Dental health is one of the most uncared-for aspects of overall well-being. Surveys indicate that a whopping 90% of Americans have cavities in their teeth. Also, over one-fourth of Americans have decaying teeth. Florida, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Mississippi are some of the states with the worst dental health.
Crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth can affect your dental health by leading to tooth decay. For this reason, many people choose to get braces.
Dental braces can fix alignment issues, enhance your smile, and boost your confidence. Different kinds of braces are available for dental patients. This blog discusses the most effective of them, i.e., Invisalign, while mentioning some facts about it.
Must-know facts regarding Invisalign
Invisalign braces are transparent alternatives to traditional braces. These clear dental aligners were invented in 1997 by a Stanford University student and have been used by over 12 million people since then. Invisalign braces can fix crooked and misaligned teeth less painfully and permanently restore the patient’s smile.
Since over 90% of teenagers feel self-conscious while wearing metal braces because of how “ugly” they look, Invisalign’s the perfect alternative: Here are some other things you should know if you’re considering getting them for yourself or your kid:
1. No age limit
Unlike the popular delusion, there’s no age limit when it comes to getting dental braces; adults also need them to fix their misaligned teeth. A quick Google search can help you find a dentist in your neighborhood and get started on treatment. For example. If you’re living in Florida, for “Invisalign near me West Coast Florida” to find a reliable dentist. Since the state ranks 44 out of 50 for the worst dental health in the US, you’re bound to find someone to help you fix your teeth. So, search and schedule a complimentary consultation.
2. Better than metal
Metal braces are easily visible, but Invisalign braces aren’t. This single fact alone makes the latter better than the former. Also, Invisalign braces are easier to clean and require fewer visits to the dentist for maintenance. They’re more effective than metal braces in fixing alignment issues.
3. Not as painful
You can expect mild soreness when wearing Invisalign clear aligners, but they’re not as painful as their metal counterparts. Your teeth require some time to adjust to these devices. This soreness will be there initially but will slowly subside as your teeth become comfortable with Invisalign. So, expect temporary discomfort. But if it doesn’t go away after a few days, you must contact your orthodontist and inform them.
4. Speech lisp
While Invisalign isn’t as painful as metal braces, you may suffer from a temporary lisp. It’s because a person’s speech can change when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces alter the space within your mouth, so you may notice an alteration in how you speak. But this lisp will go away when your tongue adjusts to these clear aligners. Contact your dentist if the lisp doesn’t go away on its own.
5. Celebrities wear them
Invisalign braces have become common after receiving FDA approval in 1998. If it makes you feel any better, many celebrities have worn these braces. From Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, and Britney Spears to Justin Bieber, Emma Watson, and Princess Diana’s two sons – the list is extensive and flashy! This is because Invisalign can be hard to notice, and people don’t realize you’re wearing them unless they pay close attention. This makes them perfect for people who’re constantly in the media.
6. Clean them daily
People focus less on cleaning their teeth than they used to do before the pandemic. However, wearing braces means you must take even more care of your teeth. Fortunately, Invisalign braces are also easier to clean than metal ones since food doesn’t get caught in the metal parts of the latter. How to clean your clear aligners? Just use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean them. Give your Invisalign braces a good rinse whenever you can.
7. They have buttons
Some people don’t realize that Invisalign braces also need certain attachments called “buttons” to get the job done right. These almost invisible attachments are fixed with the teeth to exert extra pressure, which also helps fix the crookedness. Invisalign buttons are kept on until the braces are on, and they speed up the alignment by applying extra pressure.
8. Be careful with staining
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign braces have no eating restrictions; you can remove your aligners to grab a bite and quickly put them back on after you’re done eating. However, drinking coffee and red wine or eating foods that bleed, like beetroot, can stain your clear Invisalign braces and buttons. So, drink plenty of water instead to prevent them from staining. Stained Invisalign braces can look just as mad as metal ones.
9. Treatment length varies
How long does this Invisalign treatment last? There isn’t a definite answer because the duration depends on the nature of the patient’s dental problems. Smaller issues go away in a few months, but more extensive issues may take years. So, you must wear these braces anywhere from 6 to 24 months.
10. Wear a retainer
What happens when your Invisalign treatment is done? You wear retainers to ensure your teeth don’t return to their original crooked position. Your dentist will recommend wearing retainers for 12 to 22 hours daily for a few months after the treatment is done.
Conclusion
Invisalign has many advantages over traditional braces, and several celebrities have worn them. The treatment isn’t completely painless, and you may suffer from a lisp. Also, the treatment duration may vary from person to person. You must clean them daily and wear a retainer after the braces have been removed completely. Moreover, regulate your diet and drink while wearing braces. For more information, speak to your dentist.
