12
Oct
Straight Talk: 5 Fun and Helpful Questions to Ask Your Invisalign Dentist in West Hartford, Connecticut
Thinking about straightening your teeth but not excited about wearing metal brackets and wires? Invisalign might just be your new best friend. These nearly invisible aligners have revolutionized orthodontics, presenting a discreet and comfortable way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile. At Blue Back Dental, we help patients of all ages achieve the smile they have always wanted—without the hassle of traditional braces.
To make your Invisalign journey even smoother, here are five creative and fun questions to help you learn more about this modern smile solution:
Can I still eat popcorn and chew gum with Invisalign, or are snack attacks off-limits?
Great news for snack lovers—there are no “off-limits” foods with Invisalign. Since you remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water, you can still enjoy popcorn at the movies or chew gum (though we recommend sugar-free varieties). Just make sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in to keep them clean and clear. It’s the freedom of food without the bracket breakage.
Will people even know I’m wearing them, or can I become an undercover smiler?
One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that it is designed to be discreet. The aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic and custom-molded to fit snugly over your teeth. Unless someone is staring into your mouth, they likely won’t notice you’re wearing them. That makes Invisalign perfect for weddings, job interviews, and spontaneous selfies.
What if I forget to wear my aligners for a day—will my teeth stage a rebellion?
Missing one day will not ruin your progress, but consistency is key to staying on track. Invisalign aligners need to be worn at least 20 – 22 hours a day to be effective. If you occasionally slip up, don’t panic; just get back on schedule as soon as possible. The Drs. may advise you to wear that tray for an extra day or two before moving to the next one to keep your treatment plan aligned.
Can I whiten my teeth while doing Invisalign and get the ultimate smile glow-up?
Yes, you can—just be cautious. Whitening your teeth while using Invisalign is possible, but it’s best to discuss options with the Drs. first. Some patients use whitening gel with their aligners (if they’re approved for dual use), while others prefer to wait until after treatment for optimal, even results. Either way, your end goal is a smile that shines.
Do Invisalign trays double as night guards, or is that wishful thinking?
In many cases, yes! If you grind your teeth at night, your Invisalign trays can offer a protective barrier, like a night guard. That said, if you have severe bruxism, we recommend a custom night guard after Invisalign to prevent long-term wear. Invisalign aligners provide both alignment and protection—two benefits in one sleek package.
How can I learn more about Invisalign?
Invisalign is about more than just straightening teeth; it is about upgrading your smile with comfort and convenience. If you’re ready to explore whether Invisalign is right for you in the West Hartford, CT area, our team at Blue Back Dental is here to help. Call (860) 406-5900 to schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a confident, clear-aligner smile.
Dr. Ted WU
Dr. Wu founded Blue Back Dental in 2006 and brings over 20 years of experience to our West Hartford and Avon dental practices. He loves getting to know his patients and then providing them with comfortable dental care in a relaxing and friendly environment. His goal is to show people that going to the dentist can be a positive experience when you’re in the right hands. He can’t wait to meet you and your loved ones, and below, you can learn a little more about him.
Dr. Liz
Dr. Elizabeth Holzhauer (called “Dr. Liz” by our patients) is passionate about providing genuinely caring and quality dentistry in an environment of belonging and purpose. She loves being able to help boost a patient’s self-esteem using cosmetic dentistry. She is grateful to have seen many patients gain confidence through smile transformations over the years through cosmetic dentistry in West Hartford and Avon, and she’s eager to do the same for you.
Dr. Tim
Dr. Tim is grateful for the opportunity to change his patients’ lives by improving their smiles and self-confidence through cosmetic dentistry in West Hartford and Avon. He strives to provide the highest quality care for his patients in a positive environment. It’s always fulfilling seeing a patient light up when they’re finally out of pain or get to look at their renewed smile for the first time. Before you have a chance to meet Dr. Tim in person, you can learn more about his background below.
Dr. Austin
Dr. Austin grew up in Reno, Nevada and attended college at the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Following college, she spent two years doing vaccine research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston before pursuing dentistry.
Dr. Austin graduated cum laude with her dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. After dental school, Dr. Austin continued her education by completing a general practice residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Dr. Meltzer
Dr. Meltzer is a periodontist in West Hartford and Avon who attended the University of Connecticut in Storrs from 1970-1974. He graduated magna cum laude and was accepted for membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor fraternity. He received his DMD degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 1978. Dr. Meltzer attended a residency in Periodontics from 1978-1980 at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where he received his certification in periodontology. He served as Chief Resident from 1979-1980.
Dr. Doherty
Dr. Doherty is originally from New York State. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating magna cum laude with a double major in biology and religious studies. She attended dental school at the University of Connecticut, where she also completed a PhD in biomedical science in the area of skeletal biology and regeneration.
Dr. Javed
Dr. Reja Javed grew up in West Springfield, MA (home of the Big E!) and attended Smith College where she obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Neuroscience. Dr. Javed subsequently graduated with her dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. After dental school, Dr. Javed furthered her education and training in general dentistry by completing a general practice residency at Hartford Hospital.
