What to Expect with the Invisalign System
For many adults with orthodontic issues, the prospect of wearing conspicuous and unattractive metal braces for months can be very discouraging. Fortunately, there is a discreet and more convenient way to achieve the same results with the Invisalign system. Invisalign provides you with a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth without affecting your lifestyle.
Besides the reduced visual impact, Invisalign aligners can be removed temporarily for important events, as well as eating, practicing oral hygiene, or participating in sports. Generally, you only need to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours every day to ensure consistent progress towards your goals for straightening your teeth.
Benefits of Invisalign System
Adults of any age with strong healthy teeth that only have minor to moderate orthodontic issues such as crookedness, overcrowding, misaligned bite, overbite, underbite, or wide spaces between the teeth can be suitable candidates for Invisalign treatment to improve the function and appearance of their teeth and smile. Other benefits of Invisalign include:
- Ability to straighten your teeth without other people noticing
- Invisalign uses nearly invisible aligners Ability to continue enjoying your favorite foods and drinks
- Invisalign aligners are removable Ability to maintain good oral hygiene
- by removing the Invisalign aligners Ability to stay motivated to the completion of your treatment
- with 3D Invisalign treatment planning, you can view your own virtual treatment plan before it starts.
- You know what to expect at the end of your treatment.
What to expect when getting your Invisalign ?
What to expect:
Step 1: An exam in the dental office
When beginning your Invisalign treatment, you will start by getting your teeth examined by your dentist in order to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate.
Step 2: Dental Records
If your dentist finds you to be a good candidate for Invisalign, they will proceed to take the necessary records, including dental impressions of your teeth, photos of your teeth and face, and x-rays, all of which are sent (together with detailed instructions on how you want your teeth adjusted) to a lab with Invisalign software.
The impressions are scanned to produce a 3D model of your teeth in the computer, which the technicians can use to create the trays which will move the teeth progressively to their intended positions. The software makes it possible to predict how your teeth will change over time once you start using the Invisalign system, and you can even see how they’ll look weeks into, months into, and at the end of your treatment.
Afterwards, the trays are fabricated and sent to your dental office. It takes about 4 weeks from taking the impressions to getting the trays ready.
Step 3: Straightening your Teeth
With Invisalign, you are required to wear a set of aligners (Invisalign trays) for two weeks at a time. Each of these trays is designed so your teeth are slightly straighter than with the previous tray (typically moving 0.1mm per tray). The trays apply pressure on your teeth so that by the end of the two weeks, your teeth will have moved slightly to match the tray. Because of this, you should expect some discomfort for the first few days every time you get a new set of aligners.
Step 4: Post Invisalign
After the completion of your Invisalign treatment, you won’t have to wear aligners any more. However, since there is a natural risk of your teeth reverting to previous alignments, your dentist will likely recommend that you wear a retainer. You can opt for clear plastic retainers that resemble the Invisalign trays, or a fixed (permanent) retainer bonded on the inside of your lower front 6 teeth.
With the removable retainer, you will at first wear the retainer full time for minimum of 6 months (preferably one year) , then only while sleeping.
After your treatment, you may notice slight change to your facial structure. The change is only positive, as your teeth will have adjusted to support your jaw, palate, face, lips, and cheeks in a proper way to give you a straight, healthy smile that enhances and complements your entire face.
Invisalign is a great clear alternative to traditional braces, so come to City Oasis Dental and have your consultation today.
How often will I have appointments with my Invisalign Doctor?
Your Invisalign Doctor will schedule regular appointments, usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
How long is the treatment time with the invisalign system?
On average, orthodontic treatment with the Invisalign system will last from 6 to 18 months. A majority of Invisalign treatment plans last for 12 months. Compared to traditional braces where the treatment time can range from 18 months to 3 years. Your treatment time with the Invisalign system will be determined by your orthodontist based on your specific needs.
Does my invisalign need to be cleaned?
Your orthodontist will recommend that you wear your aligner as much as possible. Keeping the liner in place at all times outside of meals and contact sports means that your teeth can be transformed as quickly as possible. With your liner in almost constant contact with your teeth and gums, you want it to stay clean to maintain your oral hygiene. If food debris or bacteria is allowed to build up in the tray, it may cause tooth decay or staining so it’s important to clean it regularly.
Simply Clean with Water
Taking good care of your Invisalign aligner couldn’t be easier – simply clean the aligner with your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth. Your tray can be cleaned with gentle toothpaste or water and then rinsed afterwards to ensure no debris remains. Avoid whitening toothpaste as they can be slightly abrasive and damage your liner.
Clean After Meals
With the Invisalign clear braces system, you remove your aligner before every meal. This means that you can continue to enjoy your usual diet without having to worry about foods getting stuck in your braces or remembering a range of restrictions over what you can eat. You simply need to clean your teeth after the meal and you can pop the liner straight back in with no fuss.
Treat Your Liner with Care
Your Invisalign liner is specially made to fit the shape of your teeth so it should be easy to remove and replace. Whilst the tray is strong enough to correct the positioning of your teeth to achieve the straight smile you’ve always dreamed of, it can still be damaged if you don’t handle it with care.
To remove your tray for eating or cleaning, pull gently starting at the back of your mouth and working forward. When it’s time to put your tray back into place, gently push it using your fingertips, applying equal pressure to the left and right molars. Never use sharp force or other instruments when handling your aligners.
No disruption to your routine with Invisalign
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that your morning and bedtime routines can continue more or less as before. There is no time-consuming flossing and brushing in between braces and wires – simply take out the aligner, brush and floss as usual, quickly clean the tray and you’re done!
