Invisalign Guide: Everything You Should Know

Everyone wants a perfect smile; however, crooked or crowded teeth can undermine your natural smile. Besides impacting the smile, it can also affect your psychological well-being, especially when speaking in public. The misaligned teeth should be treated well on time to avoid the risk of other serious dental problems. Some of these include jaw pain, gum disease, and tooth decay. If you are a candidate for Invisalign, this Invisalign guide will help you be mentally prepared. It's good to be well-informed before getting the actual procedure done. Let's discuss things about Invisalign that you should know as a patient or if you plan to avail of the treatment. So, let's get started. 

"Recent statistics show that one in every five orthodontic patients are adults. Over the years, Invisalign has catered to over 1.5 million patients, many of whom are in adulthood". 

What is Invisalign, and What are Its Benefits? 

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that aims at correcting the misalignment of teeth. It is a form of braces that uses clear, nearly invisible aligner trays to rectify problems such as underbite, overbite, crooked, and teeth crowding. 

Invisalign has a high success rate of over 95%. Recent estimates reveal that almost 20% of the global population suffers from bite problems. Clear aligners help correct this problem by readjusting the jaw position. Currently, over eight million people across the globe are wearing clear aligners or Invisalign. The good thing about Invisalign is that it can serve people of any age. Patients up to 80 years of age can wear them, and they are practically invisible. 

Invisalign offers great convenience where patients do not need to visit the dentist repeatedly. It provides super easy cleaning and fixes dental issues within less time. Here, we'll discuss some benefits of Invisalign, listed below. 

• Invisalign offers a hassle-free way to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. They are nearly invisible, and the clear aligner trays will hide your ongoing dental treatment. 
• Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign looks better and decreases pain and discomfort, especially while eating. 
• Invisalign is safe for all age groups, including adults, children, and adolescents. However, it is recommended for children only when they reach over 13. 
• Invisalign helps correct various dental problems of a mild to moderate nature. These include crossbite, underbite, overbite, misalignment, crowded or crooked teeth, overjet, and teeth gap. 
• Sometimes, people want to avoid wearing aligners on special occasions. Removing your aligners for a few hours is never a problem; your treatment can stay on track. 

Things to Remember About Invisalign 

Invisalign has helped millions of people in attaining a beautiful smile. It has improved their psychological well-being and boosted their self-confidence. If you are considering Invisalign treatment, here are a few things to remember before the procedure. 

• Invisalign treatment will take about six months to a year. However, you'll start noticing the results within a few weeks. The Invisalign aligners need to be changed after every two weeks. Once worn for about two weeks each, they are swapped for a new pair. Along with these, your dentist will check the progression of your treatment. 
• You must be responsible for wearing the aligners. You must wear Invisalign for about 20-22 hours a day. Otherwise, they won't be effective in fixing your dental issues. 
• If you are a smoker, then you need to stop it. Smoking will stain your aligners, and it impairs the natural healing process. Moreover, your treatment will last longer, affecting your oral health. 
• Water is the best drink when you are wearing the aligners. Any other liquid refreshment, such as coffee or a colored beverage, will stain your aligners, and they'll look dirty. If you are a coffee lover and want it at any rate, then remove your aligners while having it. Then, brush your teeth immediately and rinse your mouth accordingly. Now, wear your aligners again. 
• An average Invisalign wearer has to undergo 18-30 aligners approximately. Each set of aligners has to be worn for about two weeks. So, from start to finish, you would change multiple aligners. 
• Invisalign isn't right for everyone, and knowing if you are a suitable candidate is essential. Traditional braces suit you if you have severe dental issues such as extreme teeth misalignment. Similarly, treatment other than Invisalign is well-suited if you have significant bite issues. Get yourself evaluated to know if Invisalign is the right choice for you. 

How Invisalign is Better Than Metal Braces? 

Today, many people prefer Invisalign as compared to traditional braces. The reasons are numerous; for instance, they are practically invisible. They are super comfortable, and you do not have any food restrictions. Invisalign aligners are easy to remove and can be cleaned with much ease. 

