Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. It’s become a popular choice for people who want straighter teeth but don’t want the look or feel of traditional braces. Before you decide if Invisalign is right for you, it’s important to understand the basics of the treatment.
Here are five things you need to know before getting Invisalign:
1. Invisalign is worn for about 20-22 hours per day
The clear aligners used in Invisalign treatment will only be taken out when you eat, brush and floss – which shouldn’t take long. This means that Invisalign is a lot like having braces but without the metal wires and brackets, you would normally see with other types of braces. Because you wear Invisalign for such a long time each day it can make maintaining good oral hygiene more difficult as there isn’t always a toothbrush or water source available when you need to clean your teeth.
2. The first aligner trays are usually the most uncomfortable
You may experience some discomfort during your first few days wearing the Invisalign aligners. It may feel a little strange to have the aligners in your mouth at first and you may need some time to get used to them. Try wearing your aligners for a shorter amount of time each day until you feel more comfortable. If discomfort continues, let your doctor know as they may be able to recommend ways you can use Invisalign more comfortably.
3. Invisalign is not suitable for everyone
Invisalign is not right for all patients or situations and before getting Invisalign you will need to discuss this with your dentist or orthodontist so that together you can decide whether it’s the right treatment choice for you and what other options there are if it isn’t suitable. For example, Invisalign is not recommended for people who have severe overbite or underbite.
4. You will still need to see your dentist regularly
Just because you’re getting Invisalign doesn’t mean you don’t have to see your dentist anymore. You will still need to visit your dentist at least every 6 months for a check-up and to get new aligners as needed.
5. It can take time to achieve the desired results
Invisalign is not a quick fix and it can take some time to achieve the straighter teeth you desire. The amount of time it takes will depend on each individual patient and their specific treatment plan. However, most people start seeing results within the first few weeks and achieve their final teeth position between 6 and 18 months.
It’s important to remember that Invisalign is not a substitute for regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and healthy eating habits. Make sure you follow your dentist’s advice on taking care of your teeth and gums while wearing Invisalign.
Conclusion
There are so many things to consider before getting Invisalign that it’s easy to forget about one or two. We want you to have the best experience possible with your orthodontic treatment, which is why we wanted to share these five important considerations for anyone thinking of getting their teeth aligned using Invisalign. If you need Invisalign but you’re not sure you should probably check out a guide on Invisalign vs Braces.
