Have you recently examined your smile in the mirror, only to find gaps and crooked teeth? You’re not alone.
A stunning smile can improve your mood, lower your stress, communicate positive emotions, and benefit your self-esteem. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with the appearance of their smiles. With Invisalign treatment, you can straighten your teeth, improving your quality of life.
Interested in how Invisalign works? Read on to learn everything you need to know about these effective orthodontic devices today!
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand name of clear aligner trays. A lab will create your aligners using SmartTrack; a clear, flexible thermoplastic material.
The aligner trays aren’t entirely invisible. However, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. You won’t have to feel self-conscious about metal brackets and wires surrounding your teeth.
The Consultation
If you’re curious about Invisalign treatment, schedule a consultation appointment at your Lexington dentist’s office. They can assess your smile to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for clear aligner treatment.
Patients are considered ideal candidates if they have mild to moderate:
- Gapped teeth
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Overcrowding
- Overbites
If you have more extensive issues, your dentist may recommend traditional treatment instead. Traditional metal braces may be more effective at treating your extensive orthodontic issues.
During your consultation appointment, your dentist will create digital scans of your teeth. They can use these scans to show you how your smile will appear after treatment. These images can help you determine if Invisalign treatment aligns with your needs and goals.
The digital X-rays will allow your dentist to fully evaluate your orthodontic issues. They’ll use the images to create a 3D model of your teeth.
Don’t worry; the entire process is painless. They’ll use a handheld wand to scan your teeth and gums. The equipment will ensure your aligner trays are customized based on your needs.
A perfect fit will slowly align your teeth over time.
The Benefits
Crooked teeth are more difficult to thoroughly brush and floss. Without proper oral hygiene, saliva, food particles, and bacteria will linger in your mouth. These components can mix together and form plaque.
Plaque is clear, tacky, and capable of releasing acid. You could develop a cavity if you’re struggling to brush and floss your teeth.
Plaque can develop under your gum line, leading to gum disease. Your teeth could fall out if gum disease progresses to its advanced stage. After losing a tooth, your surrounding teeth will shift toward the gap, causing additional problems.
Gaps between your teeth or crooked teeth can affect your self-esteem. You may start hiding your smile, especially in social settings.
Teeth straightening orthodontic devices like Invisalign can benefit your oral health and appearance. You can straighten your teeth, making it easier to brush, floss, and even chew. Meanwhile, you’ll feel more confident in the appearance of your smile.
As you start smiling more, your body will produce more serotonin. Smiling can boost your mood, making you more approachable and comfortable.
One of the top benefits of Invisalign treatment is its discretion. Unlike treatment with metal braces, it’s not obvious you’re receiving treatment with Invisalign.
Invisalign’s plastic trays are more comfortable than metal brackets and wires. You won’t have to worry about cutting the inside of your mouth.
You won’t need to adjust your diet when you begin treatment. Instead, you can remove your aligners to eat and drink. Choosing Invisalign can offer comfort, ease, and convenience.
Invisalign Treatment
After a lab creates your aligner trays, you’ll need to wear them over your teeth for 20 to 22 hours a day. Neglecting to wear your aligners could delay your treatment plan. Your dentist can provide a specific timeline based on your orthodontic needs.
Based on your plan, you’ll switch your aligners every one or two weeks. Each pair of aligners will bring your teeth further into alignment.
You can remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Don’t eat or drink while wearing your aligners.
Certain foods and beverages contain color dyes, which could stain the plastic. Remember, one of the benefits of Invisalign is its discretion. Staining the clear trays could make it more obvious you’re wearing them.
Damaging your aligners could delay your treatment plan. Hot or cold foods and beverages can warp the plastic, affecting their fit.
After removing your aligners, place them in their container. Don’t place them in a napkin. You could accidentally toss them out with your trash.
Brush and floss your teeth after meals. Otherwise, you could get food particles trapped between your teeth and the aligners. Your risk of developing plaque will increase.
If you can’t brush and floss, rinse your mouth out with water. Rinse your aligners under lukewarm water before putting them back on.
Invisalign treatment isn’t ideal for younger patients who lack self-discipline. You’ll need to wear, care for, and clean your aligners. Remaining diligent can help you accomplish your treatment goals.
After Treatment
At the end of your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will provide you with your final Invisalign retainers. You’ll need to wear your retainers to maintain the results of your treatment. Otherwise, your teeth will shift back to their previous positions.
You should wear your retainers for 22 hours daily during the first six months after your Invisalign treatment. After six months, you may need to only wear it at night for the next six months. However, your dentist will need to evaluate your smile to determine your needs.
12 months after your Invisalign treatment, your jawbone should be stable enough to keep your teeth in their new position. You shouldn’t need to wear your retainer as frequently.
Discover How Invisalign Works Firsthand
Teeth straightening treatment can provide you with the smile you’ve always wanted. Visit your local dentist to discuss how Invisalign works. They can help you determine if treatment is right for you.
At Slone Dental, we’re dedicated to building lasting patient relationships. We’re invested in you and your smile for years to come!
We can help you discover a smile you’ll love for life, with the health and confidence that comes with it. Contact us to discuss beginning your Invisalign treatment!
