Thanks to the development of Invisalign’s clear removable aligners, more people than ever are choosing to pursue orthodontic treatment. This option is especially popular among adults who didn’t receive the treatment they needed earlier but who don’t want to wear metal brackets and wires traditionally associated with teenagers. Invisalign makes it possible to straighten your teeth and enjoy better oral health without anyone else needing to know that you’re undergoing treatment. You can even remove the aligners when necessary, such as when it’s time to eat or brush your teeth.
How to Pursue Treatment with Invisalign
Invisalign is a brand name that refers to a set of aligners developed by the business Align Technology, and prescribed by dentists like Dr. Nguyen. If you prefer this option to standard braces, your first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nguyen at Blue Wave Smiles. He will complete a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and gums to let you know if you’re a good candidate for this popular form of orthodontic treatment. If so, the next step is for Dr. Nguyen and his assistants to take an impression of your teeth to help plan for future treatment.
When the laboratory returns the impression of your teeth, Dr. Nguyen begins planning your series of aligners. Rather than have brackets and wires affixed to your teeth continuously for two years or longer, you exchange one Invisalign aligner for the next one in the series as a patient who has chosen treatment with Invisalign. Dr. Nguyen instructs the laboratory on how to customize each aligner to the shape of your mouth and ensures that it helps you make progress with your orthodontic treatment goals.
Best Practices for Success with Invisalign Treatment
You should plan to wear each Invisalign aligner for approximately two weeks before moving on to the next one. Each aligner puts pressure on your teeth to move into a position that gives you a more attractive smile. However, having misaligned teeth is not just a cosmetic concern. When teeth overlap each other, for example, it can be difficult to get in between them with your toothbrush or a string of dental floss to keep them clean. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other significant oral health problems.
The discomfort of wearing Invisalign aligners is mild and similar to what you might experience with traditional braces. This should never prevent you from wearing them. If non-prescription pain relievers don’t alleviate the problem, speak to Dr. Nguyen about other things you can do to feel comfortable as you go through orthodontic treatment with Blue Wave Smiles.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, some patients feel tempted to keep them out of their mouth more often than they should. For best results, we recommend that you keep the aligners in at least 22 to 23 hours every day. This includes going to bed while wearing them. You should only remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth. If you must keep your aligner out for a photography session or when attending an event, be sure to put it back in as soon as you get home.
Finally, don’t forget to brush your Invisalign aligner when you brush your teeth. It can quickly become coated in food particles and saliva that makes it difficult to apply continuous pressure to your teeth. It’s a good idea to buy one toothbrush for yourself and another smaller one just to keep your Invisalign aligners clean.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign for Your Orthodontic Treatment
As mentioned above, patients of Blue Wave Smiles appreciate the Invisalign option because the aligners are clear, lightweight, and removable. When you smile, people only see your teeth and not the aligners unless you mention that you’re wearing them. This can be an especially important benefit for adults with careers in the public eye or who frequently meet with clients. They don’t have to give up looking attractive and professional just because they have decided to improve their smile and oral health.
Compared to traditional braces that require an average of 18 to 24 months to complete treatment, some patients finish treatment with Invisalign in as little as 6 to 12 months. While there’s no guarantee your treatment time will be that short, it’s an important benefit to consider when deciding which type of orthodontic treatment is right for you.
The fact that you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods while wearing Invisalign aligners is another thing in its favor. You simply remove the aligner before eating and replace it when you’re done, taking care to rinse it off and to brush your teeth if you have time. If you can’t brush after every meal, doing so after breakfast and before bed should suffice.
When you come to our dental practice for your initial consultation with Dr. Nguyen, don’t hesitate to request before and after pictures of other Invisalign patients who have given their consent for the photographs. This gives you a clear visual image of the types of improvements you can expect to see yourself.
Are you ready to learn more about Invisalign? Contact the San Clemente office of Blue Wave Smiles today.