Invisalign is a popular teeth straightening treatment that uses clear aligners to correct various types of tooth problems. Its main advantage over standard braces is that it’s more discreet.
Your dental professional will monitor your progress and advise when it’s time to switch to the next set of trays. They will also address issues that arise during treatment.
Comfortable
Invisalign is a discreet way to straighten teeth without the wires and brackets of traditional braces. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign trays are clear and can be easily slipped in and out of your mouth. Invisalign treatment is also faster and has a better aesthetic than traditional braces.
The first few days of wearing a new set of Invisalign trays may cause discomfort. This is because the trays will be tighter than you’re used to, but this will wear off over the course of a week. You can help reduce discomfort by rinsing the trays in the morning and at night before putting them back in. You can also use a small amount of dental wax to cover any sore spots.
Because Invisalign trays are removable, it’s easy to forget to wear them for the recommended 22 hours each day. This can result in less effective treatment, but you can minimize this risk by following your orthodontist’s instructions on how to wear the trays and when to switch to a new set. This will allow your mouth to adjust to the fit of each new set and will help ensure that you’re getting the most out of your treatment.
Easier to Clean
If you’re wearing wire braces, it can be painful to brush your teeth because food becomes trapped between them. With Invisalign, there are no food restrictions and you can easily remove the aligners before a meal to brush them.
You’ll also find it much easier to keep your aligners clean and free of bacteria if you follow a few simple tips. First, always rinse them when you take them out. A quick swish under lukewarm water can reduce the build-up of food debris and the accompanying odor.
Avoid using toothpaste to clean your aligners, since abrasive ingredients can scratch them and hide bacteria. Clear antibacterial soap works best. You can also soak your aligners in cleaning crystals or denture cleaner if they need a deeper clean.
Try to remember to clean your Invisalign trays once a day, usually at the same time as you brush your teeth. A few minutes of cleaning is all you need to keep your aligners smelling fresh, and they’ll look better too! Keeping your teeth healthy makes your whole mouth healthier. Straight teeth are healthier for your gums, and they help preserve the alveolar bone that anchors them.
More Efficient
Unlike traditional braces that require monthly visits to the dentist for tightening and adjusting, Invisalign can be maintained at home without needing a visit. This means you can spend less time at the orthodontist and more on your day-to-day life.
You also won’t have to deal with food restrictions like with traditional metal braces. Instead, you can simply remove your aligner before eating and brush or floss as usual. This is a big advantage for people who are constantly on the go and don’t have the time to keep making appointments at their orthodontist.
However, if you don’t follow your orthodontist’s instructions and only take out your aligners for meals, they won’t be as effective. You should also make sure to thoroughly clean your trays before and after each use to prevent bacteria buildup, which may cause them to smell or discolour. This will ensure you can get the most out of your treatment. This is especially important to do before and after brushing your teeth or eating. This will remove any food particles that would otherwise be difficult to reach with your toothbrush or floss.
Less Expensive
Invisalign treatment is much less expensive than traditional braces. It also typically takes less time to complete. During an initial consultation, a professional orthodontist can evaluate crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbite and other issues and create a customized treatment plan. This includes bite impressions and photographs of your smile.
The clear aligners used in Invisalign are virtually invisible. They won’t be seen by co-workers, friends or significant others unless they are directly in front of your mouth and they are looking at your smile closely. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about broken brackets which are a frequent occurrence with traditional braces.
Some dental insurance plans do cover the cost of Invisalign, and you may be able to use your flexible spending account or health savings account. Invisalign also offers an interest-free financing option.
Faster
Crooked or overcrowded teeth are more than a cosmetic concern; they can cause problems with oral health, making it difficult to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Invisalign is a more discreet and comfortable option than traditional braces, but it takes commitment and consistency to get the best results.
The biggest challenge with Invisalign is remembering to wear your trays for the recommended 22 hours a day, and properly cleaning them. If you have a habit of leaving your aligners out too often, it can significantly delay the results of your treatment. Invisalign also requires routine visits to the dentist so that the doctor can evaluate progress and ensure that you are getting the straight smile you want.
However, you can make your Invisalign treatment go faster by keeping up with these appointments and by being careful when handling your trays. You should only remove them for eating and drinking, brushing your teeth, and cleaning your mouth. Otherwise, you should leave them in as much as possible to speed up your treatment. If you do need to remove them, be sure to put them back in immediately after.