There are many upsides to undergoing Invisalign treatments. Having a revamped smile can feel like you’ve been given a new lease on life. But did you know that a growing number of patients across the country are reporting an unexpected (and highly desirable) side effect?
Some users of clear aligners are reporting weight loss as a result of their orthodontic treatment. Writer George Embiricos described his personal experience for Food Republic. Embiricos reported that he lost 15 pounds over the course of two weeks while using clear aligners, and he didn’t experience heightened cravings or an increased appetite during that time. He even went so far as to describe using Invisalign as the most effective “diet” he’d been on.
So how can his results and those of many like him be explained? Technically, there are no dietary restrictions for patients who undergo Invisalign treatments. That’s one of the benefits of the orthodontic treatment option. What nudges people like Embiricos toward healthier eating habits is the physical structure that allows Invisalign to transform smiles.
Unlike metal braces, clear aligners envelop your teeth with a tight coating of clear material. For Invisalign, this patented material is called SmartTrack. One of the secrets of Invisalign’s success is the fact that the aligners fit incredibly snuggly against your teeth. They fit so closely, in fact, that most people cannot tell that you are even wearing them.
Here’s how this can lead to weight loss for some people. The trays effectively snap on. Removing the trays requires a bit of pressure and the use of both hands. This step may look funny in public, and some people may opt to simply bypass the box of free donuts in the conference room. It’s not that you can’t remove your trays to sneak a snack in here or there. The extra step of removing your clear aligners simply adds one small barrier that can lead to better choices.
In short, you’re more likely to stick to three meals a day (and avoid between-meal snacking) when you have orthodontic trays placed snugly against your teeth. Also, snacking can leave food particles that can build up inside your aligner trays. Invisalign requires that patients wear the aligners for around 22 hours per day, meaning that you have to choose your meal times wisely and thoughtfully. If you’ve been looking for a solution that can make you more mindful of your eating habits, Invisalign just might be one step in that direction.
Your Denver dentist is happy to hear that some people have enjoyed unexpected benefits from using clear aligners. The one proven result that this treatment offers is a more attractive and symmetrical smile. Misaligned teeth are difficult to clean, and the dental problem can cause jaw alignment issues. There are many reasons for undergoing orthodontic treatments, whether you are a teenager or a senior citizen.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today
During your next visit, a member of our dental team will be glad to explain how Invisalign treatments work. Many of our patients have undergone the convenient and discreet orthodontic alternative to metal braces.
While many patients report positive changes in their dietary habits while using the clear aligners, we’re just glad to brighten one more smile in Denver, Colorado. To schedule your next visit with your Denver dentist, contact our office online or call (303) 534-2626.
