The Invisalign Teeth Straightening Solution: What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment

Age, inconvenience, and discomfort should not stop you from having a healthier, more beautiful smile. If having crooked, uneven, or gap teeth or an underbite or overbite are preventing you from flashing your pearly whites more often, you can fix your dental problem with Invisalign.

Invisalign is an innovative teeth-straightening solution that fixes your smile without the inconvenience and pain that comes with wearing traditional metal braces. They are clear aligners that are nearly unnoticeable and recommended for adults who want to have perfect-looking teeth.

Moreover, unlike metal braces, invisible aligners are not chunky and painful on the gums and mouth. Because of this, they are comfortable to wear every day.

Additionally, the trays are removable, which means you can remove them for a few minutes to eat or when you need to speak uninterrupted.

According to dentists that specialize in Invisalign in Fort Lauderdale, you will be able to see changes in your teeth within six months after you start wearing them. However, you have to ensure you wear the aligners according to your dental specialist’s recommendation, which should be at least 22 hours per day.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

Knowing what to expect when you get invisible aligners can help you decide if this is the best teeth straightening solution for you. Moreover, you will know the important things you have to do to get the most out of this orthodontic treatment.

Below are the things you have to expect before, during, and after your Invisalign treatment:

Before

1.      Choosing the right dentist is crucial.

Many dental clinics claim they specialize in the Invisalign treatment; however, you have to be sure you are getting this orthodontic solution from a qualified orthodontist or dentist.

One good sign that you are in the right dental clinic is when the dentist or orthodontist does not recommend Invisalign right away. Keep in mind that this treatment won’t work if you have a severe orthodontic issue, such as an extreme under- or overbite.

A reputable dental specialist won’t suggest this treatment if you need extensive restorative work or serious gum disease.

Before a dentist or orthodontist recommends Invisalign, he or she should check your teeth and evaluate your overall oral health first to see if this treatment is right for you.

If you have any oral issues, such as gum disease, he or she should address and treat it before proceeding to the next step of the Invisalign treatment. If you got dental implants from a Fort Lauderdale dentist, your specialist should also check if you can still wear the invisible aligners.

2.      You will get a customized treatment plan.

Once your dental specialist says Invisalign can treat your orthodontic issue and you want this treatment, expect to get a personalized treatment plan.

To create this, you will undergo digital x-rays. Your dentist or orthodontist will also get molded impressions and take photos of your teeth to create a digital roadmap he or she will follow during the treatment duration.

Using the Invisalign software, your dental expert will be able to predict how your teeth will change over time during the treatment and see how they will look weeks and months and eventually, when the aligners are removed.

Your dentist or orthodontist will use these images to create the trays and schedules for wearing and replacing them to ensure you get the results you are looking for.

During

1.      The first fitting is critical.

Once your first aligners are ready, you have to try them on in the presence of your dental specialist. Make sure you feel comfortable wearing them and ask your dentist or orthodontist any questions you have regarding the treatment. 

Your dentist or orthodontist may also fit some small attachments to your teeth to help the trays stay in place. They are painless to install, invisible, and temporary and, as such, won’t give you any problems.

Since this is the first time you are wearing aligners, you may be asked to put them on at nighttime so that you can sleep through the discomfort. You can also do this whenever you are given a new set of trays.

2.      Wear your aligners at least 22 hours daily.

Although your aligners are removable, it doesn’t mean that you can take them off whenever you want to. You have to wear them all day and night, for a total of at least 22 hours daily.  Remove them only when you are eating, brushing, and flossing.

And when brushing your teeth, brush and clean your aligners as well.

Don’t forget to bring your aligner’s case wherever you go and put the trays inside it whenever you remove them to avoid losing them.

3.      You don’t have to go to the dental clinic often.

Another benefit of choosing Invisalign as your teeth straightening treatment is that you don’t have to see your dental specialist often.

You can get your new trays delivered to you every two weeks when you need to replace them. Since the aligners can be manufactured in advance, you can even get them from your dental clinic whenever you drop by for a visit.

However, you need to see your dentist or orthodontist at least once every month so that they can check the progress of your treatment. You also need to drop by their clinic if you are feeling an unusual amount of discomfort.

After

1.     You can stop wearing the invisible aligners after six to eighteen months.

If your orthodontic issue is not too severe, you can graduate from Invisalign and move on to regular retainers within six months. However, you have to wear your invisible aligners longer for more extensive problems.

The treatment duration can also become shorter or longer based on the number of hours you put on your aligners every day.

2.      You have to wear retainers to sustain the effects of your aligners.

Retainers are essential elements of teeth straightening treatments. Because of this, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend you wear them after you stop with your Invisalign treatment.

The retainers will help keep your teeth aligned after you stopped putting on your invisible aligners so wear them as your dentist or orthodontist prescribed.

After you complete your treatment ptrogram, you don’t need to go through a recovery time. You can show off your new smile immediately and be proud of your aligned, flawless teeth.

With these facts and tips, you can make the right decision whether to choose Invisalign as your teeth straightening treatment or opt for traditional braces.