Things to Consider When Wearing Invisalign Braces

You have probably heard about the popular new way to straighten teeth called Invisalign. It involves wearing clear plastic aligning trays that are practically invisible. Teens don’t have to feel the humiliation of metal wires with food clinging to the brackets. Adults can avoid the embarrassment of wearing a metal smile to meetings or social events. Invisalign braces are more comfortable, less noticeable, easier to clean, removable, and other benefits compared to traditional braces. However, there are a few things to consider when you choose Invisalign treatment.

You may become more selective about meals when you have Invisalign braces. Even though the aligners are removable, you may avoid doing it in front of others. Also, the more time you have the aligners off the less effective treatment becomes.

Snacking is another thing that may be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Some patients choose to cut way down on snacks instead of removing the aligners. This can be disappointing to those who habitually enjoy snacking throughout the day. On the other hand, lowered food intake can mean a way to get in shape.

Brushing is another consideration with Invisalign. If you aren’t in the habit of regularly brushing, you will want to commit to keeping up with it. You never want to insert your aligners into a dirty mouth, because food particles that remain in your teeth can lead to decay. Also, brushing helps freshen breath. Bad breath is an extra hazard when wearing Invisalign because the plastic aligners tend to make your mouth dry, which in turns causes bad breath.

A dry mouth also means that you will want to increase your intake of fluids like water. This is no problem for patients who drink lots of water throughout the day, but those who aren’t used to that may need to develop the habit of having a glass nearby.

All of these are simple changes you might need to make about your lifestyle if you are getting Invisalign braces. They are probably things you can grow accustomed to in order to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

An orthodontist for Invisalign can be a better option than a general dentist.

The Invisalign Process

A new way to straighten teeth has been introduced with Invisalign clear braces. As you wear the invisible plastic aligners, your teeth are gently shifted into better positions and you avoid many of the hassles associated with traditional braces.

Treatment begins with a consultation with Sherman Oaks orthodontist, Dr. Fotovat who has been trained and recognized to provide Invisalign braces. A thorough analysis of your teeth and jaw, as well as your smile goals, will be done to determine if Invisalign is right for you. If so, a treatment plan will be customized just for you after X-rays and impressions of your mouth are taken. The process also uses 3D images to create a computer simulation of your treatment.

Using the exact measurements taken of your mouth, a set of aligners will be made from clear plastic. Invisalign treatment advances in stages, with a different set of aligners worn every two weeks. They should be worn consistently for about twenty hours daily, but are removable for eating and cleaning. Maintenance is simple because the aligners can be gently brushed along with your normal brushing routine.

There are no restrictions about foods to avoid when undergoing Invisalign treatment, since the aligners are removed while eating. You also don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in the braces like with metal braces, and because food doesn’t contact the aligners there are no worries about stains. Invisalign braces can be worn while playing instruments or sports, although they should not be considered a substitute for a protective mouth guard.

Visits to the orthodontist are usually required every six months or so to monitor treatment and ensure ideal results. The amount of time it takes to achieve your smile goals depends on each patient and how consistently the aligners are worn, but treatment often lasts about a year.