If you ever dreamed about an orthodontic treatment that could align your teeth conveniently and comfortably, we have good news! It is no longer a dream because Invisalign treatment is already happening. You can say goodbye to the metal appliances and dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces.
Clear aligners represent a modern solution for old problems, like misaligned bites, crooked teeth, and overcrowded teeth. In addition, you can discreetly address all of these dental issues. Yes, Invisalign is almost invisible due to the transparent material they use in their aligners.
Now, you might be thinking that this is too good to be true, but there’s more! Clear aligners are also removable, allowing you to take them off on a special occasion or just to enjoy your favorite foods.
In essence, Invisalign treatment offers patients of different ages all of the benefits we mentioned before. There is no doubt why teenagers and grown-ups ask for this treatment option to begin their orthodontic journey.
Although Invisalign treatment can manage different issues, there are more severe cases that can benefit from the use of traditional metal braces. You must consult with an experienced orthodontist if you are eligible for clear aligners.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign treatment has the ability to gradually move teeth into their proper positions using a series of clear aligner trays. These trays are transparent, comfortable, and customized for each patient’s dental structure.
But how do these aligners work? Well, Invisalign uses controlled force to transform a smile. Each set of aligners exerts gentle pressure on specific teeth, slowly adjusting them into their new positions. The goal is that the patient smoothly transitions from one series of aligners to the next while the teeth respond to force distribution.
Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Absolutely! Invisalign is a popular choice of orthodontic treatment due to its effectiveness in correcting all kinds of malocclusions.
Clear aligner’s popularity is increasing, not only in the United States but in the whole world. You could even get similar results to traditional braces in a shorter time. Of course, this depends on your specific case and its complexity.
It is important to remember that Invisalign works better for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as aligning the jaws, fixing crowded teeth, and closing gaps between teeth. On the other hand, complex cases may still require traditional braces.
How Long Does One Have To Wear Invisalign?
The duration of treatment depends on several factors, which might include the severity of the orthodontic problems that it needs to address and the patient’s compliance. On average, the duration of treatment goes from 12 to 18 months. There are cases where patients can complete their treatment in 6 six months, while more complex situations may take longer, like a couple of years.
Although the time of treatment varies based on the complexity of the case, some patients might start seeing small changes within a few months. In addition, Invisalign can sometimes provide faster results if you compare it to traditional braces.
To get more detailed information about the duration of treatment with clear aligners, you should consult with a dental professional, who will explain the process step by step.
What to Expect From the Invisalign Process?
Invisalign treatment is an easy and effective process to achieve a perfect smile. Even though clear aligners offer several benefits, you will need to make some efforts and compromises. For instance, you will have the responsibility of attending regular appointments with your orthodontist.
Initial Consultation:
On your first meeting, the orthodontist is going to ask you a few questions about your expectations and dental goals. The next step is to evaluate your dental situation in order to determine if you can benefit from the Invisalign treatment.
3D Scanning:
Once they determine if clear aligners are the best course of action, they will create a 3D model of your denture. In order to design the model of your mouth, they will use intraoral scanning, which captures a detailed image of your whole mouth, including teeth and gums. This technology is better than the traditional impressions involving molds because it helps create a precise representation of your dental structure.
Fitting and Wearing the Aligners:
After the examination process, your orthodontist will create a treatment plan that adjusts to your specific needs. Once your aligners are ready, you can start with your treatment. The orthodontist will provide your set of aligners; these are designed to make small adjustments to the alignment of your teeth.
Every two weeks, you should receive a new series of aligners, depending on your orthodontist’s observations. Remember that the recommended time for wearing your aligners is 20 to 22 hours per day. This gives you a couple of hours to eat, drink, and clean your teeth.
Transitioning to a Retainer:
After you finish wearing all of the series of aligners, you should have a healthy and beautiful smile. If you want to maintain the result, your orthodontist will likely recommend the use of retainers.
Mastering your Smile Transformation:
Now that we know how Invisalign works and what to expect from the treatment, we can discuss some recommendations that you can follow to achieve the best results:
Customize with Stickables:
Invisalign Stickables refers to decorative stickers that can be attached to your transparent trays. Certainly, this will not make your appliances very discreet, but it is a fun feature that can be attractive for kids and teenagers.
Keep Your Aligners Clean:
To keep your aligners clean, you should use water or a cleaning product that your orthodontist recommended. You need to avoid using toothpaste because it can be abrasive and damage your aligners.
Deal with Emergencies:
Accidents can happen to anyone, so you should be prepared for these unfortunate circumstances. For instance, you can lose your appliances, or an aligner can get damaged. In any of these cases, reach out to your orthodontist as soon as you can. They will provide guidance on what to do next.
Manage Pain:
If you are feeling a little bit of pain or discomfort, don’t worry! It means that your clear aligners are doing their job, slowly moving your teeth to their new positions. We recommend that you ask your orthodontist if you can take pain relievers like ibuprofen.
What to Eat with Invisalign:
Since Invisalign is removable, you can enjoy all kinds of food without damaging your appliances. However, we recommend that you choose soft foods, especially in the first days of using your set of aligners, because your mouth can be a little sensitive.
Exploring the Invisalign Journey: Schedule your Orthodontic Appointment!
At Sturbridge Orthodontics, we believe that you are never too old to start your orthodontic journey! So, don’t hesitate and book your dental appointment today!
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of orthodontic treatments that can suit your lifestyle. If you are looking for a traditional and effective solution, we can offer you metal braces. On the other hand, if you need a more discreet and comfortable method, then Invisalign is designed for you.
We are sure that with the right assistance, you can find the perfect orthodontic treatment that will suit your lifestyle. All you need to do is make an initial appointment with a dental professional who will examine your dental structure, carefully diagnose your issues, and create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Remember that orthodontic treatment goes beyond the aesthetics of enjoying a perfectly aligned smile. For instance, your dental cleaning routine will simplify once you have aligned teeth, preventing several dental issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or infections.
Dr. Ferdinand Sabelis is happy to help kids, teenagers, and adults to improve their oral health while they also achieve a perfect smile!