Invisalign; FAQs answered by Buttercup 7 Day Dental

Do you want to know more about invisible aligners?

At Buttercup 7 Day Dental, our team can answer any questions that you have about Invisalign Glasgow and can see you through every stage of using this aligner to correct your teeth.

In the following question and answer session, our team addresses common queries about Invisalign Glasgow.

Can you smoke with invisible aligners?

We cannot stop you from smoking when you wear Invisalign Glasgow, but it is not recommended.

Smoking exposes your gums to a myriad of toxic chemicals, which can cause your gums to soften, heightening the chances of gum disease and oral cancer. Smoking can also cause the aligners to appear yellow.

If you want to quit smoking before using an invisible aligner, then please talk to our team about cessation options that we can offer.

Can I use mouthwash to clean the aligners?

As you want your aligners to remain clear, it is important that you wash them regularly; a minimum of twice a day for around 30 minutes at a time.

But you should only use cold water and potentially toothpaste to clean your aligners; you may even want to invest in cleaning crystals, designed for use with these aligners. Do not use mouthwashes, as this can cause staining to occur with your aligners. Refrain from using warm or hot water, even if there is a stubborn stain, as this can cause the aligners to warp out of shape.

Can clear aligners correct an overbite?

They can, but like all things related to orthodontics, it depends on the severity of the condition.

If you have a complicated bite issue, that requires jaw movement, palate adjustment or molar teeth to be moved, then a clear aligner is unlikely to be suitable for you. In these instances, our team will discuss other options with you, such as clear fitted braces or even orthodontic braces.

If you have a mild to moderate case of overbite, underbite or crossbite, then we may be able to treat it with a clear aligner.

Do clear aligners hurt?

While it is true that aligners have been deemed to be more comfortable than other orthodontic tools, this does not mean that they do not cause some degree of pressure on your teeth; they are designed to move them after all!

You are most likely to notice soreness or pressure with your aligners when you switch between them. Each set of aligners comes with an average of 14 and each one is worn for around 2 weeks until it becomes loose. When you switch to the next one in the series, it will feel tight and so, it is worth investing in some over-the-counter pain relief to counteract this.

Do clear aligners increase the risk of gum disease?

Actually, clear aligners may reduce the risk of gum disease which can occur with orthodontic tools, due in part to the fact that they can be removed. This allows you to take them out to clean your teeth correctly and will also allow our team to assess the condition of your teeth more thoroughly when you come for a dental check-up.

But, in order to protect fully against issues such as gum disease and tooth decay, when you put your aligners back in after eating food, you should brush your teeth to remove debris.