Invisalign invisible braces Archives

My Invisalign dentist is rude!

September 15, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I went to a new dentist to get Invisalign invisible braces. They had a new patient special going and the deal was too good to pass up. Well I stuck with him for a couple months, but I have never met someone so rude, especially when I am paying someone. With all the dentists in my area, there really is no reason for me to want to keep going. Well, I’m on aligner #5 and the tray didn’t fit right. He went off about how I need to follow the instructions and be compliant, and wouldn’t even let me get a word in. Needless to say, he was supposed to have re-ordered my tray #5 so I have been waiting to hear back. But it’s been two weeks and now they are telling me I need new impressions. That’s the last straw for me. Please tell me I can switch to another Invisalign dentist without too much of a headache.

– Hannah in New York

Hannah,

Sorry to hear you have had a negative experience with your current dentist. There are no shortage of Invisalign providers, so you should have no problem finding another reputable dentist in your area. When a patient is unhappy or is moving out of state, Invisalign dentists can be switched. It does involve coordinating with the current dentist to fill out a form. When it has been signed by all parties, the Invisalign treatment plan should be easily moved to your new desired practice. It’s the fees that may be tricky. There is a good chance you already paid the initial dentist, so you will need to figure out a refund. Or maybe you can pay for only the services rendered. It all depends on how the dentist has it broken out and their payment policies. Fingers crossed that the transition is smooth.

Does coffee stain Invisalign?

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am very interested in learning more information about Invisalign invisible braces. It sounds like patients just love them. I really am attracted to the fact that no one will know I’m wearing them. But here’s the thing. I am a heavy coffee drinker. I don’t think I can give it up. Will this defeat the purpose and stain the trays yellow or brown?

– Maria in Nevada

Maria,

Coffee does stain teeth and so naturally that is assumed that it will stain Invisalign aligners. You could quit! Just joking. You don’t have to quit to get a beautiful, straight smile.

But what you may not have realized is that you need to remove Invisalign trays whenever you are eating or drinking. Coffee that is hot will damage the aligners. It may also cause damage to your teeth below the aligner because the liquid could become trapped on your teeth, underneath the aligner. The coffee, sugar that is likely added, and high acidity of coffee just sitting on your teeth can cause increased decay. If for some reason you are in a situation where you cannot remove the aligners while having a cup of coffee, you could drink through a straw. Yet, there is still a possibility that it will stain the aligners and they will still end up being exposed to heat.

Ideally, coffee drinking should be limited or only drink it when you are not wearing your aligners. Also, it is a good habit to brush and floss right after a cup. The safest way to keep your teeth healthy and Invisalign aligners looking their best is to remove them, enjoy your food or drink, clean your teeth, then pop them back in.

Can teens use Invisalign?

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My front teeth are so ugly. They are crooked and one sticks out really far. I really don’t want to be a brace face though. Can I use Invisalign if I am only 13? I heard it was only good for adults, not teens. Do you know if it’s cheaper than braces? I want to have my facts straight before I beg my parents. Also, it’s really only my top teeth that are jacked up. Maybe that will cut the price down? Looking forward to your help!

– Gentry in Alabama

Patients love Invisalign invisible braces for many reasons. They are invisible, more comfortable than metal braces, and take about half the time to straighten teeth. The good news is that the Invisalign company did release an Invisalign Teen line in 2009. But the main issue with this clear aligner system is that your permanent teeth need to be fully erupted in order to be a candidate. If this sounds like you, find an Invisalign Teen dentist in your area to make sure it will work for you.

Regarding the cost of Invisalign, in most cases, it does tend to be more expensive than traditional braces. Also, Invisalign will not provide aligners for only the top arch. So there is no cost savings with only getting aligners on the top because it simply isn’t an option. The general or cosmetic dentist will end up paying the same fee whether you get trays for the top only or bottom, or both. Many dentists will provide a free consultation to answer your questions and help determine if Invisalign makes sense for your case.

Best of luck!

Does Invisalign hurt?

September 12, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’m trying to figure out what treatment is best for me, braces or Invisalign? I was wondering if Invisalign hurts?

– Layla in Utah

Layla,

Thank you for your question. Invisalign does not hurt. It is actually a very popular treatment to straighten teeth and has a very high patient satisfaction rating. Actually, Invisalign boasts one of the highest patient satisfaction rating in dentistry.

When you go into the dentist, they will take an impression of your teeth, as well as recording data and measurements. This information is sent off to the laboratory so your clear plastic aligners are created. The impression doesn’t hurt.

Then, when your trays are ready you come back into the office to pick them up. All you do is snap the first set of trays in to get started. The first few days, you will notice that they feel snug. But they shouldn’t hurt. As your teeth move gradually into their new positions, they will loosen up. Then, in two weeks, it’s time to pop in the second set of trays. Again, they will initially feel tight until your tooth reposition. This process is repeated until your desired results are achieved.

