Are your teeth excessively gapped, crooked and have an incorrect bite?
Restructuring your teeth to a more appealing look gives a better smile and builds on self-esteem and confidence.
On top of that, did you know that Orthodontics not only gives you a better appearance but also helps to boost your hygiene?
Misaligned teeth can be harder to clean, bring chewing problems, lead to gum disease and tooth decay, and may also cause digestion problems.
They could also cause abnormal teeth to wear and interfere with the speaking pattern.
A dentist with Invisalign orthodontics can help to straighten your teeth without the use of traditional metal braces.
The process uses a clear set of removable aligners to straighten the teeth.
To determine teeth movement during the treatment process, a dentist uses 3D imaging technology to give you a preview of your new smile before taking the treatment.
How long does the Invisalign treatment take to start showing results?
After the treatment, you are already on your way to a better smile.
The time it takes to show results is dependent on several factors.
How fast teeth get into alignment can be based on the shape of the jaw, genetics, your diet, the condition of your gums, and your health condition before treatment.
According to research, the rate and manner of recovery vary in every individual.
However, there is a window period; in most cases, you can notice teeth movement within the first two weeks of having your first set of aligner trays.
It may take anywhere between 7 to 12 months for the teeth to move to the aligned positions.
You should, however, have started to see results at least in 6 months.
If you can not see any progress, consult your dentist to check on your progress.
How do you maintain the aligners?
One major benefit that Invisalign has over its alternatives is removability.
When drinking eating or brushing your teeth, the aligners are removable.
- To maintain good oral hygiene, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. This is easier as there are no brackets and wires on the way.
To avoid being stranded when away from home, keep the travel size kit and aligner case with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a string of floss handy every time.
- Every time the aligners are removed, rinse them with a cleaning solution or a denture cleaner for at least half an hour every day.
If the cleaning solution is not available, you can clean the aligners with clear anti-bacterial soap.
Always consult with your dentist on the best cleaning solution.
It is also important to note that compliance with treatment makes it quicker.
Wear the aligners at least 20 hours a day. Only remove them when eating, brushing your teeth or cleaning them.
What’s next after the Invisalign treatment is over?
After approximately a year, give or take, the aligners have aligned your teeth and created the smile you envisioned.
The teeth will most likely be aligned as per the 3D image shown by the dentist.
However, the journey is not over since the teeth need to stay in their new locations.
It is therefore vital to wear retainers to help the teeth remain in their new position.
With the help of your dentist, retainers help to stabilize the teeth around the new bone structure they have been introduced to.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
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Better appearance
With metal braces being an equally effective way to straighten teeth, Braces come with wires and metal brackets that are not appealing.
This may, in turn, result in low self-esteem and a ‘non-appealing’ look.
The metal braces may also be challenging to clean with food particles, candy, and beverage particles getting caught between the brackets.
The aligners are clear braces and are very rare to note when one is wearing them.
Furthermore, even if they are spotted, they look appealing and give your face a natural, beautiful look.
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They are removable and more comfortable
Invisalign alternatives like metal braces are attached to the teeth by a dentist and at the same time, can only be removed by a dentist.
On the other hand, the aligners do not need a dentist to remove them.
When cleaning the aligners, when eating, and brushing your teeth, you can remove the aligners yourself and fit them back in.
However, so as not to interfere with the treatment process, remove them occasionally with the advice of a dentist.
Invisalign also offers more comfort than metal braces.
Traditional metal braces can easily scratch and irritate the mouth due to the wires and metals that support them.
This can get worse if there are decaying teeth in your mouth.
Invisalign braces have no sharp protrusions and edge making them comfortable, smooth and custom fit for your mouth.
Metal braces also pose damaging effects to the teeth due to the great force they use to align the teeth.
Invisalign braces do not pose any damaging effects to the teeth.
However, a dentist will need to advise you on the best method of aligning your teeth.
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A shorter treatment time
Traditional metal braces can take about 3 to 5 years to achieve treatment. However, Invisalign braces will most likely give the same results in at most 1.5 years.
Despite the aligners being slightly expensive, they are cheaper in the long run due to the short treatment time making them a worthwhile investment.
Frequently asked questions about Invisalign
Will the aligners affect how I talk?
During the first days of treatment, you may experience a small lisp as your tongue adjusts to the new aligners in your mouth.
Despite the lisp, normal speech should resume within days after the tongue fully adjusts and gets used.
If the speech takes a longer time to return to normal, consult with your dentist.
How will smoking affect my aligners?
Smoking is discouraged when using the aligners; this is because the soot can easily stain the Invisalign braces and thereby tampering with the good look.
Can chewing gum affect my aligners?
Yes, it is highly recommended to remove the aligners when taking chewing gum, or any meal to avoid sticking of any particles.
I was on transit far from home and forgot my aligners, what are the consequences?
If the trip were for a short while, the aligners would still fit, and treatment will proceed.
However, if the trip was for an extended period and the aligners have some discomfort, consult with a dentist.
Conclusively, treatment with Invisalign just like any other treatment needs regular appointments with a dentist.
Always ensure that your dentist is aware of any changes you may be facing to ensure that the treatment is advancing as it should be.