Embarrassing Effects of Wearing Clear Aligners & What to Do About Them
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, give patients an ideal way to explore orthodontia without the clunky gear of traditional metal braces. However, despite their many benefits, there are some embarrassing effects of wearing clear aligners. Luckily, there are ways to evade embarrassment during your clear aligner journey.
Don’t let the temporary embarrassing effects of wearing clear aligners keep you from building your dream smile. Talk to Dr. Wint Tun at Harmony Orthodontics about ways to discreetly straighten your smile today. Reach our Tomball, TX, orthodontist at (832) 699-3683 for appointments and more!
Understanding the embarrassing effects of wearing clear aligners and knowing how to manage them can help make the aligner experience more comfortable and less stressful. So, in today’s post, we get real about clear aligner side effects and offer ways to cope with less-than-ideal situations.
Speech Difficulties
One embarrassing side effect of wearing clear aligners is a temporary lisp or other speech impediments when first starting aligner therapy or switching to a new set of aligners. This happens because the aligners change the way your tongue interacts with the roof of your mouth.
To mitigate this, practice speaking out loud as much as possible. Reading aloud or having conversations can help your tongue adjust to the aligners more quickly.
Increased Saliva Production
The presence of aligners in your mouth can stimulate your salivary glands, leading to increased saliva production. This might result in more frequent swallowing or even occasional drooling, especially during the initial adjustment period.
While this can be embarrassing, the body typically adjusts within a few days to a week.
Bad Breath
Aligners can collect loads of bacteria, leading to bad breath, especially if cleaned improperly. This can be one of the more embarrassing side effects of wearing clear aligners, especially in close-contact situations.
To prevent this, maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Clean your teeth thoroughly (that means brushing and flossing) after every meal before reinserting your aligners, and cleanse aligners often to rid them of odor-causing microbes.
Removing Aligners
Taking out your aligners before eating can sometimes be awkward and might produce a noticeable “pop” sound along with strings of saliva, which can draw unwanted attention.
To minimize this, practice removing your aligners discreetly. Using both hands and removing them slowly can help reduce noise. If you’re self-conscious, try excusing yourself to a restroom or a less crowded area to remove them.
Mouth Irritation
Mouth irritation, particularly tongue irritation, is a commonly reported side effect of clear aligner therapy. This can be distracting and uncomfortable.
To alleviate this, use orthodontic wax to cover any rough edges on the aligners and over-the-counter oral gels to soothe any sore spots.
Frequent Oral Care
The need to brush and floss after every meal before reinserting aligners can be inconvenient and might not always be possible in public or busy settings.
Carrying a portable dental kit can make this easier. If you can’t brush and floss immediately, rinse your mouth and aligners with water as a temporary solution until you can properly clean them.
Learn More About Clear Aligners in Tomball, TX
While there are some potentially embarrassing effects of wearing clear aligners, their benefits far outweigh any temporary awkwardness. If you’re ready to explore Invisalign or other orthodontic solutions, contact Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX.
Getting started is simple – request a consultation here or call Dr. Wint Tun at (832) 699-3683 to reserve an appointment.