When they were first introduced to dentistry in the early 1990s, Invisalign aligners were heralded as the aesthetically appealing alternative to traditional braces worn by adults.
Fast forward to 2020 and very little has changed. Invisalign is now available to a wider range of dental patients and is now able to reverse more complex issues than ever before. Perfect!
But, unfortunately, many dental patients who are new to this aligner are taken aback when they are told by their dentist that there are certain lifestyle choices which can impact negatively on this brace’s performance.
Indeed, clear braces can be affected in the same way as traditional metal braces can be and so, while you are undertaking them, you may need to give up some vices in order to get the best overall result.
In this article, the most common (and problematic) lifestyle choices will be explored alongside how each of them may influence how Invisalign clear braces work.
Smoking
Whether you smoke 2 or 20 cigarettes a day, your dentist will advise you against smoking at all during your treatment with clear braces in Sydney CBD.
While smoking is obviously bad for your health, it can also cause issues to occur in your mouth, such as gum recession and even the formation of abnormal growths. Also, as smoking discolours your teeth, it will also be able to penetrate the plastic of the Invisalign brace, making it more visible. Which, frankly, defeats the object of investing in an invisible brace.
If you want to kick the habit, talk to your dentist and doctor about smoking cessation tips. Good luck!
Sugary drinks
Most people have a sweet tooth and, while there is nothing wrong with that, consumption of sugary drinks like fruit juices and sodas is a big no-no while wearing an Invisalign brace.
Why? Because sugary drinks and food lead to an accumulation of plaque on the teeth and gums; while you will be brushing your teeth after every meal, chances are that with more plaque to remove, some will be missed, potentially leading to decay.
Also, the stained look that sugary drinks add to invisible braces is not a desirable one, so stick to plain water and limit sweet beverages to once a day.
Alcohol
If you regularly consume alcohol, you may want to kick the habit before undertaking treatment with Invisalign.
Unlike smoking which can cause the gums to recede, alcohol can cause the gums and other oral tissues to become inflamed, heightening the chances of developing gum disease. And as the treatment for swollen gums will overtake cosmetic realignment in your dentist’s list of priorities, it may delay treatment time significantly. So, stick to water when you go out with your friends, it will be worth it!
Acidic foods and drinks
Acidic drinks can cause enamel erosion while also causing staining to the invisible brace. To prevent this, avoid wines, curries and fruit juices like orange, grapefruit and lemon-based sodas to keep your enamel in top shape!
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
