You deserve to have a perfectly-aligned smile. Crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth can also cause unwanted dental concerns and make it hard to adhere to oral hygiene habits. Braces have been the standard for orthodontic care for decades, but if you are looking for a treatment that feels more comfortable, talk to mrs. agnessa vinson in Forest Hills, NY, about Invisalign. Invisalign relies on clear plastic aligners to get your teeth in desired positions. The treatment is similar to braces in terms of the outcome but with a few notable differences. In this post, we discuss all you need to know about Invisalign.
How does Invisalign work?
Your dentist will start with imaging work to determine whether you would benefit from Invisalign. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and if you have a case of extreme malocclusion, you may still need braces. Next, your dentist will make molds of your mouth and send the bite impressions to a lab to order custom aligners. You wear the Invisalign trays just like regular mouthguards, and after every two to three weeks, the dentist will replace the existing aligners with a new pair, depending on effectively your teeth move. It can take months, often up to two years, to get the desired outcome with Invisalign.
Wearing Invisalign aligners
Remember that Invisalign requires commitment from the patient. You will want to achieve the final result as soon as possible, for which you must wear the aligners for at least 20 hours each day. Invisalign trays are removable, unlike braces made of metal, and therefore, you can continue to eat and enjoy your favorite foods as usual. Caring for your Invisalign aligners is just as important. Follow the tips listed below –
- Always wash the aligner trays after eating
- Use lukewarm water to clean your Invisalign aligners. Never use hot water
- Ask your dentist about the toothbrush and toothpaste you can use to clean the trays
- Store your aligners in the box provided, especially when not in use
- Keep up with oral hygiene habits normally, like brushing and flossing.
Ensuring your Invisalign aligners are clean will prevent bacterial buildup, which can cause additional concerns, such as infections and bad breath.
Invisalign aligners are almost invisible and remain the best choice for adults who want to seek orthodontic care but wish to avoid metalwork. You need to see your dentist as recommended, although you don’t need as many braces as metal braces.