If you are interested in getting straighter teeth but you don’t want the inconvenience or the discomfort of wearing metal braces then Invisalign may present a great alternative. With Invisalign, you can avoid much of the inconvenience and embarrassment over wearing metal brackets that you would get with traditional braces.
Invisalign uses translucent aligners that are nearly invisible to slowly move your teeth into the correct position. No metal is used and each aligner is made to fit in your mouth. The way that it works is through a series of trays that gradually shift the teeth into their proper place. Each tray is incrementally straighter than the previous one often by about 0.25 mm each. Every two weeks you are given a new set of aligners. Over time your teeth will move into their ideal place.
It’s as simple as just inserting the tray! You can forget about those old days of having to wear uncomfortable and ugly brackets. With Invisalign aligners, you can get a clear and hardly noticeable smile straightening solution. This makes them a great option for adults and teens want to straighten their smile without drawing attention to it.
Three Steps To A New Smile
Invisalign aligners have three simple steps in the process of getting your new smile.
The first step is to meet with your doctor and to get a preview of your new smile. Your doctor will use a special scanner and take a fast and precise 3D scan of your mouth. This will help them map out a treatment plan that is customized to you and your needs. You can also take a smile assessment on the Invisalign website so you can see if Invisalign is the right option for your needs.
This step is key and setting yourself up for a successful straight smile. Your dentist will ensure that your aligners are fitting well and they will help answer any questions and give you an overview of the treatment.
The next step begins with you wearing your aligners and having regular check-ins with your dentist. You need to continue this routine uninterrupted until the treatment has been completed. Depending on how complex the situation is, the Invisalign aligners could transform your mouth in as little as six months but you can expect to see results within a few weeks.
Finally, you need to maintain your smile with good oral hygiene and potentially with the help of a retainer. This will help you ensure that your smile shines for many years to come. Invisalign offers its own brand of a retainer but you can always work with your dentist to see what options best work for you.
Be sure that you’re seeing a dentist or orthodontist that is trained in Invisalign products. These specialists need to attend a series of instructional sessions and continue with ongoing training. Because of the deep knowledge that is required to successfully treat patients using Invisalign, it’s important to see a trained specialist like those at Upland Dental Group & Implant Center.
What Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign is able to fix a number of different dental problems. This is what makes it so special. You can fix things from gaps in the teeth to over or underbites to teeth crowding and more. Your dentist will create a special Invisalign aligner that is custom fit to your mouth.
Getting your smile to be straight and aligned is not only good for your confidence and for aesthetic reasons but also for your health. Gaps in teeth can leave the gums unprotected and this can lead to or worsen periodontal disease. Overbites and underbites can lead to stress on the jaw and the jaw bone which can lead to joint problems. Overcrowded teeth can lead to plaque accumulation which makes it more difficult to maintain the teeth. This can also lead to more cavities.
Invisalign is designed to address all of these issues so you’re able to have the best oral health that you possibly can.
How Long Does Invisalign Take To Work?
The average adult will take about 12 months or so for the treatment to be completed. This, of course, varies depending on the complexity of this case. Teens may have a more complex and variable timeline as they are still growing.
All patients will work closely with their dentists to develop a treatment plan that is customized to their individual needs.
Sometimes the dentist will use small attachments to help get you the perfect smile. These are tooth-colored bumps that can be placed on the teeth in order to help the aligner stay in place and create the desired movement.
Can I Eat My Favorite Foods With Invisalign?
You will remove your Invisalign aligner while eating. This means that you can go about your regular routine without much of an inconvenience. Just simply remove them in the morning and in the evening to clean them. Cleaning is as simple as brushing them like you brush your teeth.
When you eat, you want to be sure to remove your aligners. This means you never have to worry about food being stuck in wires or metal brackets. Invisalign can actually help keep your teeth cleaner than they would be with traditional braces as you’re able to maintain a normal oral health routine.
For any athletes, you can remove your Invisalign and wear a mouthguard while participating in sports. Just be sure to replace them after the game has finished.
Another fantastic feature of the Invisalign system is that you can actually see the progress of your smile as it occurs. You never have to wonder how your teeth will look when the plan is finished!
What’s more, is that your mouth won’t be irritated by the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. You don’t have to apply any kind of wax to the braces to prevent them from scratching and cutting and causing bleeding on the inside of your cheeks. The first few days of each treatment stage may be a little uncomfortable but Invisalign is a far easier choice to deal with. This discomfort is often described as a kind of pressure. It subsides after a few days.
What Happens After Treatment?
When you have completed the Invisalign treatment your doctor will likely recommend that you wear a retainer. This is similar to what would happen if you were to get traditional braces. Retainers are needed to keep the teeth in place after the treatment. You will also need to maintain good oral health.
This means brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Be sure to follow any further recommendations made by your dentist or orthodontist following your treatment.
If you think Invisalign aligners are for you, and you live in Upland, CA, give the Upland Dental Group & Implant Center a call for your consultation at (909) 985-1966. Our expert team will be more than happy to answer your questions.
