I currently have braces and they have caused more problems than I ever imagined. I expected the obvious issues like getting food stuck, but I wasn’t prepared for how much my teeth would hurt, not to mention all of the canker sores that never seem to go away. I’ve seen and read about Invisalign and I really want to switch. Is it possible to switch from regular braces to Invisalign? — Sara in Ohio
Sara,
It doesn’t hurt to talk to your dentist about your desire to make a switch. It will all depend on the alignment of your teeth, but even if you can’t do a total change over to Invisalign, you might be able to do combination.
While Invisalign will definitely eliminate the problems with food getting stuck because they are removable, don’t expect the switch to eliminate all your problems. Like traditional braces, Invisalign also tugs and stretches your periodontal ligaments, so you will still experience pain and soreness. If you can get through the first couple of days after an adjustment or a new set of trays, the pain will greatly improve. If it seems unbearable, you can take pain relievers like ibuprofen to help.
If you are prone to to canker sores, anything you wear in the mouth will cause recurrent flare-ups. If they last more than two weeks, tell your dentist. You can use the wax provided by your dentist and apply it to the areas of your braces that are cutting into your gums. A few other tips for canker sore relief include:
- Topical analgesics and medicines to cover and promote healing (found in the dental aisle)
- Salt-water rinse a few times a day
- Avoid acidic foods
While it may be difficult, try to focus less on the pain and inconvenience of your quest to beautiful straight teeth and more on the end result – which will leave you with a smile you absolutely love.
This blog post is brought to you by Des Moines cosmetic dentist, Dr. Phelan Thomas. For more information on the services he provides, please visit his Des Moines cosmetic dentist website.