Can You Kiss With Invisalign?

It is a fair question, and one people are often too embarrassed to ask at the practice. The short answer is yes — you can kiss while wearing Invisalign, and most people find it makes very little difference. Here is why, along with a few practical notes on wearing and looking after your aligners.

Understanding The Invisalign Aligner

Invisalign is one of two clear aligner systems we provide at Helix Dental, alongside Angel Aligners. Clear aligners are custom-made trays of smooth, transparent thermoplastic that fit closely over your teeth. Each tray applies gentle pressure that moves particular teeth a small distance, and you move to the next tray in the series after a week or two as directed by your dentist. Because they are moulded from a scan of your own teeth, they sit flush against the tooth surface rather than standing proud of it.

Kissing While Wearing Invisalign

Nothing about wearing aligners rules out kissing. A few reasons it tends to be less of an issue than people expect:

• They are discreet. Clear plastic that follows the shape of your teeth is far less noticeable than metal brackets and wires.
• They are smooth. There are no sharp edges or protruding components to catch on lips.
• There is an adjustment period. Aligners feel bulky for the first few days and may affect your speech slightly. That usually settles quickly as your tongue adapts.
• They can come out briefly. Aligners are removable, so you can take them out for a short period if you would rather. Keep them in their case, not in a napkin, and put them straight back in.

Worth knowing: aligners are meant to be worn for most of the day and overnight, and only taken out to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to clean your teeth. Occasional short breaks are fine. Frequent long ones slow treatment down and can mean the next tray no longer fits as planned.

Looking After Your Invisalign Aligners

An aligner holds whatever is in your mouth against your enamel, so cleaning matters more than usual while you are in treatment.

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth, and always brush before putting the aligners back in.
• Rinse the aligners whenever they come out, and brush them gently with a soft brush and cool water — hot water can warp them.
• Drink only water while wearing them. Sugary or acidic drinks risk both staining the trays and decay underneath them.
• Stay hydrated. Aligners can leave your mouth feeling dry, and saliva is your natural defence against decay and bad breath.
• Keep your review appointments so your dentist can check the teeth are tracking to plan and hand over the next stage.

How Long Does The Invisalign Treatment Take?

It depends on how far your teeth need to move. Mild crowding or spacing is quicker to resolve than a bite correction, and your dentist will estimate your own case after assessing your teeth. Wear time is the part you control — aligners only work while they are in. Once the teeth are in their new position, retainers are needed to hold them there, because teeth tend to drift back without them.

Clear Aligners at Helix Dental

Helix Dental provides clear aligner treatment with Invisalign and Angel Aligners from 2/299 Rio Vista Blvd, Mermaid Waters. Before aligner treatment starts, your dentist will check that your teeth and gums are healthy as part of a general dental examination, and explain what aligners can and cannot achieve in your case.

One thing aligners do not do is change the colour of your teeth. If shade is a concern for you, ask about teeth whitening as a separate conversation. To arrange a consultation, call the practice on 07 5572 8969.