Unlike metal braces that can irritate your mouth, Invisalign clear aligners are comfortable to wear. Invisalign also does not require the need for frequent office visits to tighten the rubber bands or wires.
Most dental and orthodontic offices offer monthly payment plans that make it easier to fit the cost of Invisalign into your budget.
Invisible
Invisalign trays are clear, so they blend in with your teeth and are almost impossible to see from the front. The aligners are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. They’re also comfortable, as there is no metal or wires.
The aligners move your teeth gradually, over a predictable course of time. There are no dietary restrictions, unlike with traditional braces, but you must keep your teeth clean while in treatment.
Your orthodontist will scan your teeth with a 3-D imaging system, and you’ll receive personalized clear aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. You’ll receive a new set every one to two weeks until you get the results you want, which may take up to 18 months. However, this will depend on how diligently you wear the trays.
Comfortable
Invisalign doesn’t require the use of metal brackets and wires, making it less likely to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. The smooth plastic aligners are also more comfortable than traditional metal braces, especially in the first few days of wearing them.
Some patients experience mild discomfort when they start using the new aligners, but this usually goes away within a few days as their mouth adjusts to them. Taking over-the-counter pain medications can help to relieve the discomfort.
Aligners can be stored in a case when not in use, which helps to prevent them from accumulating bacteria. However, they should never be left out in the open air. It is also advisable to rinse them with lukewarm water rather than hot, as hot water can damage the trays.
Easier to Clean
The best way to prevent stains, smells, and food debris is to clean your Invisalign trays each time you take them out. Proper cleaning will also ensure that your treatment progresses as expected.
Using clear antibacterial soap with lukewarm water is a good option. Avoid soaps that contain colors, as they could stain the aligners.
Vinegar (specifically, distilled white vinegar) is another effective way to clean your Invisalign. The acetic acid in vinegar can kill bacteria and dissolve food debris. To use vinegar, mix it with lukewarm water in a ratio of one part vinegar to three parts water. You can also purchase effervescent denture cleaner tablets that are specifically designed to sanitize your Invisalign trays. Dissolve the tablet in lukewarm water and soak your aligners for 20-30 minutes before wearing them.
Convenient
Because patients can remove their aligners to eat and drink, they don’t have to worry about consuming foods that could damage or stain the appliance. However, this also means that food particles can easily get into the aligner, causing bacteria to build up along the gum line and in between teeth, says Invisalign.
It is easy to forget that you need to switch to a new set of aligners, so it’s a good idea to mark your calendar when you have to change them. You can also use a smartphone app for reminders, adds Dr. Eckhardt.
Invisalign can help correct a variety of tooth misalignments and bite problems, including crowding and spacing issues, mild and moderate overbite and underbite, as well as some mild crossbites and overlapping teeth. Talk to your dentist to see if it is a suitable option for you.
Timely
Patients typically change to a new set of trays every two weeks. They must keep their trays clean to eliminate any developed food, debris or microorganisms that can cause decay or gum disease.
The severity of misalignment and other dental issues determines how long treatment will take. Mild cases can see results in as little as six months, while more severe problems can take 18 months or more to correct.
Patient compliance also impacts how long Invisalign takes to work. Sticking to the guidelines of wearing your aligners 20-22 hours daily will help shorten treatment time. Also, attending regular checkups will ensure your treatment is progressing as planned and facilitate timely adjustments, further expediting the process.