Things To Know About Invisalign

Invisalign can be an effective way to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. It can also help you eat better, speak clearly, and even reduce problems like sleep apnea and jaw pain.

Getting Invisalign treatment from a top Invisalign provider is one of the best ways to ensure you get the most out of your treatment.

Aesthetics

Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires to shift teeth, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are virtually invisible. They are therefore a very attractive option for teens and adults who are worried about their appearance while undergoing treatment. They can also achieve a straighter smile in social or professional situations without feeling self conscious.

Invisalign aligners also are easy to clean so that patients can maintain good dental hygiene throughout the treatment. This is important because misaligned tooth can cause pressure points which accelerate the wear of the enamel and lead gum recession. Invisalign corrects these issues and can prevent future restorative dental procedures.

Invisalign begins with a consultation, which includes digital impressions of your teeth. The dentist then develops an individual treatment plan for each patient based on their specific needs. The patient is then given a customized set of clear aligners which they wear throughout the day (except for when they are eating or brushing their teeth). After about two weeks, patients will swap out their current aligners for a new set, and so on until they reach their final results.

Invisalign is able to treat the most common orthodontic issues, such as overbite and underbite. It can also correct crooked or twisted teeth. It can also relieve jaw pain and reduce the stress on temporomandibular (TMJ), which is a great benefit for most patients.

A straighter smile is also more attractive, which can boost self-esteem and confidence. It can help improve speech, which is often a problem with crooked smiles. It can even reduce headaches caused from jaw tension and tight muscle.

Comfort

Invisalign can be a great way to straighten the teeth in a discrete manner. The trays must be worn consistently for them to work. This can be a problem for some people, as they have to remove their trays every time that they want eat or brush. The trays are also uncomfortable at first. Fortunately, this discomfort should subside within a few weeks.

The clear aligners are made of a transparent plastic material tailored to each patient and fit comfortably over the teeth. This allows the treatment to be less noticeable than traditional braces, which have metal brackets and wires that are more visible.

Because of their clarity, the aligners may be a good option for adults who want to correct their smile without the stigma that comes with wearing braces. Straightening your teeth can boost your self-confidence, and reduce the chance of developing a number of oral health issues. These issues include bruxism and TMJ disorder.

The aligners will be placed in the mouth once they are ready. They may need to be adjusted. The trays may feel strange at first because they are more snug than other types of aligners. However, this should subside within a few weeks as the teeth move to their new position. The trays may also cause minor gum sensitivity, especially when switching to a new pair of trays. Patients can take ibuprofen, Advil or other over-the-counter medications to reduce this pain.

Removability

Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are free of BPA to straighten teeth without brackets or wires. The clear aligners are virtually undetectable, so they allow you to carry on with your life while undergoing treatment.

You can remove aligners for special occasions, to eat or brush your teeth, and to floss. When you do remove your aligners, it’s important to do so correctly to prevent the aligners from becoming dislodged and making them more difficult to remove. To remove your aligners, you should start with the back molars and slowly work your way forward. This will give you more leverage to remove a loose aligner from your mouth.

You should also drink lukewarm (not hot) water before removing your aligners. This will help warm up the plastic, making it easier to remove. It’s also important to have dry hands when attempting to remove your aligners, as this can help you get a better grip.

If you don’t want to use your nails, or you don’t have them, you can also use a thick folded paper towel or surgical gloves. Some people find using a thickly folded paper towel, or surgical gloves, helps them get a grip and make it easier to pop their aligners out of the mouth. There are also tools specifically designed for removing Invisalign trays that can be purchased online or at your local orthodontic supply store.

Another option for removing your aligners is to have your orthodontist apply SmartForce attachments to your teeth. These are tiny, almost-invisible buttons that act as handles and give your aligners extra leverage. They also help to apply extra, gentle pressure to the areas of the teeth where they need a bit more assistance. SmartForce attachments will be applied by your orthodontist to your Invisalign aligners at the beginning and removed at completion of treatment.

Maintenance

Invisalign is a more comfortable alternative to dental veneers, which are thin covers that the dentist permanently affixes to teeth. Veneers are not very durable, and they tend to last for only 20 years at most. Invisalign straightens your teeth rather than just covering them.

It is important that patients follow the instructions for wearing their aligners. Insufficient results and delays in treatment can occur if aligners aren’t worn every day.

Invisalign maintenance also includes cleaning the aligners. Rinse the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap, or toothpaste to remove any food particles or residue. To reduce bacteria, it’s recommended that you wash your hands and your mouth before and afterwards when putting your aligners in and taking them out.

When rinsing your aligners, avoid exposing them to hot water because this can warp or alter their fit. It is also important to regularly remove and wash your case in order to eliminate any odors. Also, make sure it dries out completely before you store your aligners. This helps to keep them clear and odour-free, which contributes to a smooth and successful orthodontic journey.

Invisalign trays may become dingy with time. To refresh them, soak them in a solution of warm water and crystals for cleaning (available from your orthodontics). Be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward to remove any remaining chemicals or particles.

Scheduling regular dental appointments and avoiding bad habits such as chewing on pens or gnawing your nails can also be important maintenance practices. Wearing a retainer after your treatment will help you maintain your new smile. Invisalign is an excellent option for those who are self-motivated and willing to take the extra steps necessary to achieve a beautiful, straight smile. With diligent maintenance and proper oral hygiene, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of Invisalign for a lifetime.