Invisalign treatment uses aligners made of clear, plastic material and is virtually invisible when worn. They are custom-made for each patient and designed to gradually move teeth into the desired position. Treatment with Invisalign typically takes 9-18 months, depending on the severity of the case.
What are the Three Phases of Invisalign Treatment?
The Invisalign treatment process typically consists of three phases:
- The initial consultation, during which the orthodontist evaluates the patient’s teeth and determines whether Invisalign is a good option for them.
The dentist will assess your teeth with a 3D digital scan and take impressions of your bite. These are used to create the customized Invisalign aligners to be used during the treatment.
- The treatment phase, during which the aligners are worn and teeth are moved into the desired position. You will receive a set of aligners (based on your plan) to be worn for 22 hours daily and 14 days for each set.
Although the orthodontic treatment is done at home, you will be required to visit the dental clinic near you every six to eight weeks to assess the treatment.
- The maintenance phase is during which retainers are worn to maintain the new dental alignment. The dentist will give you a set of retainers to maintain the new position and prevent the teeth from reverting.
Who is Not Eligible for Invisalign?
While Invisalign is effective for many people, some are not candidates for the treatment.
One common reason is having complex orthodontic issues or not being disciplined to comply with the given instructions.
If you’re considering Invisalign, be sure to consult with an orthodontist to see if you’re a good candidate for the treatment.
How Long Does the Average Person Wear Invisalign?
In general, most people wear Invisalign for about 12 months, though some may wear them for six months, while others may wear them for 18 months or more.
The length of time someone wears Invisalign will depend on the severity of their misalignment and how well they follow their treatment plan.
How to Take Off Invisalign Without Pain?
The aligners are designed such that they can be removed easily without any pain or discomfort.
But here are tips to take off Invisalign without pain:
- Remove one aligner at a time to ease discomfort.
- Ensure your fingers are dry before taking the aligners off to provide a better grip
- Keep your mouth warm. Avoid taking cold drinks or foods, and wear the aligners immediately. This will make it difficult to remove them later.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?
Invisalign is virtually invisible, making them the ideal orthodontic treatment for adults.
The aligners are also removable and do not limit or restrict what you eat. You can also clean them with ease compared to the metal braces.
These clear aligners are more comfortable than metal braces, and you can see the virtual results of your treatment before you start.
What are the Potential Drawbacks of Invisalign?
One of the main drawbacks of Invisalign is that it can be more expensive than traditional braces.
In addition, Invisalign is ideal for people with mild to moderate malocclusion. You may require the fixed metal braced if you have a severe bite problem.
Additionally, you must be diligent about wearing your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours per day to see results.
How Can You Care for Your Invisalign Aligners?
- Wash your hands before removing your aligners.
- Remove the aligners before eating and drinking.
- Do not wear your aligners for more than 20 hours a day, including during the night and while sleeping. If you have to wear them overnight, ensure that you take off all of them the next morning before getting up and going about your day (this will allow your teeth to return to their original positions).
- Do not wear your aligners when swimming or using mouthwash; doing so could damage the brackets!
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Complete Dental Works for more information about Invisalign aligners and what you can expect.