You’re sitting in the waiting room of your dentist’s office, just minutes away from starting your Invisalign treatment. You’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time, and you’re so excited to see your smile go from crooked to straight. When you receive your aligners, you also get instructions for caring for the aligners, how long to wear them, and when to switch to the next set. Then, you’re all set! But is there anything else you need to know before you get going? Although each patient can have a different experience, you might encounter the following on your first day with Invisalign clear braces.
Temporary Lisp
When beginning Invisalign treatment, don’t be surprised if you hear yourself speaking with a slight lisp. As your tongue gets used to having the aligners in your mouth, this tendency should go away within a week or so.
Learning Curve for Removing the Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners are custom created to fit your teeth perfectly and hold on tightly. As a result, they can be difficult to take out when you need to eat, drink, or perform daily oral care. Your dentist can explain and demonstrate the proper technique for removing the aligners comfortably, but it can still require a bit of time to get the hang of it. Try to be patient with yourself while you learn. Also, keep in mind also that they will be easier to take out toward the end of each two-week wear period.
Slight Irritation in Soft Tissues
Compared to the rough brackets and wires of traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear braces are much gentler on your lips, cheeks, and other soft tissues. However, the edges of the plastic aligners can rub against or irritate your gums. Sometimes the irritation goes away as you become accustomed to treatment. However, if you notice a persistent problem, contact your dentist, and they can quickly trim the edges for a more comfortable fit.
Mild Pressure or Soreness
On the first day of treatment, and every time you transition to a new set of aligners, you may feel some pressure on your teeth. After all, they’re slowly being moved into a new position! Even though Invisalign doesn’t involve frequent adjustments like braces, each aligner applies force to the teeth and shift. If you need some help relieving the soreness, you can take over-the-counter pain medication. The good news is that any discomfort should only last a couple of days.
Once you’ve been through treatment for a couple of months, you should know how to cope with these initial challenges or even be passed them completely. Before you know it, your smile will start to transform right in front of your eyes.
About the Practice
At Advanced Dentistry, patients have two exceptional dentists in Coronado! Dr. Suzanne Popp has been practicing since 1987 and has been trained in Invisalign at the Las Vegas Institute, one of the most prestigious continuing education organizations in the country. Her daughter, Dr. Natalie Bailey, is proud to join the practice and use her skills to help patients make their smile dreams a reality. If you have questions about Invisalign, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with either Dr. Popp or Dr. Bailey, feel free to contact them.
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