Things You Should Know About Invisalign®

When your teeth are improperly gapped or twisted out of place, it can lead to many oral issues and even impact your self-esteem. Braces were the only option to straighten crooked and close gaps a few years ago. Luckily, now there’s a new solution: clear aligners.

Clear aligners are an “invisible” or transparent system of straightening crooked teeth. Invisalign is one of the most known clear aligners in the market today. If you’re considering Invisalign®, there are a few facts that you should know about the treatment.

Facts about Invisalign

• Invisalign trays are removable

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. You should remove the aligners when drinking or eating anything other than clear water and brushing and flossing. After eating, you must brush and floss before wearing the aligners back. You should clean your Invisalign trays daily.

• Invisible nature

Invisalign aligners are clear. You will get through your treatment without people noticing it or feeling self-conscious about your smile. While traditional braces are still effective, they consist of metal wires and brackets, which are easily seen.

• Wear your aligners as long as possible

For quick and effective treatment, your dentist will instruct you to wear the Invisalign aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. You can only remove them when brushing, flossing, eating, or drinking. The longer you keep them in, the better.

• Quick results

Compared to alternative straightening procedures such as traditional braces, Invisalign delivers results quicker. Most patients claim to see results after only a couple of months. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of the treatment will depend on how long you wear the aligners daily.

• You have to wear new aligners every two weeks

The Invisalign treatment works in phases. Every two weeks or so, you must wear a new set of aligners. The dentist gives them to you, so you don’t have to go to the office to get them. The number of aligners you’ll have will depend on the complexity of your condition.

• Invisalign are custom made

Invisalign aligners are custom-made for your mouth to ensure maximum comfort during the treatment. The dentist takes scans of your mouth and sends them to a dental lab to create your aligners.

• You must wear a retainer

The work doesn’t stop after the treatment. While Invisalign can give you results quickly, you must wear a retainer to ensure the results stay that way. A retainer holds the teeth in the new position, preventing them from shifting back to their initial positions. You will not have to wear a retainer all day like the aligners. Most patients only have to wear them at night every day or a few days a week.

• You may need attachments

Some patients might have buttons as part of their treatment. They consist of small tooth-colored brackets that are adhered to the teeth to add further pressure.

• Invisalign is not ideal for everyone

Invisalign treatment is effective for minor to moderate teeth misalignments. If your teeth are severely crooked, the Invisalign treatment might not be effective- and if it is, it can take a very long time. Large gaps in your smile may not be able to be closed with Invisalign. Traditional braces are ideal for complex cases such as severe malocclusions. Visit a dentist near Westport, CT, to determine whether you are a perfect patient for Invisalign or not.

• Invisalign treatment doesn’t have an age limit

People of all ages can benefit from Invisalign!

• There are no diet restrictions

Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat or drink as long as you remove the aligners first. Also, brush and floss after eating. Eating certain foods can cause the braces to stain or slip out.

• Invisalign improves your oral hygiene

Since Invisalign aligners are removable, your routine dental practices such as brushing and flossing aren’t affected. Traditional braces aren’t removable, meaning that you have to brush and floss around the metal wires and brackets. Regardless of how thorough you are, food particles can still get trapped under the braces, increasing your risk of teeth yellowing, oral infections, and cavities.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in Invisalign clear aligners? Contact Advanced Dental of Westport, CT, to book your FREE appointment today