Invisalign aligners are wonderful for patients who want an alternative to braces in 2020. They are clear making them appear invisible to the eye and they make your daily oral hygiene routine rather simple since they can be removed for brushing and flossing. While these aligners are a great treatment option for various individuals, some patients may express negative effects such as a dry mouth when wearing aligners.
Dry mouth is also referred to as xerostomia, a condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Dry mouth can be caused by several reasons such as certain orthodontic appliances, stress, medications, certain foods, sleeping with your mouth open and more. Having a persistent dry mouth may make it difficult to chew, swallow or even speak.
As a matter of fact, dry mouth also increases risk for tooth decay or fungal infections. Saliva is essential to keeping the mouth healthy due to the properties it holds. Without adequate saliva production, acids cannot be properly neutralized which is what helps to fight against tooth decay, and bacterial, viral or fungal threats.
For patients who may experience a dry mouth after receiving their Invisalign aligners, it is most likely because your mouth recognizes your aligners as a foreign object. As a result, this may cause the gums or the mouth to swell slightly, decreasing saliva production. To fix a dry mouth, try to drink a lot of water— The more you drink the better. This will allow the mouth to become moistened and should alleviate any discomfort caused by the dry mouth. Your dry mouth should subside once your mouth properly adjusts to the new Invisalign aligners.
If you continue to experience prolonged dry mouth, it may be in your best interest to consult with the best Pensacola orthodontist first.. Dr. Clay Sims will be able to review your symptoms and provide suggestions to help cure any discomfort you may be having with dry mouth.
Many of our patients have stated they like to sleep with a fan on their face. If you are one of these types of individuals, you can expect to wake up with dry mouth on a consistent basis. Think about it, you have a steady stream of air blowing on your face and likely into your mouth for up to eight or nine hours. It stands to reason that it is going to dry your mouth out.
If you find discomfort in having dry mouth with you Invisalign aligners, consider adjusting your normal sleep pattern to have an overhead fan on rather than a fan on your face.
Contact Us
If seem to be experiencing prolonged dry mouth with your Invisalign and need to find a solution, Sims Orthodontics would love to schedule you! Dr. Sims, the best Pensacola orthodontist will perform an evaluation to find the root of your problems.
At Sims Orthodontics, the best orthodontics practice for children and adults, it is part of our mission to help create a healthier smile. Therefore, we love all of our new and returning patients in our offices. For your convenience we have offices in Pensacola, Crestview, and Gulf Breeze, Florida.
