There are numerous ways to straighten teeth, and Invisalign® is an increasingly popular method. Unlike traditional braces that use metal or ceramic attachments hooked to a wire to pull the teeth straight over time, this treatment uses clear aligners that can be taken out when eating or brushing. For the desired results, it helps to follow certain tips that enhance the straightening process.
As with traditional braces, it takes time for Invisalign® to obtain the desired results. Because the aligners can be removed, it may take longer to straighten the teeth if the treatment is not followed as instructed.
Although wearing the aligners is less painful than wearing braces, there may still be some discomfort, especially at the beginning. It takes a while for the mouth to adjust to the aligners, and the individual must get used to caring for them properly. Once this initial period passes, wearing the trays becomes easier and less noticeable to the patient.
Because of the ease of taking Invisalign® aligners out of the mouth, it may be tempting to not wear them as much as one should. Dental professionals recommend wearing the trays a minimum of 22 hours a day. The remaining two hours allow for eating, drinking, and proper cleaning. If someone does not wear the aligners full time, the straightening process is lengthened. In some cases, there may even be a need to remake the aligners.
As the straightening process progresses, the wearer moves on to new aligners. Patients should not move on to the next aligner until the teeth fit perfectly in the current set. Moving on to the next aligner set on schedule means there is a better chance the individual will finish the treatment in the expected time frame.
If there are gaps between the aligners and the teeth, it is not a correct fit. When this occurs, it is recommended the wearer bite down on chewies, which are small cylindrical cushions. This should be done five to 10 minutes at a time, about three times a day. Use on a regular basis helps the aligners sit on the teeth properly, allowing for a tighter fit.
Once Invisalign® has properly aligned the teeth, the process is not over. The patient will be given retainers that are molded to fit the newly straightened teeth. The retainers should be worn regularly, just like the aligners. The dental professional can give an estimated time frame for use. If a patient does not use the retainers as much as recommended, the teeth can slowly shift and return to the original positions.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces in Cumming, GA
Having crooked teeth can greatly affect self-esteem and confidence. Using Invisalign® to straighten the teeth is beneficial in that the aligners make the process less obvious and can be taken out for better oral hygiene. However, for the most effective results, the wearer needs to follow instructions and wear the retainers regularly.
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You probably already know that Invisalign® trays look very different than traditional braces, but you may not know how ideal Invisalign is for many teens. Older teens are often very active in sports or might worry about how others think about teeth-straightening devices. The clear trays of Invisalign are less conspicuous than traditional braces. You…
For a long time, if a person wanted straighter teeth, the only option was traditional braces. However, the introduction of Invisalign® in 1999 changed that. This treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and gradually guide the teeth into the desired position. Many patients prefer aligners…
Invisalign® is one of several options you might be considering for straightening teeth. It is a way to correct the alignment by regularly changing the trays as the teeth move into the proper positions. While it may not be right for everybody, many people with less complex orthodontic cases have success using Invisalign. With Invisalign,…
You probably already know that Invisalign® trays look very different than traditional braces, but you may not know how ideal Invisalign is for many teens. Older teens are often very active in sports or might worry about how others think about teeth-straightening devices. The clear trays of Invisalign are less conspicuous than traditional braces. You…
For a long time, if a person wanted straighter teeth, the only option was traditional braces. However, the introduction of Invisalign® in 1999 changed that. This treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and gradually guide the teeth into the desired position. Many patients prefer aligners…