from Your Ottawa Dentist before Deciding If Clear Braces are Right for You
Everyone wants great looking teeth. As your Ottawa dentist can probably tell you, the request for straighter teeth is one of the most common, yet patients don’t always go ahead with treatment. As it turns out, one major reason may be a fear of the issues that come along with traditional braces. Thankfully for these patients, and for you, there’s another option: Invisalign.
These clear braces are a great alternative to the traditional ones, because they eliminate many of the limitations that cause people to shy away from orthodontics altogether. But there are some things your Ottawa dentist wants you to know before you make your final decision:
They Only Work if You Wear Them
Unfortunately, just having your aligners stashed in your back pocket won’t straighten your teeth. You need to wear them for at least 20 hours each day, or else you won’t get the results you’re looking for. Make sure you’re ready for this commitment before you take the plunge.
Invisalign Isn’t Right for Everyone
While clear braces can treat a wide variety of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, minor overbites, and gaps, they won’t be the ideal choice for more severe issues. If your problem is too severe, you’ll likely get faster and more effective results with traditional braces. If you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate, be sure to speak with your Ottawa dentist.
It’s Virtually Painless
Traditional braces are known to be quite painful, especially when they’re being tightened. With Invisalign, the pain is significantly lessened. Your teeth may feel a bit tender for the first couple of days after receiving a new set of aligners, but the pain is minimal compared to the alternative.
You May Have to Cut Back on Coffee
As a general rule, anything that would stain your teeth, including coffee, black tea, and red wine, will stain your aligner trays. So if you’re accustomed to slowly sipping a morning cup of Joe, you may need to break the habit—not to mention you need to be extra careful to brush before putting your aligners back in!
Proper Maintenance Makes a Difference
The main appeal of these braces is their translucent appearance, so don’t let improper cleaning turn them a noticeable, murky yellow. Don’t clean your trays the same way you would your teeth, because toothpaste has some abrasive ingredients that can cause build up. Instead, your Ottawa dentist will recommend using a mild detergent or soap.
At the end of the day, choosing whether or not Invisalign is right for you is a very personal decision. If you’re interested in learning more, contact your Ottawa dentist today!
