Buttercup 7 Day Dental; answering your questions on Invisalign Glasgow

If you are reading this article, then you have most likely heard of Invisalign, whether it be whispering on the wind or considering undergoing treatment yourself. Either way, the first step is to understand what they are. Invisalign is a brand of transparent aligners that can be tailor-made to your own set of teeth and work by pushing the teeth into newly aligned positions.

Now that we understand in brief what they are, it is time to uncover answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about Invisalign Glasgow.

Are clear aligners painful?

Whilst the aligners are considered to be somewhat more comfortable than some other teeth realignment methods, they do still come with an element of discomfort. This is primarily due to the teeth being guided into a new position within the gums. Each time you switch aligners, the pressure will be slightly increased at first, which in turn means the discomfort may be slightly increased, but as the teeth shift, any soreness or discomfort will begin to reduce. With this in mind, stocking up on over-the-counter pain relievers is often recommended to ensure your discomfort is reduced even further during treatment.

Do you need specialised cleaning equipment?

When considering treatment, the cost often plays on our minds, and this includes any specialised cleaning equipment that may need to be purchased in order to assist with the treatment. Whilst for some treatments and procedures, this may be necessary, when it comes to Invisalign Glasgow, you will be pleased to know that water and a soft-bristled toothbrush will do the trick.

Whilst undergoing treatment, the removal of the aligner is recommended during meal and snack times; therefore, minimal cleaning should be required. There are cleaning crystals that can be purchased to assist with the daily cleaning, but primarily, cold water and a gentle brush during the daily oral hygiene process are often sufficient enough and prevent the possibility of warping the aligner.

Can I continue to smoke?

Whether undergoing treatment with Invisalign Glasgow or not, smoking is not a hobby we encourage or recommend. By continuing to smoke, the aligners can become stained, similarly to your teeth with a yellow tinge. On top of this, smoking, whether it be roll-ups, cigars or standard cigarettes can heighten the chances of gum disease, oral cancer or other life-changing health problems. With this in mind, we have support for those in need of help quitting, so it is important to openly discuss your options with our dental team.

Is gum disease an increased risk when undergoing treatment?

Although the aligners are pressed against the teeth for around 22 hours a day, in truth, gum disease is actually at a lower risk with Invisalign due to its removable nature. Unlike other orthodontic tools, the aligners can be removed before mealtimes, ensuring that food does not get caught up and pressed against the teeth for days on end. The removable nature of the treatment combined with the ability to effectively clean the teeth and gums each day helps to reduce the build-up of plaque and, in turn, lowers the risk of gum disease.