Invisalign is the most comfortable way to correct teeth misalignment. The entire Invisalign treatment process is almost undetectable to those around you because it’s made from a merely transparent material. Some treatment plans will require attachments, which are small dots that stick to your teeth’ surface to ensure your teeth shift more efficiently.
If you’re concerned over your attachments being visible, there are certain tips you can follow to ensure they aren’t noticeable.
Why Invisalign Attachments May Be Necessary
Necessary for many new Invisalign patients, Invisalign attachments will help you achieve your ideal smile. In some instances, clear aligners aren’t sufficient enough to move your teeth, which can be especially true for moderate to advanced cases. Your provider may decide to apply attachments to your teeth to give your trays something extra to grip as your teeth are guided into their new position.
Attachments are made from a tooth-colored resin, which is also used in fillings and cosmetic bonding. Attachments are adhered to specific teeth and used for certain types of movements like rotations, extrusions, or intrusions. Attachments will not damage your tooth enamel or put you at risk for tooth loss or decay. You may experience slight staining around their perimeter without proper care, so be sure to use these five tips for avoiding staining to make them less noticeable.
Tip # 1: Avoid Beverages That May Stain Your Attachments
Any dark-colored beverages like tea, coffee, and red wine can stain your teeth. During your Invisalign treatment, it’s recommended to always take out your aligners before drinking anything other than water to avoid staining. Your attachments cannot be removed, so if your treatment requires them, it’s best to limit or avoid stain-inducing foods and drinks that will make them more noticeable.
Tip # 2: Maintain A Great Oral Hygiene Routine
If you have attachments in place, teeth whitening is not an option until after completing your Invisalign treatment. There are other efforts you can make to keep your teeth bright and white. Brushing your teeth regularly and avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks will help to keep your attachments less visible.
It’s always recommended to floss between your teeth once a day, and during your Invisalign treatment, it’s even more imperative. Food particles can easily get caught between attachments, making them more noticeable. Keep floss with you, so you’re able to fish out any pieces of food throughout the day to keep them invisible.
Tip # 3: Avoid Using Lipstick
Lipstick can stain attachments and even aligners during treatment. If you’re a lover of brightly colored lipsticks, it may be best to stick with natural colors for a while to keep your attachments and your aligners clear and clean.
Tip # 4: Quit Bad Habits
Smoking not only causes tooth discoloration, but it can also affect the clarity of your Invisalign. Caused by nicotine and tar content, cigarettes leave behind more than just a foul smell. In just a short time, your teeth and aligners will appear yellow if you continue smoking habits. Those who have been smoking for years know how cigarettes can discolor teeth into an unsightly brown shade, so it’s always recommended to quit bad habits like smoking before starting Invisalign.
Tip # 5: Don’t Cancel Maintenance Appointments
While undergoing Invisalign, you will have frequent dental office exams. Your Invisalign must be replaced regularly with a tighter aligner to ensure that your teeth continue to shift into their ideal positioning. These routine maintenance appointments are an opportunity for your dentist to track any changes in the treatment process and monitor how your lifestyle habits are affecting your treatment.
Hinsdale Dentistry is here to help you maintain the aesthetics of your Invisalign aligners and attachments. Not only will following these five tips make your Invisalign less noticeable, but it will also promote good oral health.
Contact Hinsdale Dentistry today with any questions you have regarding the Invisalign treatment process.