A state-of-the-art way to straighten teeth, Invisalign® provides optimal results in half the time of traditional braces but without the uncomfortable brackets and painful wire tightening. Sometimes called “invisible braces”, Invisalign has widely been used by adults wanting to correct imperfections or make improvements to their smile without looking similar to their kids! However, now more than ever before, Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular with an additional demographic, and young adults are joining the movement to straighten their teeth without the obvious metal brackets intruding on their appearance. Are you considering getting Invisalign? What can you do to gain the most out of your Invisalign experience?
At DentalWorks – Beachwood, our Orange, OH Invisalign orthodontics dentists now administer this innovative treatment to properly align and straighten teeth without the use of classic braces. So, what can you do to achieve optimal results from your Invisalign investment when trying to beautify your smile? Let’s identify the tips and advice for Invisalign in order to ensure you achieve the best results and a beautiful, new smile!
ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT INVISALIGN
There is no doubt that Invisalign has become increasingly popular over the years, with more and more people trying out “invisible braces” in order to correct and enhance the appearance of their smile. This new treatment to discreetly straighten teeth has even had adults rushing to try it out, and now younger adults and teens are catching onto the “clear braces” movement. The custom trays have the same goal as traditional braces, which is to improve a patient’s smile with straighter teeth but with the added perk of the braces being removable and taking half the time of traditional braces. This popular cosmetic way of improving smiles is catching on, and here is what you may need to know about receiving Invisalign at our Orange, OH facility.
You must wear your trays as directed
The aligners (or trays) that are adjusting your teeth into the correct place will not work appropriately if they’re not worn as recommended. It’s been found that patients who wear their aligners 20 hours or less every day have counterproductive results, plus it prolongs the process. Invisalign is typically easier and much faster to get results (as compared to traditional braces), but patients need to adhere to wearing their customized aligners for at least 22 hours each and every day and a full 48 hours the first two days upon getting new ones for adjustments. Committing to wearing the aligners means that your teeth may straighten out per your treatment schedule and possibly even get done faster than originally expected.
Stay on your treatment process
Complying with your dentist’s instructions is a key part of the Invisalign process. Staying on schedule, for example, when to change out your aligners to new ones and doing them in the right order, will only benefit your smile. Allowing it to work on schedule will ensure that you gain noticeable results quickly. Your dentist will know when it’s time for you to have new trays, much like the adjustments that come with traditional braces, in order to keep the treatment schedule on track and improving the appearance of your teeth. There is also a specific order to follow to keep your teeth or bite moving in the right direction. Being on schedule with your next set of trays in the right order is essential to getting the best results.
Be responsible about your dental hygiene
Dental hygiene and proper care of the aligners or trays are an important part of the Invisalign process. Brushing and flossing after each meal are crucial. Just like with traditional braces, you do not want food or debris sitting on your teeth, which can directly create tooth decay or inflamed gums. With Invisalign, if you do not floss or brush after every meal, then food residue will sit on your teeth once you put your aligners or trays back in, essentially trapping the particles, which can cause decay. Brushing and flossing after you eat is a main factor throughout the Invisalign treatments in order to keep the health of your teeth. Also, between your check-up appointments, where you will get a new set of Invisalign trays, the existing Invisalign trays should also be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. Do not use toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean your trays. This can scratch or damage them, as well as not clean them properly. Cleaning your Invisalign trays regularly keeps them free of stains so that the “invisible braces” stay invisible!
Give yourself time to adjust
Just like with traditional braces, there is an adjustment period for your mouth to get used to these new devices on your teeth. At first, it will feel weird or awkward, and you may experience a little discomfort, but, your mouth will adjust to them. You may also discern a slight change in your speech or a “lisp” when you first start wearing the aligners. It is called the “speech learning curve,” and it can be difficult, but do not get discouraged. It also does not mean that you should take them out during times you want to talk! In order to keep with the 22-hour daily responsibility, keep them in place to practice talking. Your mouth will adjust to the aligners, and your speech will improve so that you no longer realize you even have them on!
Understand that a retainer after treatment is needed
Patients who decide not to wear the retainer after completing the Invisalign process might as well not even start the treatment. Like with traditional braces, you’ll need to wear your retainer at night when you are done with Invisalign. We furnish the first year’s worth of retainers as part of the initial cost. Patients who do not commit to wearing their retainer as they should lose any progress that was made, so wearing your retainer and going to regular follow-up appointments with your dentist is crucial to the post-care protocol.
Invisalign is not an option for everyone
Invisalign is not ideal for everyone. If you have severely crooked teeth or a severe overbite/underbite, traditional braces or dental surgery may be your only options. Invisalign can treat the most common issues like gaps, slight overbites/underbites and some cases of overcrowded teeth; however, it is not always the best alternative for complex orthodontic issues. Consulting with one of the Invisalign orthodontics dentists at DentalWorks – Beachwood is the best first step in deciding if Invisalign is the option for your smile!
BEGIN YOUR INVISALIGN TREATMENT TODAY
If you are contemplating ] cosmetically improving the look of your smile, then Invisalign could be your next step! Invisalign is a perfect alternative for getting a straighter, healthier-looking smile without the attention and maintenance that comes with traditional braces — and in half the time. By following these tips and suggestions, you will receive the results that Invisalign can provide, and no one will notice the devices making it happen! If you want to see if you are a candidate for Invisalign, contact DentalWorks – Beachwood in Orange, OH to set up a free smile consultation today!
