Invisalign is a revolutionary teeth straightening treatment that is transforming smiles across the globe. Invisalign uses clear trays to exert gentle pressure on your teeth and shift them into alignment over time. The results of Invisalign FAQ are dependent on patient compliance-patients must wear their aligners for 20-22 hours each day. They can remove their trays for eating and drinking, but they must brush and clean them before reinserting them to prevent bacteria buildup or staining.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Aside from straighter teeth and a healthy mouth, Invisalign has many other benefits. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which can lead to reduced risks of cavities and gum disease.
Invisalign treatment also reduces teeth grinding, known as bruxism. This can cause headaches and may even wear down your tooth’s enamel over time, leaving it vulnerable to decay.
Invisalign is a comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces. Its clear design means that it’s less noticeable in your smile. Plus, it’s usually faster and less expensive than braces. However, the results can vary depending on the complexity of your teeth and bite issues. Moreover, it requires consistent use (apart from when eating or drinking) to be effective. Fortunately, it’s possible to get Invisalign at a lower cost through a dental school.
How long will Invisalign take to work?
Depending on the severity of your tooth misalignment, how well you follow your treatment plan, and whether or not you remove the aligners at all, the length of time it takes to complete Invisalign will vary. The average Invisalign timeline is about 18 months, but this will differ from one patient to another.
To determine if you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign, your dentist will scan and X-ray your teeth and take impressions to create a digital model. This will then be used to create customized clear aligners.
Generally, it is much faster for teens to go through Invisalign than adults because their mouths are still growing and developing. However, the actual treatment process isn’t necessarily determined by age, but by how often you wear your aligners!
Will I need to see my orthodontist more often?
Unlike traditional braces, which require frequent visits to the orthodontist for maintenance, Invisalign is more discreet. However, it still requires regular check-ups to ensure the treatment is on track and working. The frequency of your visits will depend on the severity and complexity of your misalignment.
During your visits, the orthodontist will be able to check that your Invisalign aligners are making progress and fit you with new ones if needed. These appointments are usually short and can be done in between work or school.
If you are thinking about getting Invisalign, make sure that the orthodontist you choose has a lot of experience with this procedure. A dentist that offers Invisalign at a much lower price than others might be inexperienced, which can lead to unsatisfactory results.
Can I eat anything during Invisalign treatment?
It’s a bad idea to eat with your aligners in, because food can get stuck between your teeth and gumline, as well as on or in your clear aligner. Also, if you eat sugary or acidic foods, your aligners can stain.
If you do accidentally eat while wearing your clear aligners, rinse and brush your teeth immediately before putting them back in. Sticky foods like caramel and taffy can pull your aligners out of place or even crack them, so it’s best to avoid them.
In general, it’s best to stick to softer foods like soup, mashed potatoes and yogurt when eating with your clear aligners. This will help you achieve a smoother treatment experience and a beautiful smile. Plus, these foods are healthy and nutritious!
Will I need to get attachments?
Many patients are surprised to learn that even though Invisalign doesn’t use brackets and wires, there are still small buttons of tooth-colored composite known as attachments that must be glued to specific teeth for treatment to be successful. These tiny bumps on the teeth provide a grip for the aligners, which is essential to making sure that there is enough pressure to move the teeth correctly.
These tiny bumps are color-matched to the patient’s own teeth so they are virtually unnoticeable when wearing them. However, it is important to brush and floss around them daily as food particles can gather in between.
The attachments are also removed in a painless process by your dentist using a tool that gently chips away at the composite.