Like many Queenslanders, you might suffer from different physical and psychological problems because of misaligned teeth. They can cause you discomfort and crush your confidence due to your broken smile.
Fortunately, there are several orthodontic treatments available to correct the alignment of your pearly whites. If you are like most people these days, you probably prefer clear aligners, like Invisalign®, over metal braces.
Unlike wearing Invisalign in Townsville, Brisbane, Cairns or the Gold Coast, having to live with traditional braces in your mouth for years can solve your dental problem but create new dilemmas. Here are the usual drawbacks of being metal-brace wearer:
Developing Bad Breath
Brushing your teeth becomes one of the hardest things in the world if you also have braces to worry about. These devices come with brackets that are typically hard to clean since they have nooks and crannies where tiny pieces of food can hide. They set the stage for bacterial growth, which results in bad breath.
Yes, you can keep your breath fresh with proper oral hygiene. But you need patience and discipline to develop the right habits to keep your metal braces 100% clean after every meal.
Oral care is not a concern if you wear clear aligners. Invisalign is removable, so you can take it out before eating or drinking a hot or coloured beverage.
Putting Up with Misconceived Notions About Wearers of Braces
Several misconceptions are still associated with metal braces to this day. Your dentist can debunk your misperceptions (if you have any), but you have to dispel those of others the moment you greet the world after having your braces put in place.
One of the myths that you might encounter is that your braces can affect radio signals and are magnetic. Other people also think twice before letting you play sports or kissing you because of your orthodontic device. But with clear aligners, most people might not even realise that you are wearing something. No unwanted attention, no problems.
Having Fewer Food Choices
This one is not a myth. You have to be selective in eating food to preserve the structural integrity of your braces. As a general rule, you have to stay away from sticky and hard foods. But if you are wearing Invisalign, there are no food restrictions. As long as you brush your teeth after eating, you can re-wear your clear aligners without a care in the world.
Chewing with Difficulty
It is not uncommon for a wearer of metal braces to experience some irritation when eating food. At first, the wires might cause discomfort as they brush against your cheeks, gums or lips. You also have to bite and chew with caution to avoid loosening or breaking the brackets of your braces.
On the other hand, you can eat normally as an Invisalign wearer. Just remove your clear aligners before the meal, and you can use your teeth as a biting and chewing tool like they should.
Not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign, so schedule an appointment with a dentist to know whether it is an option for you.
