Has Invisalign Ruined My Teeth?

Clear aligners are a popular choice for people looking to straighten their teeth without wearing traditional braces. They can correct mild to moderate problems, such as a crowded smile and an overbite.

However, they can also cause problems, such as white spots and demineralization. By following proper hygiene practices and visiting an orthodontic specialist like Shirck Orthodontics, you can avoid these common problems and get your beautiful smile before you know it!

Pain

Getting used to wearing Invisalign can be painful at first. Symptoms like headaches, temple pain, and jaw and cheek pain may be temporary as the aligners gradually adjust your teeth’s positioning. However, this should go away with time.

Placing and removing your aligners can also cause pain. This is because your teeth are moving for the first time when you place and remove a new tray.

Additionally, if you have a mouth sore, it is important to have it treated as soon as possible. This can help avoid misalignment problems in the future. Taking an over-the-counter painkiller can help ease the discomfort until your mouth heals.

Discomfort

Invisalign’s clear plastic trays apply gentle pressure to your teeth, shifting them into their correct positions. This can cause mild discomfort or tightness, especially when first wearing a new set. This usually wears off in a few days.

In addition to causing pain, aligners can also damage your teeth if you don’t follow proper hygiene. For example, if you forget to remove the trays before eating or drinking anything other than water, your teeth can become damaged by food particles.

If your teeth are sore while you are removing the trays, it’s usually because a new set is gripping your teeth tightly. This is normal and will pass in a day or two.

White Spots

While invisalign is a great solution for straightening teeth, it does not protect your teeth from white spots. White spots form when plaque is left around your braces and gum line for a long period of time.

Acidic drinks (like LaCroix, sodas, coffee) and sugary foods like juice give bacteria something to eat, which can cause erosion of tooth enamel, also known as decalcification.

These white marks are lighter than the rest of your tooth and can be very noticeable. You can reduce their appearance by following your orthodontist’s eating and cleaning plan closely. It is also recommended that you soak your aligners occasionally with distilled white vinegar mixed with water to soften any crusty, barnacle-like spots.

Bacteria

Yes, bacteria can form when you wear aligners if you do not follow the guidelines for cleaning and maintenance. The best way to remove bacteria is to rinse your trays with hydrogen peroxide, which will kill the bacteria on the trays.

You should also brush your teeth before placing your aligners back in. Failing to do so could trap bacteria between your teeth and the aligner, which can lead to gum disease and other dental problems. Use a gentle anti-bacterial soap to clean your trays and brush gently to prevent scratching. You should also brush your tongue, as it can also harbor bacteria.

Food Limitations

While it isn’t necessary to change your diet, there are certain foods that you should avoid while wearing Invisalign. For instance, chewing gum is not recommended as the sticky substance can damage the aligners and cause them to rub against your teeth or each other.

Additionally, hot drinks can warp the plastic of your aligners and affect the treatment’s effectiveness. Sticky foods and candies can also cling to your teeth, encouraging tooth decay.

While removing your aligners when eating and drinking isn’t always possible, try to do it as often as possible. Doing this can help prevent food debris from trapping in between your teeth and the aligners, and will also help keep them clean.

Demineralization

Ceramic braces and lingual braces (fixed to the back of your teeth) tend to stain more easily than traditional metal braces. This is because they blend in with your teeth better, but that also makes them more susceptible to stains from certain foods. These stains, when combined with plaque, cause demineralization.

To prevent this, be sure to eat a diet rich in calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, boney fish, and leafy green vegetables. It is also a good idea to avoid sugary foods, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after eating or drinking, and use remineralizing gel frequently. These will all help to prevent tooth decay and protect your enamel while you wear aligners.