As with traditional braces, it takes time for Invisalign® to obtain the desired results. Because the aligners can be removed, it may take longer to straighten the teeth if the treatment is not followed as instructed.
Although wearing the aligners is less painful than wearing braces, there may still be some discomfort, especially at the beginning. It takes a while for the mouth to adjust to the aligners, and the individual must get used to caring for them properly. Once this initial period passes, wearing the trays becomes easier and less noticeable to the patient.
Because of the ease of taking Invisalign® aligners out of the mouth, it may be tempting to not wear them as much as one should. Dental professionals recommend wearing the trays a minimum of 22 hours a day. The remaining two hours allow for eating, drinking, and proper cleaning. If someone does not wear the aligners full time, the straightening process is lengthened. In some cases, there may even be a need to remake the aligners.
As the straightening process progresses, the wearer moves on to new aligners. Patients should not move on to the next aligner until the teeth fit perfectly in the current set. Moving on to the next aligner set on schedule means there is a better chance the individual will finish the treatment in the expected time frame.
If there are gaps between the aligners and the teeth, it is not a correct fit. When this occurs, it is recommended the wearer bite down on chewies, which are small cylindrical cushions. This should be done five to 10 minutes at a time, about three times a day. Use on a regular basis helps the aligners sit on the teeth properly, allowing for a tighter fit.
Once Invisalign® has properly aligned the teeth, the process is not over. The patient will be given retainers that are molded to fit the newly straightened teeth. The retainers should be worn regularly, just like the aligners. The dental professional can give an estimated time frame for use. If a patient does not use the retainers as much as recommended, the teeth can slowly shift and return to the original positions.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces in Rockville, MD
Having crooked teeth can greatly affect self-esteem and confidence. Using Invisalign® to straighten the teeth is beneficial in that the aligners make the process less obvious and can be taken out for better oral hygiene. However, for the most effective results, the wearer needs to follow instructions and wear the retainers regularly.
Request an appointment or call White Flint Family Dental at 301-273-1085 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
Maybe you want to straighten your teeth, but you are looking for a more discreet method like Invisalign®. These aligners have exploded in popularity because they are a less obvious way to correct misaligned teeth. Many people with alignment issues who were unsure about braces have now embraced Invisalign. You might be on the fence…
There are so many differences between traditional braces and Invisalign® aligners. You may be wondering which option is right for your alignment needs and if you will have to change your lifestyle. Many people choose to go through the Invisalign process because the trays are less conspicuous than traditional braces. Traditional braces can be very…
Invisalign® dental aligners are an excellent option for patients who want to avoid the look and feel of traditional metal braces while straightening crooked teeth or closing gaps between teeth. Compared to braces, most observers do not realize when someone is wearing clear aligners.For this treatment, dentists take impressions of patients' upper and lower teeth…
Oral health is integral to your overall health, and good dental hygiene is essential to…
If sleep apnea goes untreated, the results can be quite serious, which is why it…
Children need to develop healthy oral care habits at a young age so they will…
Your dentist may recommend that you avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods, shift your chewing…
Curious about how to achieve good oral health? Read on to learn about how a…
Keeping your appointments with your family dentist can help keep your mouth healthy. This dental…
