6 Things You Should Know Before Getting Invisalign®
May 01, 2021
In the 21st century, there is no reason why you cannot improve the appearance of your smile. Orthodontics, among other specialties in dentistry, has provided solutions that can help transform your smiles.
In orthodontics, the focus is on aligning teeth properly for improved functionality and appearance. The need for a beautiful smile and a comfortable treatment is among the reasons why Invisalign® braces are popular in dentistry.
What Are Invisalign Aligners?
They are tooth-shaped plastic-like oral appliances used in orthodontic dentistry to straighten and reposition misaligned teeth. They are used as an alternative to other oral appliances like metal braces. Invisalign teeth braces are popular because of their cosmetic appeal. Technically, the material used to make them is transparent, which does not undermine the cosmetic interests of patients during orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign aligners go by many names, including clear braces, and invisible teeth aligners, thanks to the material used to make them. However, before getting these braces, you should know more than just about their colour and how they make you feel.
6 Facts About Invisalign Braces
- They are not for everyone – do not assume that because other people are getting the invisible braces that you can get them too. Unless you talk to a dentist in Calgary, AB, you will not know whether you are suited to get these braces. Ideally, they are ideal for treating mild and moderate dental malocclusions. Therefore, if you have a complex orthodontic case, your orthodontist may recommend using metal braces instead.
- You must wear them for between 20 to 22 hours every day. Although invisible teeth aligners are removable, there is a catch to it. The aligners work effectively if they are worn continuously over a certain period during your treatment plan. In that case, while you may remove your aligners any time you want, be sure to attain up to 20 hours of wearing them each day. This ensures that the aligners are continuously applying the necessary pressure on your teeth to move and rotate them.
- They stain easily – one of the reasons why the clear braces are made as removable is to improve oral hygiene. The clear aligners can stain easily from foods and drinks you consume. If you do not clean them properly, they may start changing colour, so that it won’t matter that the material is transparent. This will undermine the very goal of anonymity and cosmetic appeal during your treatment. Besides, the last thing you want is to get cavities from plaque buildup in your Invisalign aligners.
- Treatment takes time – some of the beneficiaries of Invisalign aligners say that the treatment works faster than other alternatives in orthodontics. While that is not a lie, the entire treatment still takes time before you realize your results. It is not an instant fix for your teeth. Most treatments run between 6 months to a year. For some, the treatment may take even longer. The more disciplined you are with wearing your aligners every day, the quicker and more effective they will work in straightening your teeth.
- You will visit your dentist more often than you think – although Invisalign in Calgary is removable and easy to maintain at home, you will still need to visit your dentist regularly. The visits will be for replacing the set of aligners you have for a new tray. This is the only way that Invisalign aligners are adjusted. The braces are created for a tighter fit as you progress in your treatment. The number of aligners you will wear throughout your treatment, therefore, depends on your treatment plan, as well as how disciplined you are will wearing your aligners appropriately to cause the anticipated change in your mouth.
- You will need retainers afterward – Invisalign aligners will not be the only orthodontic appliances you use for your treatment. Once your teeth are straightened to your liking, you will need retainers. They are oral appliances that help hold your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. Natural teeth tend to shift back to their former position if they are not properly supported. This is the role of the retainers. For some people, they may need to wear retainers for the rest of their adult life.