New Year’s Resolution for a Healthy Smile
December 19, 2022
Invisalign is the perfect choice for those who desire a subtle approach to straightening their teeth. This innovative clear plastic treatment moves your teeth into desired positions with ease and comfort, so you can achieve remarkable results without worrying about metal brackets or wires.
This article will discuss tips to help you get the most out of your or your child’s Invisalign treatment.
The Importance of Consistency With Invisalign
It’s crucial to wear aligners consistently for the recommended time each day, typically at least 22 hours. Consistent wear will help ensure the treatment is effective and reduce the overall treatment time. If you’re having trouble remembering, try setting reminders on your phone or placing reminder notes in a visible spot.
Other tips to remind yourself are:
- Place a note on the bathroom mirror
- Leave positive messages of encouragement for yourself
- Keep the aligners in a case that is easy to find and access
Proper Care and Maintenance of the Aligners
To prevent bacteria and plaque buildup, keeping the aligners clean is vital. A soft toothbrush, clear aligner cleaner, or toothpaste can allow you to scrub the aligners gently. A soft-bristled toothbrush is better because it won’t scratch the aligners. Make sure to rinse the aligners with water after eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing them.
Be careful of using water that is too hot, as it can damage the aligners and reduce their effectiveness. Additionally, store the aligners in their case when not in use to prevent them from becoming lost or damaged.
Frequent Visits with Your Orthodontist
Invisible braces require adjustment and monitoring during treatment, so it’s important to attend routine check-up appointments. During these visits, the orthodontist will ensure that treatment progress is on track and make any needed adjustments. If you encounter any alignment issues, contact your orthodontist immediately.
With proper care and maintenance, Invisalign treatment can be an effective and comfortable way to straighten your teeth.
When is Invisalign Chosen Over Braces?
Invisalign is a great choice when looking for an alternative to braces, as it can treat mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues. Invisalign is often recommended when braces are not needed or the patient prefers the convenience of aligners over traditional metal brackets and wires.
Not all cases can be treated with Invisalign, and a consultation with an orthodontist is necessary to determine if it is the right option for you or your child.
Stages of Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign treatment has five stages:
1. The initial consultation with the orthodontist, during which your teeth will be examined, and an individualized plan will be created.
This includes the number of aligners needed and a timeline for treatment. The plan also includes a series of attachments, which will hold the aligners in place.
2. Taking impressions of teeth to create custom aligners
During the impression process, a mold of your teeth will be taken. This is important because it will serve as the basis for custom aligners.
3. Receiving and wearing the first set of aligners
Once the impressions are taken, they will be sent to a lab where their custom aligners will be made. When they’re ready, you can start wearing them immediately and should wear each set for two weeks before moving on to the next set.
4. Monitoring progress with monthly check-ups
It’s crucial to go to monthly appointments to monitor and adjust (if needed) the aligners. During these visits, the orthodontist may recommend additional aligners, depending on how the treatment progresses.
5. Maintaining results with retainers
Once the Invisalign treatment is complete, you must wear retainers to maintain their results. This is important because it prevents the teeth from shifting back into their original positions as they grow.
With dedication and cooperation between a patient and their orthodontist, Invisalign treatment can achieve a confident smile.
Get Your Smile Started with Invisalign Today!
If you’re interested in finding out if Invisalign is right for you or your child, contact Central Virginia Orthodontics today for a consultation. Our experienced orthodontists will help create an individualized treatment plan and guide you through each step to ensure your smile looks its best! We look forward to helping you get your smile started on the road to straightness.