Clear and Easy: What to Expect with Invisalign Treatment?
We all know that first impressions can usually open doors to new opportunities, so having an attractive smile can be a valuable asset. This is where orthodontics plays an important role in our lives, offering several options to address all kinds of dental problems.
It is important to understand that the significance of straight teeth goes beyond the benefits of an aesthetically pleasing smile. For instance, having proper alignment can simplify cleaning your teeth, which can reduce the risk of suffering from tooth decay and gum disease. This happens because misaligned teeth provide the perfect environment for food particles and plaque to grow. How so? They create nooks and crannies for bacteria to sneak in.
Orthodontic treatment comes in several forms and shapes that adapt to your needs and lifestyle. We all know traditional braces that have metal wires and brackets. But what about clear aligners? Well, Invisalign is a modern solution that redefines orthodontics while embracing a more convenient and comfortable approach to oral health. Clear aligners provide the advantage of being practically invisible and removable. This allows for easier maintenance of oral hygiene and the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.
How Will I Get My Clear Aligners?
Now that you know all of the benefits of wearing clear aligners, you might be wondering what is the Invisalign process. Well, here we will explain a series of steps involving this orthodontic treatment:
1. Invisalign First Appointment:
During this first Invisalign appointment, the orthodontist will answer your questions, discuss your expectations, and carefully explain the process. Then, they will evaluate your dental situation to determine if clear aligners are the best treatment option for you.
2. Treatment Plan and Impressions:
After this first consultation, the orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan that includes a series of aligners. In addition, they will take impressions of your teeth and use digital scanning technology to create a 3D model of your teeth. All of this information will be used to design your aligners.
3. Fitting Appointment:
Once the clear aligners are ready, you will have a fitting appointment with your orthodontist. Also, they will provide guidance on how to use and take care of your aligners.
4. Progress Checkups:
After these initial consultations, you will have regular checkup appointments. This will help your orthodontist keep track of your progress, make any adjustments, and give you the next set of aligners in the series.
5. Finishing Details:
By this point, your teeth must be perfectly aligned, and you should be ready to enjoy your beautiful smile! Once the active phase of your treatment is completed, your orthodontist will discuss the use of retainers to help you maintain the new position of your teeth.
Remember that treatment plans can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of each patient. This treatment can be effective with patients of all ages, including kids and teenagers. To ensure the success of clear aligner treatment, you need to follow all of your orthodontist’s recommendations and instructions carefully.
What Can I Eat With Invisalign?
Invisalign offers you the possibility of removing your aligners before eating, which gives you more dietary flexibility compared to traditional braces. This means you can enjoy a wide range of foods without worrying about damaging your orthodontic appliances. Although you have the freedom to enjoy a variety of foods, it is still a good idea to avoid overly sticky, hard, or heavily pigmented foods that might cause discomfort in your teeth.
Let’s talk about some dietary recommendations if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment:
You will benefit from including soft foods and ingredients in your diet, such as pasta, cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, steamed vegetables, soft fruits like bananas and mangoes, avocado, yogurt, and oatmeal.
The fact that you can keep eating all of your favorite foods while undergoing Invisalign treatment is great, right? Just make sure to remove your aligners before enjoying your meal and practice good oral hygiene once you finish eating. This helps prevent food particles from getting trapped between your aligners and your teeth.
If you have any specific dietary concerns or questions, feel free to consult your orthodontist for guidance that adjusts to your treatment plan.
How Often Will I Have to Change My Aligners?
The orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan for your specific case, and the frequency of changing your aligners will depend on those indications. Usually, the change of aligners happens every 2 weeks. Here are some recommendations for the proper use of Invisalign aligners:
1. Aligner Change Schedule:
Every set of aligners corresponds to different stages of the treatment plan. Remember that your orthodontist will provide you with a specific schedule that is calculated based on the expected tooth movement during each phase of treatment.
2. Follow Orthodontist’s Schedule:
It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions about when to change your aligners. Changing them too early or too late can affect the treatment progress and results.
3. Wear Time:
The recommended time for wearing your aligners is 20 to 22 hours per day in order to achieve your desired results. This would leave you with a couple of hours to remove your aligners to eat, drink, and clean your teeth.
4. Maintenance and Cleaning:
You need to remove your set of aligners before eating or drinking. This would prevent from staining and damaging your appliances. Before putting them back in your mouth, you should thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. However, it is okay to drink water with your appliances on. So keep yourself hydrated!
5. Orthodontist Consultations:
Whenever you have doubts or experience discomfort, you should reach out to your orthodontist, who will support you throughout the process.
How Long Does the Invisalign Treatment Take?
Well, the duration of your treatment will depend on several factors, such as your age, the complexity of your orthodontic issue, and your commitment to wearing the aligners as your orthodontist recommended.
Let’s talk about the projected treatment length and the advantages they have over braces:
Average Treatment Duration:
Some treatments can be shorter or longer, depending on the specific orthodontics needs of the patient. Your orthodontist will determine the estimate of your treatment length after evaluating your dental situation. For instance, mild cases might require a shorter treatment, while more severe cases might take longer. On average, Invisalign treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
Potential Faster Treatment Compared to Braces:
Another benefit of clear aligners is that they can be faster than traditional braces in some cases. The digital planning of Invisalign allows for a more accurate prediction of the treatment outcome, which can reduce the need for adjustments and refinements, potentially shortening the overall treatment duration. Additionally, Invisalign involves changing aligners every 2 weeks, which keeps the treatment progressing steadily and can lead to faster results compared to braces Enid.
Invisalign Start to Finish:
If you are looking for an orthodontic treatment that can align your teeth while simultaneously improving your oral hygiene, then Invisalign is designed for you! It doesn’t matter your age; children, teenagers, and adults can benefit from using clear aligners.
All you need to do is reach out to your Enid orthodontist and ask them about how to get Invisalign. Furthermore, you can inquire about the duration of treatment and expected results. All of these questions can help you make an informed decision about this effective orthodontic treatment.
At Rose Rock Orthodontics, we want to guide you through the whole process of improving your smile. So don’t wait any longer and schedule an appointment with Dr. Williams. Our main purpose is to give you the healthy and beautiful smile you deserve through modern and effective orthodontic treatments like Invisalign Clear Aligners.
