29
May
What You Should Know Before Getting Invisalign
For some people, sporting a mouth full of metal can be even more embarrassing than having crooked or misaligned teeth. Luckily, Invisalign orthodontic treatment is an easy, discreet, and convenient way to obtain a straighter smile. Although it might sound like the ideal solution for most patients, there are a few things you should know before committing to treatment. Read along to find out what they are.
You’ll Wear Your Aligners Most of the Time
Invisalign treatment uses constant, gentle pressure to shift teeth into better alignment. For it to be successful, you must meet the recommended wear-time of 20 to 22 hours a day. If you fail to do so, you risk extending the length of treatment which can cost you more time and money down the line.
Treatment Is Virtually Invisible
One of the most attractive benefits of clear aligners is their discreetness. Most people won’t even notice you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment! However, that won’t be the case if you don’t take proper care of them. To keep your aligners looking their very best, make sure you clean and maintain them as instructed by your dentist.
More Attachments Might Be Necessary
Depending on the complexity of your misalignment, you may receive more attachments than expected. These usually include enamel-colored ridges that bond to your teeth to move them more effectively. And with the attachments in place, you might look like you’re wearing clear braces.
There Will Be Speech Alterations
Since your mouth isn’t used to the plastic trays, you might develop a minor lisp or speech impediment when you first start wearing them. The good news is any changes in your speech will eventually go away with practice!
You’ll Have More Dentist Appointments
Everyone is advised to see their dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. However, patients undergoing Invisalign treatment will need to see their dentist or orthodontist more often, usually every six to ten weeks. At these visits, your dentist will make sure your teeth are moving according to the treatment plan – so try not to miss any!
They Will Need to Be Removed Before Eating or Drinking
Unlike traditional metal braces, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign. However, you must remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything that’s not water. Otherwise, you could damage or stain the aligners.
You Will Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment
After completing Invisalign treatment, you’ll be given a retainer to preserve your results. You might be asked to wear it all day every day for the first few months. But after that, you should be okay to wear the retainer at night only. Of course, every patient is different, so make sure you ask your dentist what they recommend for your specific case.
Do you think Invisalign is the right choice for you? If so, ask your dentist how you can get started. Your dream smile is only a phone call away!
About the Practice
At Framingham Family Dental Care, we treat every patient that walks through our door like a member of our very own family. Our team goes above and beyond to provide exceptional, state-of-the-art, high-quality dental care that’s guaranteed to exceed even your highest expectations. If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign, we can help you determine if it’s the best course of action for your needs. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (508) 665-2016.