Things to Know About Invisalign
Misaligned teeth are unattractive and a confidence buster. But, more than that, overcrowded and dispositioned teeth can affect your teeth. They make it hard for your to brush your teeth properly. Fixing your bite and teeth position is important to your dental health.
Although traditional braces have been the treatment of choice for a while, they are not the only orthodontic treatment. Invisalign® aligners work the same as the metal braces, but invisible and convenient to use.
Before you decide to visit a dentist near you for Invisalign treatment, here are five things you should know.
1.They Are Virtually Invisible
Invisalign aligners are made of a thermoplastic material that is clear and gentle on your gums and teeth. Unlike the traditional braces that cause discomfort, you can wear these aligners the whole day without any discomfort.
Although the aligners come with attachments, they do not affect the look of the braces. They hold them in place for better treatment results.
2.The Treatment Duration is Shorter than Most Braces
While you are required to remove the braces, the treatment still is relatively shorter than the traditional braces. This is probably because Invisalign aligners are used to treat mild to moderate malocclusion.
People who use Invisalign have reported positive results in six months. However, on average the treatment lasts for about 18 months depending on the severity of the problem.
3.The Treatment is Done in Phases
Invisalign treatment in Phoenix, AZ, is done in two phases.
- Mapping and examination
Before Invisalign treatment is started, our dentist in Phoenix, AZ, will first do a comprehensive dental assessment. The primary purpose of this step is to examine your bone structure and determine your eligibility for the Invisalign treatment. The dentist will use modern dental equipment and a 3D scanner to get a precise view of the jaw and dental structure. The amount of pressure to be applied on the teeth and the duration of the treatment is determined using the software.
The dentist will then show you an image of the expected result, and if you are satisfied with the results, the 3D scan is sent to the lab to create the Invisalign aligners.
- The treatment phase
You’ll receive a set of aligners that are to be worn for 22 hours every day, 14 days a set. It takes about two weeks for the teeth to shift to a new position.
During the treatment, you will need to visit the dentist every six to eight weeks. This visit allows the dentist to monitor the treatment and make adjustments when needed.
You need to wear the aligners for a specified number of hours (as advised by the dentist) for the treatment to be successful. You can only remove them when brushing or eating.
4.You, Will, Need Retainers
After the treatment is done, the dentist may recommend a retainer. This is a device that helps to hold the teeth in position. Without it, the teeth will revert to the old position. You will need to wear the retainer for 24 hours a day in the initial stages, and only at night after that. But don’t worry, the dentist will give you instructions for wearing them.
5.It Does Not Interfere with Your Lifestyle
Invisalign braces are convenient and easy to use. They allow you to eat what you want, as long as you remove the aligners when you are doing so.
6.Hygiene is Paramount
Wearing aligners requires discipline to maintain them. Hygiene plays an important role in how to lengthen the durability of the aligners.
- Remove the braces when eating or drinking to keep them from staining.
- Clean the brush daily when you are brushing. Avoid using a hard toothbrush or toothpaste when cleaning the aligners.
- Rinse the aligners and mouth before wearing them. Do not use hot water when rinsing the aligners.
- Keep them moist at all times by keeping putting them in the water when you are not wearing them.
- Visit the dentist every six weeks for assessment.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit All Smiles Dental Care for more information on Invisalign treatment, how it’s done, and the duration of the treatment.