Choosing an Invisalign clear aligner is an important decision, and you want facts to help you make your choice. Our British Columbia dentists have you covered. Here are important facts everyone should know before choosing an Invisalign clear aligner.
What should I know about Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are a type of removable orthodontic appliance that straightens your teeth in the same way that braces do but without metal and wires. When worn, Invisalign clear aligners are made of a transparent plastic material that makes them nearly 'invisible' to the untrained eye.
Before you make your final decision on which orthodontic option to choose, there are a few things you should consider. We enjoy assisting our patients in making educated decisions, so here are some things to consider about Invisalign clear aligners.
Invisalign clear aligners are a discreet option many patients appreciate.
Your Invisalign clear aligners will be custom-made to precisely fit your teeth, gradually moving them into their proper positions over some time, as prescribed by your dentist.
These aligners are clear, and to the untrained eye, they appear to be invisible on your teeth. As a result, they may be preferable to metal braces for those who are concerned about the appearance of their teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners typically treat dental issues quickly and efficiently.
Though each case is unique, patients typically start to see results of treatment within a few months as their teeth begin to straighten and the treatment plan takes effect.
With your hard work to stay on track and excellent at-home oral hygiene, in addition to check-in visits to your dentist, you will be able to see and feel the difference in your mouth.
Do the math on how quickly you’ll need to eat and drink.
For your Invisalign clear aligners to have the intended effect, you’ll need to wear them for about 22 hours per day.
That means you'll have to fit all of your eating and drinking into a two-hour time frame. While this may appear intimidating at first, you may soon notice some advantages. For example, you can put an end to mindless snacking (and the impact it can have on your waistline).
Don’t be surprised if your teeth feel loose.
When you remove your Invisalign clear aligners, your teeth may feel loose because they are gradually straightening your misaligned teeth. Don't worry; as they move and realign in their new positions, this is completely normal.
You’ll level up your brushing.
Each time you take your aligners out to eat or drink, you should brush and floss them before placing them back in your mouth.
That's because food particles can get stuck between your teeth and the aligners, causing discomfort and harm to your teeth. It can also cause the aligners to turn yellow, which is unpleasant.
Make sure to properly and thoroughly clean your aligners.
You'll need to clean your aligners every time you eat or drink, just like you'll need to clean your teeth. You shouldn't clean your aligners with toothpaste because it contains abrasive ingredients that can scratch them. Instead, use Invisalign clear aligner cleaning crystals, denture cleaner, or Retainer Brite to clean your retainers.
You may want to remove and place your aligners in private.
Because your aligners are so precise, it may be difficult to take them out and put them back in when you're done eating or drinking. As a result, you might feel more at ease doing this in a restroom, at least at first.
Don’t count yourself out.
Patients who come to us asking about Invisalign clear aligners often wonder whether they’d be a candidate. The only way to find out is to ask and visit your dentist for a consultation.
Invisalign clear aligners can be used to correct a variety of issues, including gapped, crowded, or crooked teeth, as well as overbite and crossbite, depending on the model you choose. We'd be happy to examine your teeth and determine if you're a candidate for Invisalign clear aligner treatment.
You may need a retainer following treatment.
After wearing the entire series of Invisalign clear aligners as prescribed by your dentist, your orthodontic treatment may not be complete. After the main course of your treatment, you should wear a retainer to help keep your straight smile in place.
We’re here to support you.
Choosing Invisalign clear aligners may present some challenges, but we're here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Our dental team will be only a phone call away if you have any questions or need advice. You'll have a healthier, straighter smile in the end.