Invisalign is a welcome treatment for people who want to straighten their teeth and correct other dental problems without surgery. The idea of not wearing the bulky and unsightly metal braces makes it a favorite option for many patients. However, before you take the plunge, here are some things you should know about Invisalign in Northampton treatment:
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1. You Might Need More than One Attachment
Invisalign procedures involve the installation of enamel-colored ridges of attachments which stick to the teeth like brace brackets. The attachments then stick to the aligners to enable the teeth to move more effectively.
They need to be replaced often to ensure the braces function correctly. While the dentist might recommend having two or three attachments, you may end up having up to 20 of them installed.
2. You Could Lose a Few Pounds
Since you need to wear Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours, you only have 2-4 hours to eat, drink, and snack. It’s a pretty short time to pack in calories, so you may feel hungry most of the time and lose weight. Also, it’s difficult to remove the braces when the teeth are sore, so they may end up skipping some meals.
3. You Need to Brush Several Times a Day
With only 2-4 hours to eat, it’s easy to assume you need to brush fewer times a day. On the contrary, you may need to increase the number of times from the usual three to six or more. Food particles and plaque prevent the teeth from moving and develop cavities or a foul smell. As such, it is imperative to brush every time you eat something.
4. No More Lipstick
Colored and glossy lipsticks will be a thing of the past until you have finished with treatment. They stick to the attachments and aligners easily developing stains. Consider using a clear lip balm, though it’s bound to leave a waxy residue on the aligners.
5. Invisalign Does not Treat Every Orthodontic Problem
Invisalign in Northampton can treat a range of orthodontic problems, including over/underbites, crooked teeth, and gaps. However, patients with severe cases, e.g., a severely crooked tooth that needs to be rotated several times to get straightened, need to pursue other treatment options. Similarly, small gaps between teeth can get treated using Invisalign, but large gaps need an approach that can raise or lower the position of the tooth in the jawline.
6. Reduce Your Morning Coffee
Beverages like coffee, red wine, and tea stain Invisalign aligners easily. As such, if you rely on your morning coffee to lighten up: be warned. You need to factor in the allocated time to remove the braces, take breakfast, and brush before putting the trays back. The same procedure applies when taking wine, snacks, or other feel-good pleasantries.
7. The Attachments Stain Easily
Failure to stick to the prescribed tooth brushing regimen, causes the attachments to get stained. The invisible composite takes on an orange corn-like color visible all over your teeth. If you must take that morning cup of coffee or tea, follow it up with brushing.
8. The Treatment Might Take Longer
Invisalign treatment usually lasts six months. However, the dentist may recommend a new set of aligners on your last day of treatment to ensure the teeth are aligned correctly. The new set corrects any teeth that remain misaligned during treatment.
9. Kissing Feels Awkward
While the Invisalign aligners are invisible, they may feel awkward when engaging in everyday activities like kissing. It helps to have a significant other who understands the procedure and is patient with you. Server those free minutes with your lover to get the most out of it.
10. You Can Only Whiten Teeth After Treatment
If you already have the attachments in place, some procedures like teeth whitening need to wait until the end of Invisalign treatment. However, the frequent brushing of teeth to avoid staining may perk up the enamel a bit.
Knowing all such truths about Invisalign in Northampton treatment helps eliminate any disappointments during treatment. The sacrifices are worth at the end of the day if you want to achieve that flawless smile.
