Are you considering straightening your teeth with Invisalign? This method of orthodontic treatment can be exceptionally beneficial – continue reading to learn more about what to expect with Invisalign clear aligners.
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What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a method of orthodontic treatment that allows patients to straighten their teeth with clear aligner trays rather than traditional metal brackets and wires (braces).
For people who may feel insecure or embarrassed about the look of traditional braces, Invisalign is a fantastic option.
Every week, a new set of trays is given to the patient. Each set of trays focuses on aligning and correcting a different area of the mouth. This continues until all corrections have been made and treatment is completed. In most cases, Invisalign treatment takes anywhere from 12-18 months, though there are cases in which treatment is completed within just 12 months. Your treatment time will depend upon your personal treatment plan.
Is Invisalign Right For Me?
Invisalign is a great option for adults and teenagers who wish to straighten their teeth without significantly altering the look of their smile. It may not be a good option for younger individuals who do not understand the importance of keeping their trays in for a minimum of 22 hours each day, or older individuals who struggle with manual dexterity.
Of course, everyone is different – what works for one person may not work for another, and vice versa. Be sure to consult your dentist before making a decision about Invisalign.
Contrary to popular belief, Invisalign is capable of successfully treating many of the same issues that are treated with traditional metal braces.
Below are some examples of issues that are treated with Invisalign Aligners:
- Crooked teeth
- Overlapped teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Minor bite issues
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Some extensive cases – in which crowding or bite issues are severe – may not be treatable with Invisalign, and may benefit from traditional metal braces. Consult your dentist to learn if Invisalign is right for you.
How Does Invisalign Feel?
When you first start your Invisalign treatment, you may feel that your trays feel a bit snug. You may have some difficulty removing or placing your trays at first – not to worry, this is very common.
Your dentist will provide you with instructions on properly removing and placing your trays, and the more you practice, the easier it will become. The tightness that you will feel is actually a great sign – it means that your trays are doing their job and applying pressure wherever needed to shift the teeth.
You may also feel that your trays are a bit bulky at first; this may make it a bit difficult to pronounce certain words. Not to worry, the more you wear your trays, the more accustomed to them you will be. For an extra boost of confidence, try practicing your speech by reading aloud with your trays in. This will help the muscles of your mouth to learn how to work with your new trays.
What Can I Eat With Invisalign?
Contrary to traditional orthodontic treatment, Invisalign requires very few changes to your diet. With metal braces, there are quite a few restrictions placed on what the patient can and can not eat.
This is mainly because certain foods – mainly hard, crunchy, and sticky – place the brackets and wires at risk for breaking. A restrictive diet is also enforced because it can be quite difficult to thoroughly clean between the brackets, and it is easy for food to become trapped. Eventually, this places the patient at an increased risk of tooth decay.
When you choose to straighten your teeth with Invisalign clear aligners, rest assured that there are little to no diet restrictions, as the trays can easily be removed while eating or drinking. Of course, it’s still important to brush and floss after eating and before placing your trays back inside the mouth; this helps prevent bacteria or food particles from harming the protective outer layer of enamel.
In most cases, your dentist may simply recommend that you avoid drinking coffee, wine, or soda while wearing your trays, as they may become stained. It is also highly recommended to avoid smoking while wearing your trays for the same reason.
What To Expect During Invisalign Treatment
To begin your Invisalign treatment, a series of x-rays and a comprehensive examination will be done. A set of impressions will be taken to record the current state of your teeth; these impressions will be used to create a model. These impressions will be done either with digital scans or traditional alginate impressions.
The models of your teeth will be used to create your first set of custom Invisalign trays. You will return to the office to receive the trays, and your dentist will give you detailed instructions on properly wearing and caring for them.
Every couple of weeks, you will return to the office to have your progress checked or alternatively you can opt for monitoring your progress remotely via the dental monitoring app, where you simply send us a weekly photo of your teeth to track your progress.
This will continue until your treatment is complete; you will then receive a set of retainer trays to help preserve the work that has been done. You will be given instructions on caring for and wearing your retainers.
FY Smile: Best Invisalign Dentist in Sydney
Here at FY Smile, we are proud to offer Invisalign in our Sydney dental office.
Your journey towards the beautiful smile of your dreams starts here. Our team of experts will work with you to design a beautiful smile that naturally complements your features and provides you with priceless confidence.
