I hate my ugly metal braces! They hurt my cheeks and I keep getting canker sores. Food gets stuck in them and I don’t like how I look or feel about myself. I’m totally self conscious in photos and when I’m talking to friends. Is it too late to switch to Invisalign? Will my orthodontist make the switch for me since I have already started with braces?
– Tim in Nebraska
Tim,
It’s time to have a chat with your orthodontist. You shouldn’t have to be miserable. As long as your teeth have fully erupted and the alignment of your teeth makes you a candidate, it’s not too late to make the switch to Invisalign. Or it may be possible to combine the two treatments. Have a chat with him or her about how miserable you are and hopefully there is a reasonable solution.
Invisalign offers many benefits over braces, they are invisible and so much more comfortable. Yet, with each new tray you will experience some discomfort. This is because of how the treatment gradually repositions your teeth. The ligaments are slow to adjust but typically in a couple days the pain typically subsides. An over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory helps too.
You aren’t alone in your complaints with wire and metal braces. Canker sores are one of those things that may not be completely eliminated with Invisalign. It is better to know that upfront that you may still get them, rather than be disappointed later. This is more likely a result of having something foreign in your mouth. But generally speaking, they should flare up much less since with Invisalign. Until you make the switch, assuming you are a candidate, you may consider some wax product that will help with that annoyance in the short-term. Check the drug store too for some topical treatments that will promote healing and minimize your discomfort. You may not realize that diet plays into canker sore outbreaks as well. Stay away from highly acidic foods.
You won’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your Invisalign aligners because you will remove them for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.
Fingers crossed you are a candidate. Good luck!
This post is sponsored by York PA dentist Donald H. Currie, DMD