If your teeth need straightening, you’re likely considering Invisalign. This clear aligner treatment has won the hearts and minds of patients and dentists worldwide over the last two decades. The aligners are convenient, subtle, and comfortable, so you can easily see why Invisalign is so popular.
It is always important to ask questions and learn as much as possible before receiving any dental treatment. The more informed you are about a treatment, the more likely you’ll make the right decision.
So, what should you know if Invisalign is high on your list of potential treatments?
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Invisalign.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made dental aligners made from clear, patented plastic. These aligners apply slight forces onto your teeth. The force will slowly direct your teeth into perfect positions throughout your treatment.
No. Although Invisalign aligners are made from a translucent material, they are not completely invisible. However, they are very discreet. Because each aligner is made to measure, it will fit your smile perfectly. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing an aligner.
Yes. Invisalign aligners are completely removable. Because your treatment is in stages, you’ll replace them every couple of weeks.
You can remove your aligners when eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. Although it’s okay to remove your aligner for short periods occasionally, you need to wear it for at least 22 hours each day to stick to your treatment plan.
This is one of the most important questions to ask, and we can only really answer it after you visit us for a consultation.
Invisalign is highly effective for treating mild to moderate alignment issues. These include overcrowding and gaps in your smile, crooked teeth, protruding teeth, and various bite problems where your upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly when your mouth is closed.
We suggest a fixed appliance like lingual braces in severe cases where we’d need to move your teeth a greater distance.
We’ll use the latest technology during your consultation to get a comprehensive picture of your smile. Using the information we gather, we can plot your treatment journey and see how Invisalign could help you.
Every treatment is unique, and multiple factors affect its length. The primary consideration is the severity of your misalignment. Mild cases can take around six months, while others may take 18 months or more.
Again, this is a question we can answer at your consultation once we have a full understanding of the current position of your teeth.
Invisalign aligners are made from a comfortable material. You may take time to adjust to your aligner, but it shouldn’t cause lasting pain.
Your aligner is comfortable enough to sleep in, but it’s also essential to do so. Since you need to wear your aligner 22 hours a day, many of these will occur while you sleep.
It’s important to take your aligners out at mealtimes. Eating while wearing your aligner could warp or damage it. Not only this, but your food may also leave stains on your aligner, making it less discreet.
Food particles are also a concern. If food becomes trapped in your aligner, it will be pressed against your teeth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
You should also avoid drinking with your aligner. Hot drinks will warp or stain your aligner, while soft drinks and alcohol can also cause discolouration. You can drink cold, unflavoured water while wearing your aligners.
Cleanliness is a vital consideration when wearing aligners. Because the aligner is pressed against your teeth for very long periods of time, bacteria can easily take up residence and increase the chances of cavities.
Take more time to brush your teeth and floss so your mouth is as clean as possible. It’s worth cleaning your teeth after every meal if possible.
It’s also critical to clean your aligner. Although special aligner cleaning products are available, you can use lukewarm water, soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure you use a separate toothbrush for your aligner.
At the very least, you should clean your aligner every morning and night. If possible, you should also clean it after meals.
Invisalign aligners are made from durable materials, so they rarely break. If you damage or lose your aligner, please let us know immediately.
Although we always say that once it’s time to change to a new aligner, you should follow the treatment plan and stop using the last one, it’s worth holding onto that aligner in case of an emergency.
If you’ve only recently switched aligners, wearing the previous one will at least retain your progress, whereas stopping completely for any length of time could cause your teeth to drift back to their previous position.
We’ll check your progress throughout your treatment to ensure you’re on course for the expected end date. When your treatment ends, you will need to wear a retainer.
A retainer is similar to an aligner. However, instead of moving your teeth, an aligner will help them maintain their position.
It can take time for your teeth to become firmly embedded in their new positions, so wearing a retainer secures your hard work.
We’ll let you know how long you must wear your retainer. Typically, you will wear it less and less as time goes on.
Invisalign is a smile-enhancing treatment that will improve your confidence and give you a brighter future for oral health.
Contact us today to schedule your Invisalign consultation.