Many people choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces because they are invisible. No one will notice you are wearing them from a conversational distance. Also, they work to straighten teeth in about half the time and they are more comfortable. You don’t have to worry about the metal brackets or wires irritating your soft tissues.

Darn it! How do I get gum off of my Invisalign trays?

September 12, 2021 by Brian Sartin

Help! My gum addiction is becoming a big problem ever since I got Invisalign. The dentist warned me not to do it. But the other day, I totally popped in a piece of gum without even thinking about it. Gum chewing has been a habit of mine for years. So I didn’t realize it until it was too late. Both Invisalign trays are covered in it. I used a toothbrush to get a bulk of it off. But there are a few stubborn spots remaining. How big of an issue is it if it doesn’t come off? Are they safe to wear?

– Tanya in Minnesota

Tanya,

Unfortunately, removing gum from Invisalign trays can be a tedious process. You don’t need to hear, “I told you so!” from the dentist. But it may end up that you need their assistance to get it off.

For starters, try a denture brush. The soft bristles of a toothbrush won’t get it all. But a denture brush is more resilient. Or you could try the old wive’s tale of using peanut butter to remove gum. Try placing peanut butter on the Invisalign aligner and let it soak in for several minutes. The oil helps to loosen gum and this technique used with a brush may take care of it. If that doesn’t work, try popping them in the freezer. Every 20 minutes this process can be repeated. The freezing of the gum may help it to flake off of the trays.

If none of these tricks work, it is probably time to call your dentist. They have much more powerful cleaning agents and tools available at the office. Hopefully, that will remove it.

There are some Invisalign patients that swear by sugar-free gums. But, as you know and have now seen firsthand, gum chewing is not recommended. If you cannot break the gum chewing habit and you wear them most of the time, you may be able to enjoy a piece of gum when removing the trays on occasion. Always be sure to clean your teeth after eating or chewing any gum so you don’t promote decay.

Did I ruin my Invisalign trays by boiling them?

September 7, 2021 by Brian Sartin

Help! I think I just made a big mistake. I have been using Invisalign for at least a couple months now. I just received my next set of aligners and have had them in for two days. I am supposed to keep this set for another four weeks. I didn’t like the way they were looking because they had this yellow color and therefore didn’t look invisible at all. I’m not sure why? So I decided to clean them by boiling them. But now the trays don’t fit. What do I need to to?

– Ben in New York

Ben,

Well, now isn’t the time to tell you not to boil your Invisalign aligners. But thank you for your question. Hopefully it will deter others from attempting something similar. It is not safe to place the aligners into the dishwasher or boiling water. Warm water should be fine for rinsing them. But the best way to clean your aligners is with a clean toothbrush and water. Some toothpastes can be quite abrasive and may cause damage to the aligners as well.

To be optimistic, at least the aligners will be replaced in a few weeks. But you need to contact your dentist to see if your most recent set can be used. It is likely that the damaged set will need to be reordered. But you may be able to move onto the next set, depending on the progress and the position of your teeth. Get in touch with your cosmetic dentist to find out his or her specific recommendations. And it goes without saying, don’t do it again. Also, discuss other cleaning alternatives for future use.

Pain with Invisalign

September 4, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been using Invisalign to straighten my teeth. I have been regularly monitored throughout the treatment by my cosmetic dentist. The gap in my front teeth is looking really closed up now. I am happy! But, I got this weird pain in my premolar last week. I am on my fourth round of trays. When the dentist checked out the tooth, it was one with a really old filling. He decided to remove the filling and do something to help with the nerve pain and perform a temporary treatment. But he wants to wait before he fills it in case there is something more serious happening with the tooth. It has been several days now and the tooth is still hurting really bad. Is this normal pain because I have Invisalign?

– Sara in Colorado

Sara,

As you probably are aware, when you use Invisalign the teeth can feel more sensitive than normal. Sometimes they can even hurt to chew on. This is because the teeth are moving and there is increased pressure placed on them to correct their position. This could be contributing to the pain you are experiencing. When the gum tissue and membrane stretches for the tooth to move, it can be painful.

But, from the sounds of it, your issue is on a tooth with an old filling. The dentist took a precautionary measure and probably used temporary filling material. It is difficult to tell you precisely what is going on, but your cosmetic dentist took a conservative approach to see if you pain would subside. You could be dealing with a crack in the old filling or the tooth itself. Food or particles may have entered the crack and can cause more decay. If the decay has entered into the pulp of the tooth, there could be an infection present. This would require more extensive treatment. If the pain worsens, throbs, or keeps you up at night, contact your dentist right away. A root canal may be required to save the tooth. Did he do an x-ray? If not, and the pain worsens, that will be the next step to further diagnose what is really going on. Sit tight as long as the pain isn’t too intense. But keep in touch with your dentist if it doesn’t go away.

Best case scenario, the filling will be replaced with a white composite filling and you will still be able to continue with your Invisalign treatment. Hard to tell from what you have disclosed.

