The decision to straighten your teeth is a big one. It’s an investment of time and money that has a huge payoff: straight, even teeth, and a beautiful smile for life! If you’ve done much research on traditional braces vs. Invisalign in Lakeway, you know that Invisalign offers the same great results – and often in less time. But even with the many advantages of Invisalign, it’s still natural to have a few questions before beginning treatment. In this blog, you’ll get the answers to some of the most common ones!
“What Should I Eat While I’m in Treatment?”
The main thing to add to your diet while in Invisalign is lots of water to help prevent plaque, bacteria and stains from settling on your teeth and aligner trays.
Also, keep the following recommendations in mind:
- Avoid sticky foods or sweets.
- Coffee, tea and red wine can all stain your aligners, so minimize your consumption.
- The sugar and acid in soda will increase your risk of cavities, so minimize it as much as possible and make sure to rinse your mouth and trays well after drinking it.
“Can I Whiten While Doing Invisalign?”
Yes! You can absolutely whiten, but it’s a good idea to talk to a cosmetic dentist in Lakeway about it first. Some patients put whitening gel directly into their aligner trays, which may not work as well for every patient.
Once you get the “green light” from a dentist, they can give you instructions on how to safely get the best whitening results. They can also give you professional-strength products!
“Will It Take Longer To Clean My Teeth?”
Yes, but it’s still only a fraction of the time it would take in braces, which is one of the many advantages of Invisalign. Since you can simply remove your trays to brush and floss, you won’t have to fumble with floss threaders or interdental brushes.
But you will have to spend a little extra time cleaning your trays, which easily collect bacteria that causes odor, cavities and gum disease. And since your teeth and gums are in contact with your trays all day, it’s especially important to make sure they’re free from plaque and food debris.
“Am I Too Old For Invisalign?”
You’ll be glad to know that no patient is too old for Invisalign! In fact, older patients have some advantages over younger patients, such as committing to wearing their trays for the recommended 22 hours each day and keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
If you’d like to know how this treatment can help you specifically, or you have any additional questions, start by scheduling a consultation with a dentist who provides Invisalign!
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Eaddy is a general, cosmetic and restorative dentist who has made excellence a priority throughout his academic and professional career. He loves being able to offer his patients the same great results as braces, without the discomfort or hassle. If you have any questions, he can be contacted via his website or at (512) 263-4252.