FAQs about Invisalign answered
Do you have some questions about invisible aligners? Are you curious if they are right for you?
At The Dental Retreat, we are proud to be able to offer our patients invisible aligners to help correct mild to moderate misalignments, including the world-famous Invisalign Macleod. Removable, easy to care for and discrete, this aligner is a popular adult orthodontic treatment. Great!
Here, our team at the Dental Retreat answers some of the most common queries we receive about Invisalign Macleod, so enjoy!
Can you smoke while wearing invisible aligners?
It would be very unwise to smoke while wearing Invisalign Macleod.
For one thing, the smoke and the nicotine in the cigarettes are likely to cause staining to occur with the aligners. Secondly, smoking is generally bad for your teeth and can increase the chances of gum disease and oral cancer.
So, if you want to undertake invisible aligners but are a smoker, please talk to our team.
Are they uncomfortable?
Sadly, while invisible aligners are renowned for being more comfortable than traditional braces, they are not without their drawbacks.
Remember, they are designed to move your teeth into a new position and so, some pressure is needed and required. But if you have concerns that your aligners are causing you intense discomfort, please talk to our team.
How long will it take for them to straighten my teeth?
This depends on how misaligned your teeth are and if you are committed to wearing the aligners for the required time each day. This is typically 22 hours.
But on average, most patients wear invisible aligners for between 3-6 months, with some who have more complex cases of misalignment requiring up to 9 months for their teeth to be corrected completely.
How do I keep them clean?
Invisible aligners are very easy to keep clean as they are removable.
If you notice a build-up of debris or if there is staining on them, simply rinse them under a cold tap. If the stain or debris is stubborn, use a toothbrush to gently brush it off. There are also cleaning crystals that you can use to remove very stubborn stains, that you can use twice a day to keep your aligners fresh.
We must advise against the use of hot water when it comes to removing stains from plastic aligners, as this can cause them to warp out of shape. Always stick to cold water!
Can I have them if I am wearing veneers?
Surprisingly, yes!
Many patients worry that due to cosmetic work like veneers, they will never be able to have their teeth moved with an aligner.
However, provided that the veneers are securely attached, healthy and that the teeth they are attached to have not succumbed to decay, then it is possible to use this type of invisible aligner to correct any misalignments.
If you have concerns that your aligners are causing issues with your veneers, please contact
our team.
If you have any more questions or would like to know more about invisible aligners, please talk to our team today!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.