The prospect of the journey to a smile you can feel confident in is exciting, especially with the innovative options for treatment available. Whilst fixed metal braces were once the standard solution for teeth straightening, for minor alignment problems Invisalign treatment provides an effective and inconspicuous solution. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that fit over the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. Made from clear, wafer thin, medical grade plastic, they are virtually invisible, allowing you to correct your smile discreetly and efficiently.
As with any significant dental decision, before opting for Invisalign, it’s important to make sure you are well-informed on the finer details of this treatment so you can make the right decision for your needs and to ensure the process of treatment is as smooth and effective as possible.
Whether you are just beginning to consider getting Invisalign treatment, or you’re on the verge of making a decision, we are here to equip you with all the necessary information you need to make the right choice for your smile transformation.
Before Getting Invisalign Treatment
Before getting Invisalign treatment, consider the following key points:
Arrange a Consultation
Before you can undergo Invisalign teeth straightening treatment, it’s important to arrange a comprehensive dental examination to determine if Invisalign is suitable for you. Your dentist will discuss your treatment goals with you and explain what Invisalign can and cannot do for your teeth alignment and bite issues. Whilst it is highly effective for minor misalignment problems, helping you to feel more comfortable smiling, Invisalign is not well suited to more severe alignment or bite problems. It could be that fixed braces could provide a more successful solution to achieve your goals.
Digital Treatment Planning
In order for a treatment plan to be designed and for aligners to be made, digital scans are taken of your mouth. This allows for a series of aligners to be designed and created to guide your teeth from their current position to the desired alignment.
Time
Though treatment duration varies from person to person, it can generally be expected that the desired results can be achieved from 12 to 18 months. Some simpler cases may be completed in as little as 6 months, whereas slightly more complex situations may take as much as 24 months or longer. This all depends on the severity of teeth misalignment and specific treatment goals.
Whilst clear aligners are removable and can be taken out for meals and to clean your teeth, it’s important to remember that they should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily in order to be effective. It’s important that you adapt to wearing aligners and ensure you stick to wearing them for the required amount of time every day.
Maintenance and Checkups
Removing clear aligners for eating (and drinking anything other than water) is a necessity, not just optional. This helps to prevent damage to aligners, and avoids staining to the aligners, which would make them more visible and potentially discolour your teeth. Food particles can also get trapped between aligners and your teeth, which increases the risk of plaque buildup, cavities and gum disease.
It’s important to properly clean both your teeth and aligners. Removable braces allow you to continue with your normal oral hygiene routine, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and flossing regularly. Aligners should be brushed gently each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild, non-scented soap, or a non-abrasive toothpaste. It’s important to use lukewarm water to rinse them as hot water can warp the plastic.
During treatment, you will need to attend some dental appointments every couple of months to monitor progress and to receive new aligners.
Discomfort
Whilst Invisalign moves your teeth with a lower level of force than fixed braces, which must be tightened regularly, it’s important to understand that you may experience some discomfort as your teeth begin to move, but this can be treated with over the counter painkillers.
Post-Treatment
Once treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer whilst you sleep to maintain your new smile and ensure you continue to feel the same sense of confidence in the way your teeth look.
Book an Invisalign Consultation
Understanding the facts can help you make an informed decision about whether Invisalign is right for you. If you feel that Invisalign could be the right treatment for your goals, book a consultation at Riverside Dental Spa.
We are here to transform your smile in a way that has minimal effect on your day-to-day life, allowing you to carry on as normal without the worry that your braces are highly visible. You can book now online, via email, our contact form, by WhatsApp, or by telephone.
