A unique approach to straighten teeth, Invisalign® offers optimal effects in half the time of metal braces but without the food-trapping brackets and tedious wire tightening. Commonly called “invisible braces”, Invisalign has widely been used by adults wanting to correct imperfections or make slight improvements to their smile without looking similar to their kids! However, now more than ever before, Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular with a different group, and young adults have been joining the movement to align their teeth without the noticeable metal brackets impeding their overall look. Are you considering getting Invisalign? What may you do in order to get the most out of your Invisalign experience?
At DentalWorks – Chicago Loop, our experienced Chicago, IL Invisalign orthodontics dentists now offer this innovative treatment to optimally align and straighten teeth without the use of traditional braces. So, what may you do in order to get the most from your Invisalign investment when seeking to enhance your smile? Let’s take a look at the strategies and recommendations for Invisalign in order to make certain you get the best results along with a beautiful, new smile!
ALL THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT THE INVISALIGN PROCESS
There is no debate that Invisalign has become ever more popular over many years, with an increasing number of individuals trying out “invisible braces” in order to correct and enhance the look of their smile. This new way to discreetly straighten teeth has even had adults hurrying to try it out, and now younger adults and teens are catching onto the “clear braces” movement. The custom-fit trays have exactly the same goal as conventional braces, which is to improve an individual’s smile with more aligned teeth along with the added perk of the braces being removable and taking half the time of standard braces. This popular cosmetic method of improving smiles is catching on, and here is what you need to understand about receiving Invisalign at our Chicago, IL facility.
You should wear your trays as recommended
The aligners (or trays) that are moving your teeth into the proper place will not work correctly if they’re not worn properly. Research has found that individuals who wear their aligners 20 hours or less each day have counterproductive results, plus it lengthens the process. Invisalign is generally easier and much faster to receive results (in comparison with conventional braces), but patients need to commit to wearing their customized aligners for at least 22 hours a day and a full 48 hours the first two days upon acquiring new ones for adjustments. Committing to wearing the aligners means that your teeth will become straighter per your treatment program and possibly even get done faster than initially expected.
Stick to your schedule
Following your dental practitioner’s directions is a key part of the Invisalign process. Remaining on schedule, for example, when to change out your aligners to new ones and doing them in the perfect order, will only benefit your smile. Allowing it to work on schedule will ensure that you get great results quickly. Your dental professional will know when it’s time for you to get new trays, much like the adjustments that come with conventional braces, so as to keep the straightening process on track and improving the look of your teeth. There is also a specific order to follow to keep your teeth or bite going in the ideal direction. Remaining on schedule with your next set of trays in the ideal order is imperative to obtaining the best results.
Take care of your dental hygiene
Dental hygiene and appropriate care of the aligners or trays are a significant part of the Invisalign treatment. Brushing and flossing after each meal are integral. Just like with conventional braces, you do not want food or debris remaining on your teeth, which could directly cause tooth decay or irritated gums. With Invisalign, if you do not floss or brush after every meal, then food residue will remain on your teeth when you place your trays or aligners back in, essentially trapping the particles, which may result in decay. Brushing and flossing after you eat is an important factor throughout the Invisalign treatments so as to maintain the health of your mouth. Also, between your check-up appointments, where you will receive a new set of Invisalign trays, the present 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 effectively. Washing your Invisalign trays frequently keeps them clear of discoloration so that the “invisible braces” stay invisible!
Allow yourself time to adjust
Just like with conventional braces, there is an adjustment period for your teeth to get accustomed to these new appliances on your teeth. In the beginning, it will feel strange or awkward, and you may encounter a little discomfort, but eventually, your mouth will adapt to them. You could also notice a slight shift in your speech or a “lisp” once you first start wearing the trays. It is called the “speech learning curve,” and it may be difficult, but do not get frustrated. Additionally, it does not mean that you need to take them out when you would like to talk! To be able to stay with the 22-hour daily commitment, keep them in place to practice talking. Your mouth will adapt to the aligners, and your speech will enhance so that you no longer recognize you even have them on!
Understand that a retainer after treatment is necessary
Those who won’t wear the retainer after finishing the Invisalign process might as well not even start the treatment. Like with conventional braces, you’ll need to put in your retainer at night when you are done with Invisalign. We provide the first year’s worth of retainers as part of the initial cost. Patients who do not stick to wearing their retainer consistently lose any progress that was made, so wearing your retainer and going to regular follow-up appointments with your dental professional is important to the post-care instructions.
Invisalign treatment is not ideal for everyone
Invisalign is not ideal for everybody. If you have severely misaligned teeth or a serious underbite/overbite, traditional braces or dental surgery could be your only alternatives. Invisalign can take care of the most common issues like gaps, slight overbites/underbites and some cases of overcrowded teeth; however, it is not always the most suitable choice for more complicated orthodontic troubles. Consulting with one of the Invisalign orthodontics dentists at DentalWorks – Chicago Loop is the very best first step in determining if Invisalign is the right choice for your smile!
START YOUR INVISALIGN THERAPY TODAY
If you are interested in ] aesthetically enhancing the look of your smile, then Invisalign may be your first step! Invisalign is an excellent option for getting a more aligned, healthier-looking smile without the attention and maintenance that comes with conventional braces — and in half the time. By sticking to these strategies and suggestions, you will notice the results that Invisalign can produce, and nobody will notice the appliances making it happen! If you want to find out if you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign, contact DentalWorks – Chicago Loop in Chicago, IL to reserve a free smile consultation today!
