invisalign has become known for its discreet aligners, shorter treatment timelines, and hassle-free approach to orthodontics. Of course, it’s still natural for patients to have questions before committing, like “Does it hurt?” and “Is there anything I can’t eat with Invisalign?” Although your dentist would be more than happy to answer questions like these at your consultation, you can also read on to learn the answers right here!
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Not only do many patients find Invisalign more comfortable than traditional braces; they find it more comfortable period! That’s because the clear, smooth aligners are custom-made just for you, ensuring they won’t irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. Naturally, you will likely still experience some soreness as your teeth are being moved into their properly aligned positions, but you can have peace of mind knowing that it’s temporary and can easily be alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
What Should I Do If I Lose an Aligner?
If you lose an aligner, don’t wait – call your dentist right away. After all, not wearing them for extended periods of time increases the chances of your teeth not tracking, resulting in you falling off-track with your treatment plan. Over the phone, we can determine if you should wear your previous tray, move to the next one, or have an entirely new one made to replace it.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Invisalign?
Good news: Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions! As long as you remove your trays first, you can continue to eat all of your favorite foods throughout your teeth-straightening journey.
Note: it is a good idea to limit your intake of added sugar since it’s one of the top culprits of tooth decay. You should also exercise caution with tortilla chips, pretzels, raw nuts, and other crunchy foods, particularly if you have attachments.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You can, but you have to remove your aligners first. Otherwise, they will begin to discolor, making your teeth look yellow as well. So, even if you normally use a straw, don’t drink anything but water with your aligners in.
What Happens After Invisalign?
Orthodontic relapse is a phenomenon where teeth begin to drift back into their previous, misaligned positions. Since this occurs in upwards of 50% of patients within a decade of completing their treatment, it’s of the utmost importance that you make wearing your retainer a life-long habit.
Was your question not on this list? That’s okay – your dentist can provide you with the answer you’re looking for at your Invisalign consultation!
About the Practice
A top-rated dental office in Tulsa, Glisten Dental is proud to provide our friends and neighbors with the top-tier dentistry they deserve in an environment that feels more like home. From routine checkups and tooth-saving restorative care to smile-enhancing cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, we offer a wide range of treatments to ensure you can turn to the same familiar faces for all of your dental needs and smile goals. So, if you have a question about the Invisalign treatment process or what life with clear aligners is like, visit our website or call (918) 254-8686.