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Invisalign In 3 Easy Steps
Many people with crooked teeth don't entertain thoughts of seeking treatment to straighten their teeth because they are unwilling to deal with the embarrassment of wearing braces as adults. This is despite the fact that it would help them improve their smile, overall oral health, and self-confidence. You should know that you don't have to feel shame over seeking help to straighten your smile.
Besides traditional braces, alternative solutions now exist that don't require metal brackets to be set in your mouth for the duration of your treatment. Top among these alternative solutions is Invisalign, which enables you to straighten your teeth using almost invisible aligners that can easily be removed when necessary. Invisalign treatment is an easy and effective alternative to conventional braces that can save your smile without demolishing your self-confidence.
1. What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a breakthrough orthodontic procedure that relies on clear removable aligners to straighten teeth instead of fixed metal brackets common in traditional braces. The goal of designing these clear aligners is to make them more discreet than metal braces, thus, eliminating the unwanted attention that is typical if using conventional braces to straighten teeth.
Invisalign clear aligners are disposable and must be worn for roughly 22 hours daily throughout the treatment. They are usually only removed when drinking, eating, or practicing oral hygiene. Although the Invisalign trays are taken out for small windows every day, they are still significantly more comfortable than conventional metal braces.
You should know that how long Invisalign aligners take to straighten your teeth can vary based on your particular case. After assessing your teeth with digital imaging, the dentist will inform you of your estimated treatment time.
2. Advantages to Invisalign Treatment
Since its invention, the Invisalign treatment has become popular because it's more aesthetically pleasing than conventional metal braces. However, there are more significant benefits to taking advantage of Invisalign clear aligners. These are;
- The treatment is quicker and more comfortable
Traditional metal braces usually take about 16 to 18 months to work, and for some people, this treatment can take up to two years. This is almost twice as long as the average time it would take for you to straighten your teeth using Invisalign treatment. Moreover, metal braces often cut the gums or the inside of the lips and cheeks of patients.
- It's easier to maintain oral hygiene
If you have traditional braces installed, it can be very easy for food and drink remnants to get stuck between the wires. It's generally very challenging to remove these remnants from the wires using standard oral hygiene practices like brushing. Moreover, flossing becomes a more complex task due to the wires. This means that maintaining proper oral hygiene will be difficult. In contrast, you can always remove Invisalign trays before eating, drinking, or cleaning your mouth, thus eliminating both issues.
- Eat and drink the things you want
If you have traditional braces installed, there are several foods that you aren't supposed to consume. This can make it challenging to share meals with friends and family during your treatment. However, since Invisalign aligners can be removed before eating or drinking, you can eat and drink what you want while receiving your treatment.
3. What Is Involved With Invisalign Treatment?
If you are considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth due to its numerous benefits, you should first seek a top-notch dental clinic that provides this treatment. Request an appointment with Great Lakes Dental online to receive a consultation to figure out whether Invisalign treatment would be suitable for you.
If you opt to follow through with the treatment, you will have to adhere to the following three steps to straighten your teeth successfully:
Step 1: Receive a treatment plan for Invisalign aligners in Mentor
On your first visit to the dental clinic, an individual treatment plan will be developed specifically for you. To develop this individualized plan, your dentist will utilize digital images and X-rays of your mouth to create a mold of your teeth. This mold will be utilized to create a virtual 3-D model that will enable your dental team to predict how your teeth will likely move. The model will be brought to a lab, where your custom-fitted Invisalign tray will be developed. This process will take roughly three to four weeks.
Step 2: Wear your Invisalign aligners precisely as prescribed
After your custom-made aligners have been made and returned to your dentist, you will have to go and retrieve them, whereby you will receive strict instructions on how to use them. These instructions will include that you need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours daily, every day, and you should only remove them to eat, drink, or clean your teeth. This is because colored food and drinks can stain the aligners, while hot beverages can warp the plastic, making them useless. Additionally, sugary and acidic foods and drinks can get stuck under the aligners resulting in tooth decay.
If you are a parent who got your child Invisalign for teens, ensure that you monitor that they use them exactly as prescribed. After two weeks, your teeth will have aligned enough to require a switch to the next set of aligners. Using the aligners as prescribed will allow you to complete your treatment in the expected time frame.
Step 3: Wear a retainer to maintain your progress
You will complete your Invisalign treatment in about a year, in some cases, in six months. After achieving straight teeth and a perfect smile, you will have to wear a retainer for 9 to 12 months. This will stop your straightened teeth from shifting back to their initial position.
Are You Looking for a Dentist in Mentor?
If you seek a dentist in Mentor, Ohio, look no further than Great Lakes Dental. We offer various dental treatments, including Invisalign for adults and teens. Come to us to perfect your smile. Schedule an appointment today.