If you’re already feeling self-conscious about how your smile looks with gapped or overcrowded teeth, you might be seeking a more discreet solution than traditional braces to straighten them. Fortunately, many orthodontists offer Invisalign, a clear alternative to standard orthodontics.
This treatment utilizes transparent plastic trays designed to fit snugly over your arches to gently shift them. But it’s essential to be well-informed before starting any potential treatment. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential complications of this popular service and how to prevent them!
Concern #1: Discomfort with New Trays
Many patients choose clear aligners because the smooth plastic material doesn’t gouge the insides of your lips, cheeks, or gums like the sharp edges of metal brackets and wires do.
However, that doesn’t mean that you’ll never experience discomfort during your treatment. It’s normal to experience mild to moderate aches when switching to a new set of trays, as it can take some time for your teeth to adjust to their altered dimensions.
Thankfully, the effect is usually temporary and fades on its own after a few days. You can reduce symptoms by taking recommended dosages of over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and by sticking to softer foods that are less likely to trigger a reaction.
Concern #2: Developing Gum Disease
You must wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours every day to prevent your pearly whites from shifting to their starting places. That gives any bacteria trapped in the space between your teeth and the aligners plenty of time to thrive and contribute to common oral health concerns, such as gum disease.
You can avoid periodontal problems, cavities, and other issues by maintaining a twice-daily dental hygiene routine to regularly remove plaque and bacteria. Fortunately, Invisalign is removable, so it’s easy to brush and floss your teeth. Be sure to also gently scrub all sides of your trays with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear dish soap to remove any residue or germs before rinsing them off and reinserting them.
Concern #3: Potential Changes to Speech Patterns
Some patients also develop a temporary lisp, slur, or other change to their speaking patterns when they’re new to Invisalign treatment. This sometimes happens because it can take your tongue and the other supporting muscles in your mouth a few weeks to acclimate to the presence of the trays in your mouth.
With enough time, patience, and practice, most people overcome these changes relatively quickly. If you notice a persistent or ongoing problem, you can contact your orthodontist’s office to ensure your trays fit correctly.
If you have additional questions about what to expect from life with Invisalign, you can learn more by consulting your provider directly!
About the Practice
Patients at Wigal Orthodontics of Columbus benefit from two experts dedicated to helping people of all ages enhance their daily lives by improving their dental condition. Dr. Wigal and Dr. Kluemper provide a variety of services, including Invisalign, to meet your unique needs under one roof. Their compassionate approach is combined with careful attention to detail and advanced technology to deliver accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (614) 495-9002.