Though Invisalign is nearly invisible, you can see them if you look closely. However, they are barely noticeable and help elevate your confidence. 

Is Invisalign Appropriate for You?  

If you are an adult or in your teens and want a radiant smile, then Invisalign is a good option. However, your dentist can better evaluate you if you are a potential candidate for it. But, if you are considering an opportunity to correct your crooked teeth without being noticeable, go for Invisalign. As an ideal candidate for Invisalign, you must meet the following set of characteristics: 

• You can adhere to the Invisalign guidelines and is self-disciplined to follow the dentist's instructions. 
• You can wear the Invisalign aligners for an extended period and remove them while eating. 
• You have mild to moderate dental issues that need to be fixed with Invisalign, such as minor misalignment or crooked teeth. 
• You do not have severe dental issues which need advanced orthodontic treatment. 

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a controlled force to move teeth in their desired position. It uses a series of clear aligners (unlike brackets and wires) that help straighten the teeth. Invisalign uses gentle pressure to move the misaligned teeth into their correct position along the periodontal membrane. 

The Invisalign procedure is divided into four steps which are enlisted below. 

• Step 1: Initial Consultation: The dentist sees if you are a potential candidate for Invisalign. Only some people are suitable candidates; an evaluation must be made at this initial step. 
• Step 2: Customized Treatment Plan: After your dentist approves that you are a suitable candidate, a customized treatment plan is made accordingly. At this step, 3D scans of the mouth are taken, and the aligners are developed accordingly. 
• Step 3: Receiving the Aligner Trays: The dental office will inform you when your aligners are ready. Your dentist will also guide you on wearing the aligners, and you must follow the instructions seriously. Most patients need to switch over to new trays after every two weeks. 
• Step 4: Dental Visits: While you wear your aligners, you have to visit your dentist after every six weeks. Your dentist will monitor your progress by assessing your dental health. It will help prevent decay and maintain adequate oral hygiene during treatment. At this step, you may also need professional cleaning to remove plaque or tartar from your teeth.     

Does Invisalign Hurt? Which Foods Are Restricted? 

Invisalign is not as uncomfortable as traditional braces are. However, you can still expect slight gum soreness when changing your aligners. Invisalign treatment has no food restrictions, and you can enjoy your favorite foods. However, removing your aligners before you eat is best so that no food gets stuck in your braces. 

Sometimes, a new set of aligners are challenging to remove, and the process can be painful. You can eat your food without removing the aligners with your dentist's permission. If some food particles stick to your Invisalign, there is nothing to worry about. That's because Invisalign aligners are super easy to clean, and you can clean them with a soft-bristled brush or soak them in lukewarm water. 

How to Care for Your Oral Hygiene with Invisalign?

While you are wearing your Invisalign aligners, it is imperative to maintain good hygiene. Here are some tips to protect your teeth during Invisalign treatment. 

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly and remember that your teeth still need good care despite wearing the aligners. Clean your trays with running water or a toothbrush if you can manage. Also, brush, floss, and rinse your mouth to discard debris and plaque after every meal. 
• Change your trays as instructed by your dentist. If you follow your dentist's advice, your Invisalign treatment will eventually succeed. 
• Clean your trays to ensure healthy results. The Invisalign trays are exposed to bacteria and other harmful substances; therefore, you must adequately clean them. Also, do not return an old tray if damaged, stolen, or lost. If you are unsure about anything, feel free to visit your dentist. 

Final Thoughts 

The American Dentistry Association (ADA) states that having straight teeth can lessen the chance of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Invisalign is an excellent option for people who want to straighten their teeth or address other dental issues of mild nature. If you are a candidate for Invisalign, consult your dentist today. Wear the Invisalign aligners and say goodbye to your imperfect smile.

Contact your Walnut Creek Dentist, Dr. Tiziana Procopio Towle, DDS, at Procopio Towle Dental Office to learn more about Invisalign.

Resource:

Why You May Need Invisalign Aligners?

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition*