Do you have questions about Invisalign? Maybe you’ve heard the name mentioned as an alternative to traditional metal braces, but you don’t know the specifics. Invisalign utilizes a series of clear plastic trays that are custom fit to your smile goals. Over time, the aligners slowly straighten teeth. When one tray’s goals are complete, the next tray begins its work. When the last aligner in the series is done, the smile is straight and the bite is corrected.
Your additional questions about Invisalign aligners might include the following:
- How long do I have to wear the aligners each day? Invisalign only works properly if the aligners are removed fewer than two hours each day, meaning wear time is 22 hours or more.
- When can I take them out? Invisalign is removed to eat and to clean your teeth and trays.
- How long does the total treatment take? Most adults in Invisalign complete their treatment in one to two years.
- What happens if I don’t wear my aligners as long as recommended? Wearing your aligners less than the total time recommended by your orthodontist will lead them to be less effective than intended. Treatment could take significantly longer to complete.
- What are my food restrictions while straightening my teeth with Invisalign? None! You can eat anything you like because you’ll remove your trays before eating.
- Is Invisalign right for me? If your oral and overall physical health is good, Invisalign is likely a very good fit for you. It’s recommended that Invisalign users have all of their adult teeth fully erupted prior to beginning Invisalign treatment.
Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
Invisalign is one of the most popular options for patients who wish to improve an imperfect smile without the hassle of traditional braces. However, Invisalign may not be a perfect choice for everyone.
How do you know if you are a good candidate for Invisalign? Consider the following:
- What problems are you trying to fix and what is their severity? Invisalign is best suited for milder cases of misalignment, crowded, or crooked teeth. More severe issues, such as large overbites, are better treated with more advanced orthodontic procedures.
- What is your age? Invisalign is an excellent choice for older teens and adults. Invisalign offers an attractive option that is virtually unnoticeable and, therefore, doesn’t affect the patient’s self-confidence the way traditional metal braces might. Children and younger teens are not the best candidates because their teeth and jaw are still growing.
- How committed are you to correcting your smile? While using the Invisalign aligners is easy, allowing you to remove them as necessary, they must remain in your mouth for a minimum of 22 hours a day. If you are not dedicated to following this treatment plan and remaining vigilant about wearing your aligners, treatment with Invisalign will not work.
Invisalign is known to be one of the easiest and most comfortable treatments for orthodontic problems. Using clear aligner trays to gently move your teeth, Invisalign is an easy and popular option. To better determine your suitability for Invisalign, schedule an appointment with a qualified orthodontist. Invisalign is an exciting option for patients who wish to fix their teeth without the hassle of traditional metal braces.
Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
Invisalign is an attractive option for many people who are seeking to correct misaligned, crooked or gapped teeth.
While Invisalign can produce fantastic results, there are some potential complications to consider:
- Some teeth may remain crooked at the end of treatment
- Teeth can maintain uneven heights relative to their adjacent teeth
- Misaligned or “open” bite on the back teeth
- Teeth that lean in opposing directions
- Allergic reactions to the Invisalign aligners
Most of these concerns are the direct result of the incorrect or improper use of the Invisalign aligners by the patient. Complications may also be the result of the inexperience or lack of skill of the dentist who is in charge of treatment. Making sure all treatment protocols are followed correctly is vital to the success of Invisalign treatment.
The patient plays a crucial role in avoiding these pitfalls. Patients must be committed to wearing their Invisalign aligners for the maximum amount of time recommended by your orthodontist. Failing to wear the aligners for the prescribed time will guarantee poor results.
In some cases, Invisalign may not be the best choice for your orthodontic needs. Patients who suffer from severely crooked or misaligned teeth will likely not achieve the desired results with Invisalign because they do not exert the necessary pressure to fix more extreme cases.
Patients who suffer from teeth grinding, or bruxism, may damage their aligners unintentionally. This type of damage will diminish the effect of the appliance, and may necessitate new aligners completely. In rare cases, patients may suffer from an allergic reaction to the aligners.
If you are unhappy with your crooked teeth, talk to your orthodontist to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Under the care of a qualified orthodontist and with proper maintenance, you can avoid complications and achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile.
Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
You have made the smart decision to improve your smile with Invisalign. Invisalign’s clear aligners make straightening your teeth both aesthetically appealing and easy to maintain. There are a few tips you can follow to ensure a successful treatment that results in a more perfect, new smile.
The most important step you can take is to find an excellent orthodontist with Invisalign experience. Your orthodontist should make time to answer all of your questions about treatment, and be vigilant and thorough with examinations and check-ups.
Once you start treatment, keep your aligners in place. For the first 48 hours your teeth will be adjusting to getting into new positions. They may be sore and sensitive, but this is a critical time for keeping the trays in as much as possible. Because the invisible aligner trays are removable, you may think it’s okay to remove them at any time. The success of your treatment depends on keeping the aligners in for the time recommended, usually at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Take them out to eat and to clean the trays, but otherwise, they should remain in your mouth.
Brush your teeth and aligner trays on a regular basis. Aligners can get plaque build-up just like your teeth, so it’s imperative that you keep them clean. The trays can be cleaned with either Invisalign’s tool kit, or a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Invisalign trays should be removed from your mouth for cleaning.
By following these easy tips, you can help guarantee Invisalign will work to straighten your misaligned teeth and ultimately give you a beautiful new smile.
If you live in the Sherman Oaks CA and you are considering Invisalign, contact Dr. Fotovat’s orthodontics office today.
