If you’re considering Invisalign, you must consult with an orthodontist to explore your options and find out if this innovative treatment can work for you.
The field of orthodontics has been revolutionised by Invisalign, making it a common selection among teenagers and adults. As the innovative clear aligners continue to grow in popularity, it is paramount that you grasp the basic fundamentals before agreeing to undergo such a cutting-edge treatment.
Invisalign employs a set of clear aligners, custom-made for each patient, that gradually and gently reposition teeth. They look like simple mouthpieces, but these aligners are precision instruments that can exert a real orthodontic force, thanks to the computer-aided design and manufacture of both the aligners and the individualised treatment plan. Metal braces have been around for a long time and, for the most part, have remained unchanged (other than the addition of colourful elastics). For our purposes, we can consider them sort of the “Standard American.”
A good consultation is the most important step before you begin the journey of wearing Invisalign aligners. During your appointment, a licensed orthodontist will assess not only the health of your teeth and gums but also the arc of your smile and the way your bite fits together. The orthodontist will also take digital impressions of your mouth. These impressions are used to make the aligners that will straighten your teeth. After the orthodontist makes these assessments and determinations, he or she will discuss with you the decision next to which you will either choose or not choose to embark.
Aligners undergo a process that requires them to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. When you first receive your aligners, you will wear that first set for a minimum of one week. You can wear the aligners while you eat; however, they are most effective and comfortable when worn exactly as your treatment plan requires. Clear aligners have been shown to straighten teeth comfortably and consistently in a manner that rivals traditional metallic braces. While wearing clear aligners does necessitate some lifestyle changes, orthodontic treatment is generally far easier when it uses aligners rather than braces.
Even though most individuals progress with the Invisalign system without a hitch, some mild discomfort is common when transitioning to a new set of aligners. This brief period of adaptation to the new set usually lasts a couple of days. Of course, maintaining wear discipline throughout treatment is critical; poor compliance leads not only to extended treatment times but also to less than ideal end results.
The Invisalign clear aligners must be maintained properly if they are to be efficient and effective. That calls for good hygiene, which is easy to take care of if you just follow some simple steps. I rinse mine in lukewarm water each time they get taken out. They’re next gently washed with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush that you could say is designated for aligner use. Instead of toothpaste (which can be too abrasive), I use a clear, unscented dish soap that is considered safe for aligners on those brushes. These are the basics. And as you might guess, there are more to learn.
Arguably, the most thrilling part of the Invisalign experience is the actual metamorphosis of the patient’s smile. Most individuals going through the treatment tend to copiously photograph the interim stages of their appearances—some for reasons of vanity, no doubt, but most because it’s such an effective motivational tool. Seeing the actual results of the person’s choice to undergo clear aligner therapy serves as an encouraging prompt to keep going, to not give in to some nascent, mid-treatment temptation to switch back to the maintain-what-we-got mode of dental life.
To wrap things up, Invisalign provides a contemporary and efficient means for individuals to achieve straight teeth apart from the usual braces. Their clear aligners are worn almost unnoticeably, with the wearer’s comfort seemingly a main ingredient in this dental solution that has many orthodontic patients satisfied and smiling. But is the style right for you?
