There are so many differences between traditional braces and Invisalign® aligners. You may be wondering which option is right for your alignment needs and if you will have to change your lifestyle. Many people choose to go through the Invisalign process because the trays are less conspicuous than traditional braces. Traditional braces can be very inconvenient when it comes to eating and oral care. You can take out Invisalign aligners to eat, brush, and floss. Here are a few reasons why that versatility is a good thing.
Most people know that brushing and flossing at least twice a day is important for good oral health. With Invisalign, patients often brush and floss more often. Patients must take out Invisalign aligners to eat. If patients do not clean away food particles and debris, it can affect how well the Invisalign trays work. Brushing and flossing help prevent tooth decay and lead to a better outcome. Some patients finish wearing Invisalign with straighter teeth and a brighter smile.
Patients can use the fingernails to remove Invisalign trays. Some patients find this difficult. If patients have a hard time taking the aligner trays out, using a removal tool can make it more comfortable. Invisalign users may also have more success during the alignment process by using a case. The case can hold the aligners when the patient removes them to eat and drink. Losing an aligner tray can delay progress.
Removing Invisalign trays is convenient and is important for maintaining the trays. Traditional braces stay in place while the patient eats and drinks. Then the patient must clean around all the wires and brackets. Wearing Invisalign aligners is a very different experience. If patients do not remove the trays, chewing and grinding can damage the plastic. Replacing the clear plastic trays may not be affordable.
Patients may need to remove Invisalign trays when drinking some beverages. The good news is that patients can drink what they enjoyed before Invisalign. The bad news is that patients may need to take the trays out to prevent staining. Patients should check with the dentist if unsure about which drinks will stain the trays. Patients should also consider that certain drinks can cause tooth decay if not rinsed from the teeth.
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Teeth aligners do change your habits, but Invisalign aligners can be less disruptive to your lifestyle. You do not have to avoid certain foods with Invisalign. When it is time to eat and drink, dentists recommend you take out Invisalign trays. Eating and drinking can damage and stain your clear plastic trays. After eating and drinking, you should brush and floss before replacing your Invisalign trays. Talk to your dentist about the other benefits of wearing Invisalign aligners to correct your alignment issues.
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