Many dental who have never had braces or who are looking for cosmetic dentistry procedures often consider Invisalign. Sometimes patients had braces during their adolescence and in other cases, people are looking for minor adjustments and realignments of their teeth. Instead of worrying about getting braces a second time, intrusive metal inside your mouth, and dietary restrictions, Invisalign is an alternative solution that can offer patients their desired results. The following are some common questions that patients have about Invisalign and how it works. Perhaps these questions and answers will motivate you to take action and consider Invisalign as the right solution for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternate solution to braces that works over time to realign your teeth. The product is made from a durable plastic material and fits over your teeth, similar to a mouth guard. Invisalign is an option commonly chosen by patients who seek to avoid having visible braces in their mouths in addition to avoiding the typical discomfort and cleaning frustrations that come with braces.
When a patient opts for Invisalign, a mold is created of the patient’s top and bottom teeth. Then, the mold is sent out to create a system of Invisalign aligners that fit like a glove and that slowly adjust the position of your teeth over time.
Throughout treatment, patients usually have follow-up appointments with their dentist once every few weeks. These follow up appointments verify that the aligners are working properly and allow your dentist to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
How long does it take to achieve results?
Like with braces, the timeline to achieve full results from Invisalign products will differ from patient to patient. Several variables must be taken into consideration including the current alignment or malalignment of the teeth, the age of the patient, and the desired results. For most patients, a year of using a series of Invisalign aligners will achieve the desired goals.
How often am I required to wear Invisalign aligners?
Once you begin treatment using Invisalign, you should plan to have the aligners in your mouth at a minimum of 20-22 hours per day. Unlike braces, the aligners can be removed to eat, to brush your teeth, and to floss. The benefit to Invisalign is that it will not be visible to others that you are wearing the aligners throughout the day. Also, you can maintain your dental-hygiene routine without having to adjust your cleaning techniques or worrying about food or debris getting caught in the aligners.
Will Invisalign hurt or cause me any discomfort?
Because Invisalign essentially molds to your teeth, the typical discomforts associated with braces can be avoided. However, because Invisalign does slowly work to realign your teeth, you can feel pressure in your mouth and gum line as your teeth readjust. When switching from one aligner to a new one, you will also feel some discomfort as the device continues to manipulate the position of your teeth. These periods of pressure and pain, however, tend to be minor and brief for most patients throughout their treatment.
Overall, what are the main benefits of treatment using Invisalign?
While serving as an alternative to braces, Invisalign can offer patients the same results at a comparable price. The aligners are invisible to others, meaning you won’t have to deal with the embarrassment of wearing braces during formal events or as an adult. Unlike the wiring used for braces, Invisalign does not cause irritation to your cheeks or mouth, and the aligners are easily removable for eating and maintaining oral hygiene.
Invisalign adjustments are as simple as changing to a new aligner instead of spending too much time in the dentist chair for rewiring and tightening. Also, the aligners are FDA approved and have been helping dental patients receive their desired smiles for almost twenty years.
How can I find out more information about Invisalign?
If curious about whether or not Invisalign is the right decision for you, do not hesitate to contact our offices to schedule a consultation. We have offices and appointments available in both Plantation and Coral Gables, Florida. During your consultation, we will carefully review any concerns that you may have using Invisalign products and help set you up for a treatment plan that will grant you the smile that you deserve.