Top Brace Questions: Part 1

Whether you’re already a proponent of an Invisalign brace or are simply interested in treatment, we embrace the power of knowledge here at our dental practice. We know that there’s a fine line between being cautious and being curious, and really, it pays to be informed about your treatment.

In this post, the team at our Stourbridge dental practice can talk through some of the common questions we’re asked by patients regarding this popular teeth-straightening treatment. You can read part 2 of the post here.

1. Which type of toothbrush should I use?

There are so many toothbrush types available on the market today that this is actually quite a difficult question to answer! Generally speaking, a soft toothbrush is best for your teeth and gums as it isn’t too harsh on the delicate tissue and enamel, while an electric toothbrush can be more effective at getting between the teeth and ensuring you brush for the required time.

One of the key things to remember with your Invisalign brace is to remove them for brushing and flossing your teeth and to ensure you clean your aligners, too.

2. What can I eat and drink with my aligners in?

The only thing we recommend is pure water. Drinking sparkling water with Invisalign is okay every so often, but still, water is best. Chewing gum can crack or otherwise damage the aligners (an expensive business!) and food can cause these issues too – as well as the potential for staining your clear braces. Always ensure you remove your Invisalign braces when you eat and if you’re planning on drinking something other than water (even carbonated water can be problematic).

3. When will I need to see my Dentist?

With an Invisalign brace, you’ll change out your aligners every couple of weeks and will require regular check-ups too, so as to ensure your teeth stay on track. We’ll advise you on this during your consultation with us.

4. Is treatment expensive?

Surprisingly, the cost of treatment with Invisalign clear braces is usually comparable to that of traditional braces. However, we feel that Invisalign braces have so many more benefits – a clear design with greater freedom and comfort, and the ability to remove the braces, being the main points.

It’s also worth remembering that Invisalign braces are used in countries around the world, and have successfully treated millions of patients. It’s highly versatile, whether you have a problem with your bite, issues with spacing, or a crooked smile.

5. Does Invisalign hurt?

No – but you may feel pressure occasionally, such as when you swap to a new pair of Invisalign braces. With traditional braces, the wires can seemingly ‘grow out’ or stick out when moving your teeth, which can lead to rubbing of the gums. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem with the clever, clear braces.

Try Invisalign today

If you want to hear more about Invisalign braces, we want to hear from you! Get in touch with our specialist Dental team at our Stourbridge dental practice today, and we’ll be in contact to book you in for that all-important first step: your suitability assessment (or consultation). Visit our contact page to get started now!