Invisalign: Top Three Questions Answered about Invisible Braces

You’ve looked in the mirror enough times to realize that your teeth aren’t quite as straight as you’d like them to be. You’ve thought about talking with your dhealth cosmetic dentist about invisible braces.

If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are the top three questions people contemplating Invisalign braces ask.

Can People See Invisible Braces in My Mouth?

The whole idea behind Invisalign is that they are invisible in your mouth. They look similar to teeth-whitening trays. The primary difference is that the unique thermoplastic material used in invisible braces is custom made to fit your specific needs. Therefore, the fit is better than generic over-the-counter tooth-whitening trays.

If people look closely enough, sure, they might notice your Invisalign braces. However, the aligners are so slim and trim they’re designed to be invisible.

Will I Still Be Able to Eat, Drink, Talk, and Kiss with Invisalign Braces?

It’s not unusual for new orthodontic treatments to cause initial, temporary difficulties. In the case of invisible braces, you may feel pressure, discomfort, speech issues, or a slight lisp for a day or two as your tongue becomes accustomed to the aligners. Eventually, this will disappear.

As for eating and drinking, the removable design of the Invisalign trays mean you can take them out at mealtime. In fact, it’s a requirement for the treatment. Afterwards, you brush, floss, and rinse before replacing your aligners – much healthier for your teeth and gums than conventional metal braces.

Keep in mind that watching what you eat is still essential. Invisalign doesn’t protect your teeth from sugary or acidic food and drink. Coffee and wine will still stain. Citrus and sodas will still wreak havoc on your enamel. Good oral hygiene is required for healthy teeth and gums. No gum chewing with invisible braces either – even sugarless. It will stick to the trays.

The idea behind Invisalign is to allow you to lead as normal a life as possible. That means you can sleep, kiss, and even play sports in them. If you need to wear a mouthguard during sporting activities, just temporarily remove the trays until you’re done.

How Many Hours a Day do I Have to Wear Invisible Braces?

The bottom line is that to ensure Invisalign braces are effective you need to wear them a minimum of 20 hours per day. Many dental professionals recommend 22 hours a day. Ultimately, you should only take them out when necessary for hygiene purposes. No wearing only the top or bottom tray unless your dentist approves it.

And don’t worry about them falling out while you sleep. Your dhealth dentist designs them to fit your teeth specifically. You should have absolutely no problem with them falling out or even breaking.  

For more questions about Invisalign braces and whether they’re the right move for you, talk to your dhealth cosmetic dentist today. 

5 Little-Known Tooth Whitening Secrets

There are several tooth-whitening systems available today. Knowing which one is best for your or whether tooth whitening is even something you should try, however, depends on your expectations and circumstances.

To help you decide whether tooth whitening is right for you, review these five little-known secrets and then talk with your dhealth cosmetic dentist.

Tooth Whitening is the #1 Cosmetic Treatment Requested

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, most people agree that a whiter smile is not only an “important social asset,” it enhances career success. Additionally, the American Dental Association suggests that tooth whitening (sometimes referred to as tooth bleaching) “has become one of the most popular esthetic dental treatments.”

Tooth Whitening is Not Right for Everyone

Tooth whitening is not a process for everyone. Here’s why, according to the Australian Dental Association.

First, some people find that the process causes tooth sensitivity or pain. Factors such as receding gums or tooth decay may be the cause. Next, consider the effectiveness of the process. The whitening process won’t change the color of veneers, crowns, bridges, or fillings. Finally, factors such as your age, whether you smoke, or whether you drink a lot of coffee can affect the outcome of tooth whitening agents.

Tooth Whitening Works Best on Yellowing Teeth

What many people don’t realize is that certain teeth whitening easier than other teeth. Specifically, tooth color can range from yellowish brown to greenish gray. Experts have found that yellow-brown teeth tend to be more responsive to bleaching agents.

Professional In-home Tooth Whitening Works Best

Although many feel that tooth whitening requires a trip to their dhealth dentist to get the best results, many over-the-counter whitening products work quite well. One of the most important factors to remember, especially when using an in-home treatment with whitening trays: make sure the tray fits your mouth properly. Poor fitting trays can allow the tooth-whitening agent to leak. This may cause gum irritation or the treatment to be less effective.

Tooth Whitening Does Not Last Forever

Lifestyle factors play an important role in the success of your tooth whitening treatment, as does the whitening method you use. For instances, whitening toothpastes use non-bleaching agents to merely remove surface stains through gentle polishing, while in-office whitening treatments whiten using hydrogen peroxide in concentrations as high as 35 percent.

Depending on the method you choose, you may need to repeat the process in a year or two. For those who smoke or drink stain-producing beverages, you may need a touch up even sooner.

Whatever choice you make regarding tooth whitening, talk to your dhealth cosmetic dentist. He’ll want to conduct a thorough exam and help you determine the best tooth whitening process for you.