INVISALIGN – MANCHESTER, NH

What should I do if I lose my Invisalign trays?

Whether you wrap them up in a napkin and accidentally throw them away, or you step on one of your aligners that fell on the floor, make sure to contact our office immediately. Depending on the current stage of treatment, we will either need to have a new tray created for you or we will have you move onto the next set. In the meantime, you’ll need to wear your previous set of aligners to avoid a potential delay in your treatment.

What is the best way to clean my aligners?

There are a few helpful tips that will ensure you keep your aligners clean and free of any harmful bacteria, such as:

• Use only lukewarm water, never hot water, to rinse your trays. Hot water can warp the plastic and damage your aligners.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear soap, as toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the plastic.
• Keep your aligners in a protective case when taking them out to eat or drink anything.
• You may only drink water while wearing your aligners. You’ll need to remove them should you choose to consume any other type of beverage, as they can stain your trays.
• Clean your teeth after every meal to reduce the chances of bacteria and food particles transferring from your teeth onto your aligners.

Will I have difficulty speaking with Invisalign?

It is not uncommon in the first few days or weeks to develop a slight lisp when wearing Invisalign. Naturally, your lips and tongue will need to adjust to the new trays inside your mouth. Reading or singing loudly can help to minimize the time spent with a minor speech impediment. Don’t worry, though, as this change in speech is only temporary and will quickly go away after a short time.

Will wearing Invisalign hurt?

Along with a slight change in your speech, you can also expect the first few days with Invisalign to cause minor soreness and discomfort. Pressure is being applied to your teeth, causing them to shift, which is naturally going to be a bit uncomfortable. However, with an over-the-counter pain reliever, this discomfort will quickly dissipate, and you’ll be able to enjoy life with Invisalign.

Will I need a retainer after completing Invisalign treatment?

Yes, there is a good chance that we will recommend you for a retainer once you are finished with your Invisalign treatment. The reason for this is that your teeth are not permanently fixed in their new position. As a result, they can easily shift back into their original position if there is nothing to help hold them in place. With the right type of retainer, we can ensure your teeth remain in their new location. Depending on your individual case, your dentist in Manchester will go over how long you can expect to wear your retainer.

Can I Eat with Invisalign?

You should not eat while the aligners are in your mouth. Doing so could damage them or cause stains. Simply remove your aligners at mealtimes and eat whatever you want — unlike with traditional braces, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign in Manchester! After you finish eating, rinse your aligners and give your teeth a quick cleaning before you put Invisalign back in your mouth.

How Does Invisalign Compare to DIY Clear Aligners?

DIY clear aligner brands are popular these days — but we caution our patients to avoid them. There have been a number of lawsuits against such brands claiming that the aligners actually worsened dental misalignment! Plus, the aligners may be made out of subpar materials. It is best to stick to a trusted brand, such as Invisalign, and have your treatment monitored by a qualified team of dental professionals. Invisalign delivers predictable results and uses only top-quality materials.

Will I Have to Wear Rubber Bands or Other Accessories with Invisalign?

Rubber bands, also called elastics, are often an important part of orthodontic treatment. They apply extra pressure to certain parts of the mouth to ensure the best results possible. Elastics are not always necessary with Invisalign, but they are commonly used as part of a plan to correct overbite. Your Invisalign dentist in Manchester will let you know whether elastics are needed in your case. If they are, you should be sure to use them as instructed. Not doing so could slow down your treatment.

Will Invisalign Help with My TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder (TMD) is sometimes caused by a misaligned bite, such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite. If that is true in your case, correcting your bite with Invisalign has the potential to relieve your TMD symptoms. In the meantime, our team can provide you with tips and treatments that may lessen the tension on your jaw joint and facial muscles, leading to effective pain relief.

Are There Age Limits for Invisalign?

There is no upper age limit for Invisalign. Although orthodontic treatment may take slightly longer for mature adults, clear aligners are often a great solution for those who wish to achieve a straighter smile without using traditional braces. Young children are usually not candidates for Invisalign. Patients should have a fairly well-developed jaw and be responsible enough to wear their aligners the recommended amount each day. Of course, we evaluate candidacy for Invisalign on a case-by-case basis. We will be happy to help you determine whether this treatment is a fit for you.

Will People Be Able to Tell that I’m Wearing My Aligners?

Invisalign is very discreet. However, it is not totally invisible. Onlookers might notice that there is a clear covering over your teeth, but your orthodontic treatment will not be the first thing they see about your smile. You can make sure your aligners stay as subtle as possible by avoiding activities that might cause stains, such as smoking or drinking pigmented beverages while Invisalign is in your mouth.