My Invisalign Experience – Tips and Tricks for Adult Clear Braces
I wish I’d known about Invisalign clear braces earlier. I’ve always had crowded bottom teeth, they didn’t bother me too much as a youngster, but with age and the inevitable diminishing of my facial contours, the crowding was becoming more pronounced and making me more self-conscious. By the way- did you know that jaw bone density decreases and changes shape with age? This can start in women from mid 40’s, of course men are affected much later more like 65 – of course, (eye roll). I have a good smile, its big and wide and my teeth are healthy, the crowding in the lower jaw bugged me, but who wants to wear braces in adulthood, right? So I looked into Invisalign clear braces, the transparent alternative to metal braces. I did my research, and while I wasn’t looking for Hollywood perfect, just a little bit less on the wonky side please – Invisalign looked like a great option for me. In just a few months my teeth would be uncrowded enough to restore my confidence, and if I wanted them super straight, that was an option too! With my dentist we worked on a plan, the Invisalign clear braces process includes a graphic pictorial video of what will happen to my teeth as they shift into their new position. You can actually see what will be happening to your teeth over time. This looks exciting! The process involves wearing a series of aligners, each one for around week (or two) until my teeth have shifted into place. I wear my aligner for as long as I can each day, taking it out to eat and to clean my teeth. I’m managing to get between 20 and 22 hours wear a day (it’s not that hard actually). Portabletooth care kit Here’s a tip – I invested in a portable toothbrush carrier and mini toothpaste (and floss) for my handbag/briefcase – I don’t want to put my Invisalign clear braces back in after eating without first brushing my teeth! The food that’s stuck on and between my teeth can cause decay, especially with the aligner holding the food in place – let’s not even mention what that will do for my breath. Invisalign Clear Braces – Are They Invisible? Yes! At first, each new set of Invisalign clear braces can squeeze a little, they’re doing their job, right? But I soon get used to them and it’s easy to forget that they are in. Very few people even notice I’m wearing them! Another bonus is that it’s almost impossible to snack, so regular mealtimes and no cheating for the next few months… Also – if you grind your teeth when you sleep – you won’t with your aligners in! Eating Out With Invisalign Clear Braces I took my tooth kit and my retainer box everywhere with me, it’s easy for the fair sex, most of us have a handbag, men, it’s your briefcase of satchel I guess, and remove them BEFORE the long lunch, you don’t want to be taking them out at the table and have nowhere to put them while you eat. I’m fairly confident that your fellow lunchers will not be attracted to your Invisalign clear braces sitting on the table with your phone. I keep a water bottle handy too – the aligners can make my mouth a little dry. Water will keep your mouth moist and hydrated – and wash away any loose debris too. Tea, coffee, red wine, and drinks with colour can stain aligners. Luckily I have a penchant for white wine and water. Looking after your Invisalign Clear Braces At the end of each retainer’s life (a week of wearing them 20-22 hours a day) they do get a bit grotty. I discovered that if I put them in diluted mouthwash for a time (while I’m having dinner or breakfast) and then cleaned them with soft toothbrush (not with tooth paste though, it’s abrasive and might damage them), they stayed in good enough nick for the week. Soaking aligners in diluted mouthwash or water with a denture tab while you have breakfast means your breath will be minty for the morning! It’s time for my next set! Moving along! I found it easiest to break in a new set of aligners at night. While they are tight when I first put them in (they can make my eyes water!) they aren’t so uncomfortable that I won’t sleep, and there is always Ibuprofen if I need it.. Done! Now that I’ve invested my hard earned time and money in my new smile, I want to keep it. My dentist has given me a retainer to wear while I’m sleeping to stop my teeth from moving back. Bonus again, I don’t need to wear my splint to stop me grinding my poor teeth while I sleep! References: Invisible Aligners for Teeth Health Direct: Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Wearing Dentures? 4 Reasons Why Not To Skip Your Regular Check-up!
Wearing Dentures: A New Chapter in Your Oral Health Journey Congratulations on Your New Dentures! Fantastic news! You’ve begun wearing dentures, and they’re fitting well. You’re eating comfortably and smiling with confidence. However, this isn’t the time to become complacent about your oral health. Maintaining regular check-ups is crucial for those wearing dentures. Often denture patients consider their new dentures an excuse to forego regular dental check-ups, but nothing could be further from the truth! Regular check-ups are just as important for denture wearers as they are for those with natural teeth. My denture-wearing patients are my heroes in life. I am constantly astounded that many edentulous patients (without natural teeth) eat, drink, breathe and live life to the fullest, despite having a plastic and metal prosthetic in their mouth. Maintaining Oral Health Whilst Wearing Dentures Regular Check-ups I advise my denture patients to have the same regular check-ups as they did when they had their natural teeth. Oral health is more than just about your teeth after all! A preventative check-up every 6 months will enable you to ensure that your mouth and dentures are healthy and in good working function. Denture Maintenance Just like natural teeth, dentures require regular maintenance. Wearing dentures doesn’t exempt you from plaque and bacteria build-up. Regular check-ups allow your practitioner to assess your dentures and remove any accumulation. It’s crucial to clean your dentures after every meal when wearing dentures. Use a soft toothbrush to give them a thorough scrub after food and drink. This practice helps maintain good oral health and prevents bad breath. Ensuring a Proper Fit A denture should always feel like it fits snugly, if it becomes a little loose or slips, your denture probably requires a ‘reline’ of the fitting denture base. We can often complete this procedure on the same day to minimise any inconvenience. Partial Denture Considerations Even if you’re wearing partial dentures, ill-fitting prosthetics can compromise your remaining teeth or cause ulceration, gum disease, and bone loss. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your overall oral health. In extreme cases, ill-fitting dentures may contribute to oral cancer. Regular check-ups include oral cancer screenings, reducing your risk and ensuring optimal comfort and oral health. Loving Your Smile While Wearing Dentures At Dental Fresh, we occasionally see patients who feel self-conscious about wearing dentures, either due to aesthetics or fit. Some have been given dentures that look unnatural, resembling a ‘white picket fence’. However, this isn’t the best you can hope for! Our highly skilled technicians at Dental Fresh are proud of their ability to create dentures for our patients that look natural and give you a smile that is real! Wearing dentures shouldn’t mean compromising on aesthetics. Loose-fitting dentures are unnecessary. When wearing dentures, you should expect a snug fit that doesn’t cause worry about your teeth slipping when you laugh, smile, or eat. Modern Alternatives to Traditional Dentures All-On-4 and Dental Implants Modern dental techniques now offer permanent alternatives for those wearing dentures. All-On-4 and dental implants provide an experience as close to natural teeth as possible. If you’re curious about whether implants might work for you, we’re happy to discuss your options. Remember, wearing dentures doesn’t mean the end of your dental care journey. It’s a new chapter that requires ongoing attention and care. By maintaining regular check-ups and following proper denture care routines, you can enjoy a healthy, comfortable smile for years to come. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656. We’ll be happy to help answer your questions about wearing dentures and explore the best options for your oral health. References: Australian Dental Association: Oral cancerMayo Clinic: Denture Care
