19 FAQ's on Invisalign near Woodland Hills

Part 3: Living with Invisalign

For people who want straighter teeth but don’t want to deal with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is the answer. With Invisalign treatment, you can fix all of those little issues that are bothering you, such as problems with your bite, teeth that aren’t spaced evenly, and teeth that are overlapping—but instead of wearing braces, you can do it with the clear aligners of Invisalign. That means getting the results you want without everyone knowing that you’re getting your teeth straightened and without the irritation of brackets and wires on your mouth.

Invisalign is significantly easier to adapt to than braces, particularly because you can remove the aligners to do things like eat, brush your teeth, and floss. However, there are some lifestyle questions that people who get Invisalign often have as they adjust to treatment and start making progress towards a brand new smile. The answers to these questions that patients often ask about Invisalign will help you get the most from your own treatment.

Are there any restrictions on what I can eat with Invisalign?

When you get braces, suddenly, a lot of foods are off limits. Popcorn, chewy and sticky foods, and hard foods like apples and carrots are just a few of the common foods that you can’t eat when you have braces—or that you eat at your own peril. One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that you don’t have to change your diet at all. You remove your aligners when you eat, so you can eat whatever you want without fear of it impacting your treatment. However, remember to put your aligners back in when you’re done, since they have to be worn for about 22 hours per day for the best results.

Can I drink coffee while wearing Invisalign?

Coffee is not recommended for drinking while you’re wearing your aligners for two reasons. First, in the case of hot coffee, it will warp the aligners, which in turn will prevent them from making the necessary changes to your teeth. Second, coffee will stain your aligners over time, so even if you drink iced coffee, it’s best not to do so when the aligners are in place.

The same rules apply to tea. Hot tea is a bad choice, as is any hot drink, since it will melt and warp the aligners. Cold tea will cause stains. If you are drinking anything other than water, remove your aligners until you are done to prevent staining. Even though you swap aligners every two weeks, the stains can build up quickly and make your discreet aligners very noticeable.

Can I chew gum or smoke with Invisalign?

Both of these habits are bad fits with Invisalign. Chewing gum would be difficult with your aligners in, but even if you managed to do it, you could cause them to shift or get gum stuck to them, which could be impossible to remove. If you need to chew gum, be sure to remove your aligners before you do so, and try to avoid chewing gum frequently, since it will lessen the amount of time your aligners are in your mouth.

Smoking isn’t recommended with your aligners in or out. If you smoke with your aligners in, they will quickly become stained and unsightly, so if you are going to smoke, you should remove them. However, it is a better idea to avoid smoking completely. Smoking, in addition to being bad for your overall health, can stain your teeth, contribute to decay and gum disease, and cause oral cancer. You want to love your smile after you undergo Invisalign treatment, and if you smoke, you may find that the results are not as good as you had hoped.

Can I still get a cavity while wearing Invisalign?

Invisalign does not offer any protection from cavities. During treatment, you will need to brush and floss as normal to prevent cavities. Fortunately, you can remove your aligners to do so, so you don’t have to change your oral hygiene routine at all. This is a major advantage of Invisalign over braces. With braces, you have to use a special brush and floss guider to clean your teeth effectively, which many patients find difficult and time-consuming. It’s not unusual for someone to get their braces removed and find out that they need treatment for cavities or gum disease.

Can I get Invisalign even though I have veneers or a crown?

Veneers and crowns are often used in cosmetic dentistry, and they do not stop you from having Invisalign treatment. If you and your dentist decide to makeover your smile completely, veneers, crowns, and Invisalign may all be part of your treatment plan. Simply care for your veneers and crowns the same way you did before you got Invisalign to make sure your smile stays in top condition.

Do you have more questions about living with Invisalign? Our team at the office of Pearl Zadeh DDS is here to help every step of the way, from deciding to get Invisalign and making a payment plan to getting used to living with your aligners. We’re accepting new patients and we’re happy to help you set up a consultation to see if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. To make your appointment with our dentist in Woodland Hills, call (818) 716-6722.

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