10 things to know before getting Invisalign®
Are you interested in an effective and unobtrusive method of realigning and correcting your misaligned teeth?
There are many good orthodontic treatments that do just that, and one of the most popular choices is Invisalign® clear aligners.
Our team at Epsom Dental Care offers Invisalign® near you, in our convenient and clean offices.
If you are considering Invisalign®, we’d like to take this chance to introduce you to 10 things you MUST know, before you get them.
#1. Aligners are a full-time job
Aligners are a full-time job, not a part-time commitment. For Invisalign® to work as it is designed, you must wear your clear aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours daily.
Your orthodontist will tell you how long. The aligners should only be removed for eating, brushing, flossing, sports, or playing some instruments.
It is too easy to remove these aligners, particularly if they are feeling a bit awkward on your teeth, and then simply forget to replace them.
If the aligners don’t stay in your mouth as long as they are supposed to, the treatment will not work.
If you think you’re the type of person who might take your aligners out more often than you should, other orthodontic treatments might be a better choice for you.
#2. Invisalign® is not for everyone.
Invisalign® is great, particularly because it is nearly undetectable, but it cannot treat all cases of orthodontic problems. Minor over/underbites, gaps, and crooked teeth are all good candidates for Invisalign®.
But for patients with more complicated issues, such as too big of a bite, it may be preferable to choose traditional metal braces.
Your consultation with Epsom Dental Care will reveal if Invisalign® is a good choice for your orthodontic condition.
#3. You may end up brushing a lot more than you are used to.
Because aligners sit on top of your teeth, it is mandatory that you must brush before replacing them.
If you don’t, you’re just trapping food particles on your teeth, creating an opportunity for bacteria to grow, attacking your teeth and fouling your breath.
Invisalign® users should always travel with a toothbrush, and keep one at places you often eat, such as school or the office.
#4. Extra snacks may not be worth the trouble.
This goes back to the brushing issue. “Grazing” or eating during the day may become too much of a hassle.
Even the smallest afternoon snack will require you to remove your aligners, eat, and then brush and floss before replacing the aligners.
On the positive side, some users report losing weight while using Invisalign®, and it cut down on their snacking habit.
#5. Invisalign® is quick and efficient
While many people believe the main difference between traditional braces and Invisalign® is Invisalign ®’s aesthetic advantage in being nearly invisible, Invisalign® can also come with increased speed of treatment in many cases.
Most patients begin to see results in 2-3 months!
#6. You may experience some discomfort
Invisalign® looks modern, sleek, and smooth, particularly when compared against metal braces, but they are still an orthodontic treatment.
This means you may feel some discomfort during your treatment. Many patients do not feel discomfort, but some do. This varies by patient, teeth, and pain threshold.
#7. You need to clean aligners correctly
When cleaning aligners, it is unwise to use toothpaste as its abrasive ingredients can cause a build-up that makes aligners icky and yellow. Clean aligners with a recommended aligner cleaner.
#8. You aren’t too old
Just as with braces, Invisalign® aligners are great for everyone from teenagers to seniors. Don’t let your age keep you from that straight smile that you have always wanted.
#9. You will need a retainer
Similar to conventional braces, finishing Invisalign® treatment does not mean treatment is over. In most cases, Invisalign® patients will wear a retainer to keep their teeth aligned for the long run.
#10. We’ve got your back (well, your teeth!)
Don’t be troubled by the potential downsides of aligners.
Instead, concentrate on the fact that you get out of them the work you put into them, and that Epsom Dental Care is here to help you. Our many satisfied patients are evidence that the work is worth the result!
Epsom Dental Care and your Dental Health
If you think Invisalign® may be the right treatment for you, give us a call!
Your friendly Epsom Dental Care team will help you decide on the best choice for your smile.
If you have any questions about Invisalign treatment, please contact us today at (08) 9478 2349.
We are located at 5/132 Epsom Ave in Belmont WA.