If you're like many adults with misaligned teeth, you probably wish you'd been fitted for braces as a young teen so that you could enjoy a beautiful smile. You may be considering talking with your dental care professional about the possibility of braces but are unsure of whether you want to have metal in your mouth for up to two years. For instance, you may work in a professional position and feel as if braces would make you look like a teenager to colleagues and clients. However, clear aligners such as Invisalign are now available that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams while still presenting the appearance of an adult, and they don't come with the restrictions and complications involved with wearing traditional braces. Following re three things that you need to know about wearing clear aligners. 

You Can Take Them Off

Unlike traditional braces, you can take Invisalign clear aligners off when the occasion calls for it. For optimal results, they should be worn an average of 22 hours per day, but because they can become stained, you should take them off while eating or drinking and when perform routine dental hygiene functions such as brushing and flossing. 

Because you can take them off, clear aligners are at risk of picking up bacteria when you're not wearing them. Make sure that your aligners are properly stored and thoroughly cleaned before you put them back in your mouth. 

You May Have to Limit Certain Beverages

Although Invisalign brace are generally removed during meal times, removing them to enjoy beverages would make them far less effective. Because clear aligners stain when exposed to red wine, coffee, tea, and dark sodas and juices, limiting these beverages will help keep your aligners looking good. It may also help to use a straw when drinking beverages in order to minimize contact with the aligners.

You May Experience Mild Discomfort

Those opting for Invisalign may experience mild discomfort during the first few weeks of wearing them — however, discomfort levels reported by patients using Invisalign are far lower than their counterparts wearing traditional metal braces. Many patients find it helpful to use dental wax to cover any sharp edges as well as to use over-the-counter pain relievers for the first few days. The discomfort shouldn't last for more than a few days, but if it continues after wearing Invisalign for a week, you should contact your dentist or a place like Peterson Family Ortho to rule out any underlying issues with the device.