Does Invisalign interfere with kissing?

September 3, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’m so excited to get going with Invisalign and the dentist has nothing but great things to say about it. But I’m embarrassed to ask my dentist certain questions. Will I still be able to kiss while wearing Invisalign? Maybe it’s a dumb question, but it is very important to me.

– Kaitlyn in Alabama

Kaitlyn,

Invisalign boasts one of the highest satisfaction rankings by patients. Your dentist probably told you how it works in half the time as traditional metal braces, is much more comfortable, and the best part is obviously it’s invisible. Now your question is a good one. Many dentists will tell you that no one will notice you are wearing Invisalign from a conversational distance. But kissing is obviously a little bit closer, to say the least. Your partner will be able to see them when going in for a smooch, but that is about it.

Invisalign clear aligners fit snugly over your teeth. They aren’t loose and shouldn’t be flopping around, even during kissing. That is, as long as the person you are kissing doesn’t generally kiss your teeth. LOL! Anyway, if you are self conscious for some reason about kissing with Invisalign, you can simply remove the aligners. The aligners simply pop in and out and are recommended to be removed for eating, brushing teeth, and if you feel better, for kissing too. Just remember that it is best to keep the aligners in for as much time as possible each day so that you achieve the desired results.

I washed and dried my Invisalign? It melted!

August 27, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been talking with my dentist about having Invisalign done for awhile now. One of the biggest things he (and my mom) lectured me on is that it takes patient participation for success. I finally convinced them both I was totally on board, especially since my mom chipped in to help me straighten my teeth before my upcoming wedding. Would you believe that in the first week, I melted my Invisalign trays?! I’m so embarrassed and don’t know what to do. I took them out during breakfast and when I washed my PJ pants, I never took the trays out of the pockets. They have shrunk a little bit because they feel even more snug than they were. Do you think I can get away without telling anyone? Or do they need to be redone?

– Kendra in Lousiana

Kendra,

First things first, take a deep breath. Although it sounds like you were on a mission to prove to your mom and cosmetic dentist that you were ready to be responsible with your Invisalign treatment.

You mention that they feel snug, which is to be expected since the aligners are made of plastic. Exposure to any type of heat can distort them. The misshaped aligners may not seem like a big deal, but since the trays were calculated for precise movements of your teeth, it may actually hinder the new positions that your teeth need to be moved to. If the ill-fitting trays don’t adequately re-position the teeth, there is a good chance that you won’t be ready for your next set of trays.

You’re not going to want to hear this. But you need to stop using them. There is a chance they will be okay, but it is important to wear the trays for the allotted time and per the instructions given by your dentist. At the the very least, it would be good to have them checked out by your dentist. Then, he can help determine if the first trays may need to be redone. Each set of Invisalign aligners builds off the previous set. Since you are just beginning your Invisalign treatment plan, you need to achieve the movement goal of that first set before proceeding to the next set.

Good luck! And trust me, you’re not the first person to have melted their trays. Hopefully you learned your lesson and it’s smooth sailing from here on out.

Are Lingual Braces or Invisalign Better for Adults?

August 26, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’m trying to choose between finding an Invisalign dentist or one who does lingual braces. I’m 43 now and had braces when I was in my 20s, so my teeth aren’t too bad, but I’d like to correct the little bits that have shifted and make them even again. At the same time, I don’t want to have braces that are obvious. I’m a business professional and I don’t want to look like a teenager with a face full of metal. With the research I have done, it seems like both Invisalign and lingual braces are an option for someone with teeth like mine. Is there a benefit to using one type of orthodontics over the other?

Thanks,

Marjorie in Washington, DC

Dear Marjorie,

Based on your description, you probably are a candidate for both. People tend to turn to lingual braces when they worry that they’ll forget to change their aligners or that they’ll lose them. Lingual braces can sometimes tackle cases that Invisalign can’t, but the aligners do a very good job, even on challenging cases.

A lot of adults have trouble with lingual braces because their tongue is drawn to them. They have difficulty speaking and it can be uncomfortable. Being a professional, where it sounds like you may have to attend meetings, speak publicly and such, you can remove the aligners entirely beforehand if you prefer. You can also remove the aligners for cleaning, which is a huge benefit for oral hygiene. Some people have a lot of trouble brushing and flossing with braces, which inevitably leads to gingivitis, advanced gum disease, or decay. Some doctors also cite damage to enamel as a problem with traditional braces. The main reason this becomes a problem is when hygiene isn’t kept up.

If you really are a candidate for both options, you’ll probably prefer the versatility and speed of Invisalign, though you likely won’t have to do any kind of orthodontic treatment for long because you’ve already had it and are refining what’s already been done. Everyone’s mouth and challenges in treatment are different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach with orthodontics. Start with a consultation and verify what your options are and be sure to mention that you’re open to suggestions depending on what your ultimate goals are. When deciding between these two options, though, you’ll likely be happier going through Invisalign treatment.