Invisalign is a great way to achieve a straight smile without the use of traditional braces. However, there are some things that you should know before getting Invisalign. In this blog post, we will discuss 6 tips that will help you get started on your Invisalign journey to straighter teeth!
1.The Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day
You will need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours a day in order for them to work reliablely. This means that you will need to take them out for eating and brushing your teeth, but other than that, they should remain in place. If you do not wear them for this amount of time, you may not see the results that you are hoping for and your treatment plan length will increase. Wearing Invisalign clear aligners can be preferred over other orthodontic treatments like traditional braces as they are virtually invisible.
2.You will need to carry a toothbrush around with you
Since you only take your aligners out at meal times, it is important to have a toothbrush and toothpaste with you at all times. This way, you can brush your teeth after eating and before putting your aligners back in. This will help to remove any food particles that may be stuck in your aligners or around your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay, cavities and bad breath. Most people find brushing their teeth in public a bit awkward but after the first week or so they get used to it.
3.The Invisalign treatment time varies
The treatment time for Invisalign orthodontic treatment varies from person to person. It depends on the severity of your misaligned teeth and how well you follow the instructions on wearing aligners. On average, treatment times range from 12-18 months. If your dentist initially advises that the treatment will take 12 months, this can change especially if your teeth do not move as planned so minor adjustments will need to be made.
4.You will need to visit your dentist every few weeks
An important thing to know before getting Invisalign is that you will need to visit your dentist every few weeks so that they can check on the progress of your treatment. They will also give you new clear aligners at these appointments. These appointments are usually short, but it is important to make them so that you can stay on track with your treatment.
5.You will most likely snack less
Since you will have to take your aligners out to eat, you may find that you snack less. This is because it can be a hassle to take your aligners in and out all the time and can cause a little discomfort, so you may only want to do this when eating a proper meal. This can cause you to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, which is an added benefit of Invisalign.
6.You will still need to wear a retainer
Even after your treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer. This is because your teeth may want to shift back to their original position. Wearing a retainer will help to keep your teeth in place and achieve the desired results of Invisalign. The Invisalign trays are very similar to your retainer so most patients are not concerned with wearing them.
Are you wanting to straighten your teeth? Contact Kangaroo Point Dental
If you think Invisalign might be a good option to fix your crooked teeth, our team will be more than happy to discuss the Invisalign treatment with you and answer any questions that you may want to know before getting Invisalign. Book a consult today so you can begin your journey to straighter teeth and a new smile you can be confident about!