There are many social benefits to Invisalign aligners vs braces, but as with any orthodontic treatment, there are also some adjustments you’ll have to make in social settings.
In many ways braces can be a pain in social situations. It’s really easy to get food stuck in them, and there are lots of limitations on what you can eat and cannot eat. This can be inconvenient when you’re out with friends, or on a date!
Many people also feel self-conscious about how their smiles look when they have metal braces. They often feel like their braces are the first thing people notice when they smile, and that can be hard to get used to.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with a smile that has braces on it; they can be quite attractive! But many people just do not want to deal with it, and that’s fair, too.
Invisalign is a great alternative to braces for people who feel self-conscious about metal braces. The Invisalign aligners are clear, and very difficult to see when worn. Since they can be removed, there are no worries about food restrictions or getting food stuck in your braces!
People often stop at the fact that the aligners are removable and think, “great! That’s all I need to know!”, not even thinking of the social considerations that come with having to remove their aligners.
First of all, it can be a bit awkward to just pop your aligners out in front of everyone, especially if they haven’t noticed that you’re wearing them. Also, we need to be straight with you – there’s an element of saliva management to take into consideration, too!
Additionally, you have to brush and floss your teeth then clean your aligners before you put them back in. This is necessary in order to prevent food from getting trapped between the aligners and your teeth. Allowing food to get trapped will result in bad breath and tooth decay.
These few issues are relatively insignificant, and you’ll grow accustomed to them in no time at all. Nonetheless, it helps to be prepared!