Our dentists explain what to expect before, during, and after Invisalign treatment, as well as how Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter smile.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of custom-made clear aligners that can help straighten your teeth without using traditional wire and metal braces.
Typically, you’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. During that time, the aligners will make gradual, tiny adjustments to your teeth.
Your dentist will evaluate your specific needs and determine the duration of your treatment. You can remove your custom aligners during treatment to drink, eat, brush, and floss. Your smile will change in the following ways during treatment:
Improved Cleanliness During & After Treatment
Because Invisalign trays are removable, you can remove the trays when you are ready to brush and floss. You'll be able to ensure you brush and floss all your teeth thoroughly during treatment.
You can also clean your Invisalign clear aligners by rinsing them or using the Invisalign cleaning crystals. This will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy while they are straightened.
Straighter Teeth
Before you begin your treatment, your teeth may be gapped, crooked or misaligned. Invisalign can help treat any of these issues - individually or in combination.
Your results will vary depending on your treatment plan, but in general, as long as you follow the prescribed treatment plan, you can expect to see straighter teeth when you look in the mirror after the Invisalign treatment.
Gaps between your teeth may close, and your bite may improve. Regardless of the issues that have been resolved, you will most likely enjoy showing off your new, straighter smile to everyone you meet.
Better Dental Health
If you wear your Invisalign clear aligners properly and only remove them when you need to eat, drink, or clean your teeth, each of your teeth will receive just the right amount of pressure for the right amount of time. The severity of your misalignment will determine the total number of aligners required. In the long run, straighter teeth will result in better dental health and healthier gums.
No More Crowded or Misaligned Teeth
Teeth that are misaligned or crowded can hurt appearance and contribute to poor oral health. With Invisalign, misalignments can be corrected. The key to success is adhering to the personalized treatment plan your dentist creates for you.
Rather than moving all of your teeth at once, each phase of your treatment focuses on a few of your teeth at a time. Whatever the issue, it is critical that you follow the treatment plan recommended by your dentist and wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. After a successful treatment process, your crowded or misaligned teeth should be straight, and you will be able to reveal a straighter smile.
Increased Comfort Level
Because Invisalign clear aligners are made of smooth plastic, they are very comfortable to wear. Furthermore, because they are made of clear plastic, a casual observer will have difficulty noticing them as they discreetly straighten your teeth.