As long as you're appropriately vigilant about your health, there isn't much that your diabetes can prevent you from doing. If your orthodontic problem is best solved by using Invisalign, your diabetes won't stop that from happening. But it can easily be that some extra vigilance is needed. This might be slightly puzzling. How can a medical condition such as diabetes impact Invisalign braces and their effectiveness?

Diabetes and Invisalign

Your diabetes often doesn't play a significant role in determining the best orthodontic solution to your particular issue. Invisalign, which is a series of thermoplastic aligners manufactured specifically for your teeth, is ideal for mild to moderate forms of dental overcrowding and general misalignment. More extensive problems generally mean that traditional dental braces are the best choice. But your diabetes must be accounted for throughout your Invisalign treatment.

Dry Mouth

The biggest concern is that your mouth can become too dry. This can be traced back to your diabetes. In addition to general dehydration, elevated blood glucose levels can lead to hyperglycemia, which can impede saliva production. Any medications you may be taking to manage your diabetes can also contribute to the dryness in your mouth. Prolonged dryness in the mouth can be a problem with Invisalign.

Reduced Saliva Production

Saliva effectively neutralizes cariogenic bacteria (microorganisms that can erode dental enamel and cause cavities). Reduced saliva can increase your risk of cavities. As a diabetic, your teeth need extra protection. How can you protect your teeth during your Invisalign treatment?

Maintaining Healthy Saliva Levels

It's always important to stay hydrated. However, as a diabetic undergoing Invisalign treatment, it becomes critical. Be sure to drink an appropriate amount of water each day. Sugar-free chewing gum and lozenges are ideal for stimulating saliva production, but they are not compatible with your Invisalign. Hard candies can damage the thermoplastic, and chewing gum can easily dislodge your aligner trays. It can be helpful to enjoy some sugar-free gum or lozenges after eating, but before you re-insert your trays (as long as you're still wearing your trays for the recommended number of hours each day). These measures should be sufficient for maintaining a healthy level of saliva. Prescription medication to stimulate saliva production is also available if the problem should become severe enough to warrant it.

Invisalign is perfectly suitable for someone with diabetes. That being said, you must make sure that any dry mouth issues don't impede your treatment, or otherwise affect your oral health. Keep these tips in mind when looking for Invisalign services near you.