What are Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are plastic trays that are used as an alternative to braces. These aligners can help address minor to moderate orthodontic concerns.
Some of the dental conditions that Invisalign may be able to treat include:
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gap teeth
What should I expect during treatment using Invisalign?
The key to treatment is consistency, and being consistent means wearing your aligners for 22 hours each day.
You can expect to change to a new set of aligners about every two weeks throughout your treatment. Each set of aligners that you wear will help gradually shift your teeth into their prescribed positions.
The length of your Invisalign treatment will depend on factors such as the complexity of your dental issues and your oral health goals.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
There are several benefits to using Invisalign clear aligners, including:
- Not having the brackets and wires that come with traditional metal braces, which may be more noticeable. They can be a subtle option for those looking to avoid traditional metal braces.
- You can remove your aligners to eat and drink.
- Being able to remove your aligners so you can brush your teeth thoroughly.
Can I chew gum with Invisalign in, or should I take my trays out?
Our orthodontists at Vincelli Orthodontics don't recommend chewing gum with braces of any type, including Invisalign clear aligners.
If the gum becomes stuck in your orthodontic device, it can be very difficult to remove. If you want to chew gum, you should first remove your aligners. Just remember not to spend too much time doing so to avoid derailing your treatment.
You should also always choose sugar-free gum, as sugar is a leading factor behind dental decay. Sugar, along with your saliva, can stick inside your aligners and become trapped against your teeth, which causes bacteria to build up and cavities to form.