Are you hesitant to get braces due to worries about the appearance of your crooked or packed teeth? Invisalign offers an ideal answer with its transparent, snug-fitting aligners. Soon, you’ll obtain the impeccable smile you’ve longed for, and almost nobody will be able to tell you’re receiving treatment!
But what should you expect when getting Invisalign?
Sore Teeth
After getting your Invisalign aligners put in, some patients experience soreness in their teeth and gums. This is normal and should subside after a few days as you adjust to wearing the aligners. Some patients may also have gum discomfort, but this also should improve over time.
Be sure to tell your dentist if you experience any unexpected pain or changes in mouth sensitivity. Additionally, it’s helpful to stay informed about the Invisalign process so that you know what to expect day-to-day. During the treatment period, you will likely need to see your dentist regularly for checkups and adjustments—usually, every two weeks or so—and eating habits may need adjustment to accommodate the alignment trays.
It’s important to pay attention to your aligners as they require regular cleaning with toothpaste and water while brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice per day. Any buildup of debris or plaque on the surfaces can cause staining and discoloration of both aligners and teeth. Additionally, using whitening products on aligner trays can cause them to appear unevenly colored due to their thin material properties and intimate fit with surrounding teeth structures.
Wearing Aligners for at least 20-22 Hours a Day
When you start Invisalign, your orthodontist will give you a customized set of aligners that you’ll wear in sequence. You’ll start with the first pair, which should fit snugly over your teeth. This is because the aligners gradually move your teeth, so they must fit tightly to ensure that the movement is effective and comfortable.
Your orthodontist will recommend that you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day. It’s important to stick to this recommendation in order to get the best results from your treatment. Try to keep track of
- how long you wear them each day,
- when and where you take them out,
- or switch them out for a new pair of aligners.
When you are wearing the aligners, they may cause some minor discomfort or interfere with speech if they fit too tightly at first. This will pass once your teeth become accustomed to wearing them and they begin shifting into alignment. Make sure that you continue wearing the aligners even if it takes some time before they feel comfortable in your mouth – it will be worth it in the end!
Taking Off Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
When you get your Invisalign aligners, it’s important that you are aware of some of the general expectations associated with wearing them. One of the most important is to make sure that you take off your aligners before eating or drinking anything that isn’t water.
If food is left in your mouth for a prolonged period of time, it can become stuck between the aligners and the teeth, making them difficult to remove. Additionally, beverages like tea, coffee, and red wine can stain the aligners making it hard to see your progress while using Invisalign.
Proper Care is Essential for Your Invisalign Aligners
For those using Invisalign aligners to move their teeth, proper care and hygiene of their smile and aligners is essential to having successful treatment. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth should be done twice daily when you have the Invisalign trays in place. It’s also important to remove the aligners before drinking anything but water – juices, coffees, wines, and other beverages can bend or distort the trays.
It’s essential that you also clean the Invisalign trays every day. Invisalign trays collect saliva and bacteria as they are used throughout your day, so it’s necessary to keep them clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush or better yet use special tools designed for cleaning Invisalign trays such as a professional cleaning system created by Align Technology called the Aligner Cleanser Kit. Soaking the aligners in some type of neutral cleaner such as retainer brite is also beneficial.
Be sure to rinse off any residue from your aligner-cleaning solution before putting it back in your mouth – especially if you use a mouthwash type cleaner due to its potential for harshness on soft tissues. If you don’t follow this step then you may experience an itchy or sore feeling in your cheeks when wearing your tray for an extended period of time.
Dental Checkups
During your Invisalign treatment, you should plan to come in for checkups every 4-6 weeks. These appointments serve a few different purposes. They will allow your dentist to monitor the progress of your treatment and make sure the aligners are working properly and that no adjustments need to be made. Your dentist may also make minor manual adjustments to ensure your teeth move in the correct direction. It’s also important for your dentist to observe any changes in dental health throughout the process.
During each visit, you should expect an X-ray and possibly an intraoral scan, both of which help track the movement of your teeth over time. Additionally, you may need a light cleaning between appointments since Invisalign can act like a retainer and trap bacteria against your teeth causing plaque buildup or decay if not monitored regularly.
You may also want to get used to talking with your orthodontist about potential discomfort you may experience as well as managing any dietary changes caused by wearing Invisalign for extended periods throughout the day; for example, frequent snacks or high acidic drinks like citrus juices can increase tooth sensitivity during this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does treatment with Invisalign take?
Treatment times vary from person to person. Generally, the average time for Invisalign treatment is about 12 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?
You should wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day for optimal results.
Are Invisalign aligners comfortable?
Yes, Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable and fit snugly against your teeth.
Conclusion
Concluding, Invisalign is a great option for those who are looking to straighten their teeth in a discreet, painless way. No matter what your treatment timeline or the severity of your crooked teeth, Invisalign can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Individuals should consult their orthodontist or dentist to determine if they are a good candidate for the Invisalign system.
With proper care and routine visits, most individuals will experience long-lasting results that make them feel confident with their smiles.
