Invisalign FAQs

Worried About Pain With Invisalign Retainers?

Invisalign treatment may cause some discomfort or soreness, particularly in the first few days after beginning treatment or when transitioning to a new set of aligners. However, the level of discomfort is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Some patients may also experience minor irritation or soreness on their tongue, cheeks, or lips as they adjust to wearing the aligners. This discomfort can often be alleviated by using orthodontic wax to cover edges on the aligners.

In general, people ask does Invisalign hurt more than braces? We tend to find the Invisalign treatment is considered to cause less discomfort than traditional metal braces because the clear aligners are smooth and do not have any brackets or wires that can cause irritation or soreness in the mouth, aligners are also a more familiar feel to us all, due to the use of mouth guards and retainer trays such as whitening trays.

It’s important to remember that any discomfort or soreness experienced during Invisalign treatment is typically temporary and should improve as the patient becomes accustomed to wearing the aligners. If the discomfort is persistent or severe, it’s important to consult with your orthodontist to ensure that there are no underlying issues.

Can you vape with Invisalign ?

It is not recommended to vape or smoke while wearing Invisalign aligners, as it can cause discoloration or damage to the aligners. Vaping or smoking can also affect oral health by increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems.

The heat and chemicals from vaping can cause the aligners to warp or become discolored, which can affect the fit and effectiveness of the treatment. In addition, the nicotine and other chemicals in vaping can cause staining or discoloration of the teeth, which can make it harder to achieve the desired results with Invisalign.

If you must vape or smoke, it’s best to remove the aligners and thoroughly rinse your mouth and the aligners with water before placing them back in your mouth. It’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your orthodontist to ensure that your Invisalign treatment progresses smoothly and effectively.

How to clean Invisalign ?

Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene during treatment. We have listed below some tips on how to clean your Invisalign aligners:

1. Rinse the aligners with warm water every time you remove them to help remove any food particles or saliva.
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the aligners with clear, anti-bacterial soap or mild dish soap. Avoid using toothpaste as it can be too abrasive and scratch the aligners.
3. Soak the aligners in a cleaning solution recommended by your orthodontist, such as the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, once or twice a week to help remove any build-up or staining. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaning solution carefully.
4. Avoid using hot water to clean the aligners as it can cause them to warp or become misshapen.
5. Do not use mouthwash to clean the aligners as it can discolor them.
6. Always store the aligners in their case when they are not in your mouth to prevent them from being lost or damaged.

Following these simple steps can help keep your Invisalign aligners clean and in good condition throughout your treatment. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and attending all scheduled check-ups with your orthodontist.

Can you drink with Invisalign ?

While wearing Invisalign aligners, you can drink cool water or clear liquids without any issue. However, it’s important to avoid drinking hot beverages or sugary or colored drinks, as they can damage or stain the aligners.

Drinking hot beverages such as tea or coffee can cause the aligners to warp or lose their shape, which can affect the fit and effectiveness of the treatment. Sugary or colored drinks such as soda, sports drinks, or fruit juices can also stain the aligners and promote bacterial growth, which can lead to bad breath and dental problems.

If you do need to drink hot beverages or sugary or colored drinks, it’s best to remove the aligners and rinse your mouth and the aligners thoroughly with water before placing them back in your mouth.

It’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your orthodontist to ensure that your Invisalign treatment progresses smoothly and effectively.

Can you eat with Invisalign ?

It is possible to eat your usual foods while undergoing Invisalign treatment, but it is important to follow some guidelines to avoid damaging or staining the aligners. When eating, it is recommended to remove the aligners to prevent food particles from getting trapped between the aligners and teeth, which can lead to bad breath and dental problems.

It is important to remember that Invisalign aligners are not as strong as traditional braces, and certain foods can cause them to warp or become damaged. Some foods to avoid while wearing Invisalign include:

1. Hard or crunchy foods such as apples, carrots, and popcorn.
2. Chewy or sticky foods such as gum, caramel, and taffy.
3. Foods that can stain or discolor the aligners, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
4. Sugary or acidic foods that can promote bacterial growth and tooth decay.

To eat with Invisalign, simply remove the aligners before eating, and store them in their case. After eating, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water before placing the aligners back in your mouth.

Following these guidelines can help prevent damage or staining to your Invisalign aligners and maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.

Is Invisalign better than braces ?

Whether Invisalign is better than braces depends on your specific orthodontic needs and preferences. Both Invisalign and braces can effectively straighten teeth and improve oral health, but they differ in some ways that may make one option more appealing than the other.

Here are some factors to consider when comparing Invisalign to braces:

Appearance: Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible, while braces are made of metal or ceramic brackets and wires that are more noticeable. If you are concerned about the appearance of your orthodontic treatment, Invisalign may be a better option.

Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic and do not have any wires or brackets that can cause discomfort or irritation. Braces may require adjustments and can cause soreness or discomfort for the first few days after each appointment.

Treatment time: To properly understand the treatment time of any orthodontic treatment, the full and unique circumstances of the individual need to be understood, and in an evaluation of the strengths of different orthodontic treatments we compare the needs of the individual to determine if invisalign can be faster than braces. Invisalign treatment can take less time than traditional braces, especially for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. However, severe or complex cases may require longer treatment with Invisalign.

Lifestyle: Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can eat and drink what you want and brush and floss your teeth normally. Braces require dietary and oral hygiene restrictions, as well as regular adjustments from your orthodontist.

Cost: Invisalign cost and braces cost can vary depending on your location and specific treatment needs. In general, Invisalign may be more expensive than traditional braces.

In summary, Invisalign may be a better option for those who prioritise appearance, comfort, and lifestyle flexibility, while braces may be a better option for those with more complex orthodontic issues or who prefer a lower cost option. It is important to discuss your treatment options with an orthodontist to determine which option is best for you.