Invisalign has taken the world of dentistry by storm; in fact, over the last couple of decades, the clear aligners have helped over 12 million patients achieve straighter and more attractive smiles. And if you’re struggling with misaligned teeth, you might be curious about obtaining the aligners for yourself—but you might have some initial questions that are raising doubts in your mind. Keep reading to learn the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Invisalign so that you can head into your orthodontic journey with unending confidence!
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Any type of orthodontic treatment comes with some discomfort for your teeth—after all, they’re being shifted into new positions! However, with Invisalign, patients can expect far less soreness compared to traditional metal brackets and wires. And when the discomfort becomes too tough to bear, dental wax, cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers can all be utilized.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Since every person’s situation is different, the Invisalign timeline varies from patient to patient. That said, on average, clear aligner therapy can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete—which is much quicker than the timeline for traditional braces which can often exceed 24 months. It’s worth noting that not wearing your aligners as often as intended (20 – 22 hours per day) is almost certain to cause setbacks.
Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?
Your teeth play an important role when it comes to speaking and clearly pronouncing certain sounds, which means it’s not unreasonable to worry that orthodontic treatment might impede your speech! However, the large majority of Invisalign patients experience no trouble at all when it comes to talking, and those who do only experience changes for a brief period. This is thanks in part to how the aligners fit inside of your mouth; the smooth plastic design complements your mouth’s curves and angles.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
If you’re a regular coffee fiend, you might be wondering how your favorite beverage might impact your Invisalign treatment. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t eat or drink anything while you’re wearing your aligners except for water. However, if you’re diligent about removing your aligners, you can freely enjoy coffee without worrying about it affecting your treatment. Failure to remove your aligners before drinking coffee will likely end with them becoming stained. It’s worth noting that you can still stain your natural teeth by drinking coffee and are susceptible to problems like decay if you don’t maintain your oral hygiene.
About the Practice
Healthy Smiles Dental Care has proudly served patients and families in the Lansing, MI community for several years under the leadership of Dr. Steven Rodriguez and his skilled team! The practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including orthodontic options like Invisalign. If you have any other questions about Invisalign or you’d like to schedule a consultation to see if you’d benefit from the clear aligners, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (517) 333-3160.