Although straightening your teeth sounds good, you might not be able to use standard braces. If you're seeking a more discreet way to get the smile you've always wanted, Invisalign could be the answer. By offering an almost undetectable substitute for braces, these well-liked clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontics. From the first appointment to life after treatment, your dentist will guide you through the whole Invisalign process.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Most people make excellent candidates for Invisalign. The most common reasons for Invisalign include patients experiencing:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowded Teeth (not enough space in your jaw for teeth to fit properly).
- Overbite (when the upper and lower front teeth overlap).
- An underbite (occurs when the lower front teeth jut out past the upper front teeth).
- Crossbite (occurs when certain upper teeth are positioned within rather than outside of lower teeth).
- Open Bite (when the mouth is closed and the upper and lower teeth do not contact).
Your First Steps: Consultation & Custom Treatment Plan
The first step in your journey is an initial consultation. Your Invisalign dentist will examine your teeth and bite in detail and talk with you about your smile goals. To design your specific dental plan, they will perform a highly accurate 3D digital scan, allowing you to see a preview of your final outcomes before you begin.
Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners
When your custom aligners are available, you will receive many sets at once. Here's what to expect in your daily life.
- Wearing time. To achieve the best outcomes, patients wear the clear aligners for 20-22 hours. You only take them out to eat, drink, brush, or floss.
- Aligner change. Every one to two weeks, you will switch to a new set of aligners as directed by your dentist. Your teeth will be gently and gradually moved into their correct positions with each new set.
- Comfort. Most patients find the aligners more comfortable than traditional braces since they are made of smooth, flexible plastic. You may experience some initial pressure or discomfort with each new pair.
Eating, Drinking & Cleaning with Invisalign
One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign is the independence it provides. Unlike braces, there are no dietary restrictions. Your dentist may recommend the following for eating and drinking with clear aligners:
- Eating and drinking. Simply remove your aligners before consuming anything other than water. This avoids food from becoming stuck and staining or harming the aligners.
- Cleaning. Brush your aligners gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them in lukewarm water after each brushing. Avoid cleaning your aligners with hot water.
- Oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are vital for maintaining good dental hygiene. This keeps food and plaque from becoming caught between your teeth and the aligner, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Invisalign for Teens vs. Adults
Invisalign is an excellent choice for patients of any age. Invisalign for teens contains a few useful features, such as compliance indications, which are small blue dots that fade with wear and help parents and dentists ensure the aligners are worn for the required duration of time. It also includes extra replacement aligners in case one is lost.
Adults who want to straighten their teeth in social and professional contexts find Invisalign appealing due to its discreet appearance. Detachable aligners' adaptability fits in well with an active adult lifestyle.
Staying on Track: Follow-Up Appointments & Adjustments
Your dentist will inspect your clear aligners every six to eight weeks. These visits are quick and simple. They will assess your progress and provide you with your next set of aligners. These appointments are critical to ensuring your treatment is effective.
Life After Invisalign: What Comes Next
Congratulations! Your Invisalign treatment is now complete. By wearing a retainer, you can prevent your teeth from moving and preserve your gorgeous new smile. To guarantee a perfect fit, your dentist could provide custom-made retainers. Before switching to overnight use, patients should wear the retainer full-time.