Practicalities of using Invisalign

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, you wear something at night - forever? That sounds annoying to me. I have enough trouble remembering to wear my bite guard once in a while, let alone every night.

I'm nearing the end of treatment - and have slacked off, only wearing them a night now for longer periods to make up the time. Wearing them at night forever does sound annoying. I don't remember them telling me that part. Seems that your teeth should remember their positions at some point - but I guess not.

I think I'd wait until I'd been at a new job for a while before starting. You'll have to brush your teeth after every drink/meal for eg.

[Anonymous]

OP here - these responses are so helpful!
I am a little concerned by one PP's implication that cavities are inevitable while using Invisalign. Have others experienced this? I'm rather paranoid about cavities (and the prospect of root canals and bridgework down the line if I keep replacing healthy tooth with fillings), so I'd rather keep my teeth uneven but healthy if the price of straightening them is cavities... I have no problem busting out my electric toothbrush in the work bathroom after meals, but I'd have to give up my xylitol gum habit, which is currently part of my anti-cavity crusade.

[Anonymous]

I don't remember getting any cavities while on invisalign...

[Anonymous]

I have not had cavities with Invisalign, yet. It's imperative that you avoid a root canal or anything like that because anything that changes the shape of your teeth would require your orthodontist to order new aligners at your expense. I advise you to visit the dentist and have any work done before you get your scan/mold, and then keeping up with regular dental visits. I floss and use mouthwash every time I brush/put the aligners back on, and also clean the aligners every time I take them off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - these responses are so helpful!
I am a little concerned by one PP's implication that cavities are inevitable while using Invisalign. Have others experienced this? I'm rather paranoid about cavities (and the prospect of root canals and bridgework down the line if I keep replacing healthy tooth with fillings), so I'd rather keep my teeth uneven but healthy if the price of straightening them is cavities... I have no problem busting out my electric toothbrush in the work bathroom after meals, but I'd have to give up my xylitol gum habit, which is currently part of my anti-cavity crusade.

You only get them if you don't brush properly.