Invisalign offers a cutting-edge way to straighten crooked teeth and fix other problems that are associated with gapped and crowded teeth. If you want an alternative to standard metal braces that can be uncomfortable to wear, Invisalign may be your answer. Here are the most frequently asked questions about this treatment and get additional information from a dentist.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign treatment uses clear medical-grade plastic trays to straighten teeth and correct any tooth gaps or crowding of teeth. Instead of having metal braces affixed to your teeth, you’ll wear these Invisalign trays to straighten your teeth. You can remove these trays for cleaning and easily place them back over the teeth when you’re ready to wear them again. To ensure a proper fit, you’ll have 3D images of your teeth taken so that customized trays can be created for you to wear.
Will I only need only one set of Invisalign trays for my treatment?
You’ll receive different sets of trays that will be customized to fit the shapes of your teeth as they start to align properly. Each tray set will be worn for one to two weeks. Most people need to wear at least five different tray sets to achieve the best results, but you may need 26 sets or more if your teeth are crooked because of moderate or severe spacing or crowding.
For how long do I need to wear Invisalign trays to get the results that I want?
Even though your Invisalign trays can be taken out whenever needed, you should wear your trays 20 – 22 hours every day if you want the treatment to be effective. This means that you’ll also wear your trays while sleeping, but the trays shouldn’t cause discomfort and likely won’t interfere with your breathing. The total treatment time that’s needed to get your teeth to the desired level of straightness with Invisalign will be approximately one to three years.
Can I eat while wearing my Invisalign trays?
It’s possible to wear your aligners while eating, but it’s usually best to remove them before you eat to avoid damaging them. Certain foods can also cause discoloration of your aligners, and the plastic material of your aligners may become a hotbed for bacteria if you eat with the trays still on your teeth. Water is safe to drink while wearing your trays, but other beverages that may wear away the plastic material should only be consumed after you’ve removed your aligners.
How do I clean my Invisalign trays?
Even though you’ll throw away your aligner trays every one to two weeks and start wearing new trays, you’ll still need to clean each tray thoroughly twice a day for proper oral hygiene and to avoid additional dental problems. Rinsing your aligners with water can remove a lot of the food residue that gets on them, but you should also brush your trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush and liquid soap that won’t damage the trays. It’s also important to use a different toothbrush that you use for your teeth when cleaning your aligners.
What are some of the main advantages that Invisalign has over braces?
Metal braces are much more noticeable than Invisalign trays, which can make people feel more self-conscious. Braces also have some sharp metal parts that can cut and injure your lips and tissues inside your mouth. Metal braces must be worn continuously, whereas Invisalign trays can be removed as often as needed.
Is it easy to find a dentist who offers Invisalign treatment?
If you’re like many people who are interested in getting Invisalign, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask after you’ve reviewed the benefits of this treatment is, “Where can I find an Invisalign dentist near me?” Fortunately, many dentists are offering Invisalign nowadays because of the treatment’s proven benefits. You will\3find a dentist in your area who will be happy to tell you more about this treatment and get you fitted for your trays if you decide that Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign has helped many people correct their tooth alignment problems, and you’ll likely find that this treatment also works well for you if you want a different way to improve your smile. An Invisalign dentist near you can answer any additional questions you might have and fit you for your new aligner trays.
