Today, 90% of people have some type of dental misalignment, which makes it a very prevalent problem. At its best, you’ll only have slight cosmetic flaws, while at its worse, you might struggle with eating and speaking properly.
No matter what degree your dental misalignment is, it can definitely take its toll on your self-esteem. But there are treatments available to straighten your teeth, and they go beyond traditional braces; for example, there’s Invisalign.
Wondering what Invisalign before and after effects are possible? Then read on to find out more about these clear aligners.
How Does Invisalign Work?
This orthodontic treatment works by using a series of clear, custom-made aligners. You’ll wear them to gradually and gently move your teeth into the desired positions.
Many people prefer Invisalign to traditional metal bracket braces since they’re more discreet. Plus, they’re not permanently attached to your teeth, so you can remove them whenever you want to take a break. However, for optimal results, it’s best to wear the aligners as much as possible.
Invisalign: Before the Treatment
Before you get Invisalign, you should manage your expectations. For instance, even though it’s effective, Invisalign isn’t meant for serious misalignments. So if your teeth are very crooked, your orthodontist may say that you’re not a good candidate.
Here are some other things you need to know and consider.
Your Treatment Plan
Every person’s Invisalign treatment plan will be personalized. First, the orthodontist will use 3D imaging technology to create a digital mold of your teeth. This will help them plan the movement of your teeth throughout the treatment.
From there, they’ll create custom aligners made of clear, BPA-free plastic. Typically, you’ll switch aligners every one to two weeks, depending on your orthodontist’s recommendations.
The duration will depend on how complex your case is, as well as how diligent you are with wearing your aligners. On average, it takes between six to 18 months to complete the Invisalign treatment.
Wearing the Aligners
To see effective results, you’ll need to wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You can remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
While they won’t be as uncomfortable as traditional braces, clear aligners can still have some slight discomfort. It’s normal for your teeth to feel sore or sensitive as they adjust to the new pressure. You’ll be glad to know that it should subside after a few days.
Oral Hygiene
You’ll need to keep up with excellent oral hygiene while wearing your aligners. This means brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
You should also floss, especially between meals. This gets rid of food and debris stuck between your teeth.
Regular Checkups
Just like with braces, you’ll need regular checkups to ensure that you’re making good progress. Your orthodontist can make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan too.
However, the frequency of visits will be less. So many people find Invisalign more convenient, especially if they have a busy schedule.
Invisalign: After the Treatment
So what happens after Invisalign? Will these things be manageable for you?
These are the things to expect after completing treatment.
Retainers
It may come as a shock to some people, but you do have to wear retainers after you’ve finished wearing all your clear aligners. These are essential in preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions on how often to wear them. It’s crucial that you do so to keep your teeth in great shape.
Adjustment Period
As with any orthodontic treatment, it may take some time for your teeth to settle into their new positions after Invisalign.
You might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, especially if you wore the aligners for an extended period, but not to worry. These things should subside gradually.
Dental Checkups
You’ll want to continue regular dental checkups and orthodontic follow-ups as scheduled. This allows them to monitor your teeth and ensure that they stay in the desired positions.
Should anything change, your orthodontist can take immediate action to minimize the negative effects.
Lifestyle Changes
For some people, they may have had to make lifestyle changes during Invisalign, such as avoiding certain foods or beverages. If you had to do that, then you might need to reassess whether you can go back to your normal routines afterward.
It’s best to ask your orthodontist before resuming these routines. They’ll let you know if any changes need to be maintained.
In general, it’s ideal to avoid sticky or hard foods that could potentially damage your teeth and/or retainers.
Long-Term Results
As long as you wear your retainers diligently and maintain outstanding oral hygiene practices, you should get lasting results from Invisalign.
We can’t stress how important it is to adhere to the post-treatment guidelines, as it’s essential to preserving the results you achieved. If you ever have any questions or concerns about those guidelines, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist for clarification.
Know What to Expect From Invisalign, Before and After
Now you know what to expect from Invisalign, before and after. It’s a treatment that many people are happy with, especially since the aligners are inconspicuous and are typically more comfortable than metal braces.
So if you feel like it’s something you’d like to correct your teeth, then it’s best to speak with an orthodontist. They can give you a thorough assessment, determine if you’re a good candidate, then move on with the treatment if you are.
If you’d like to experience the Invisalign benefits for yourself, then schedule an appointment with us now. We’ll give you a personalized treatment plan to get you a fantastic smile.