Have you always been a little self-conscious about your smile, but nervous about getting braces? Having a mouth full of metal for a couple of years, especially if you are an adult and not to mention the cost of braces certainly doesn’t sound appealing. But what if there was a better way to get straighter teeth?
Invisalign clear braces offer you the same great results of traditional metal braces, but without all the drawbacks that usually come with wearing braces. Invisalign braces are not as noticeable in your mouth and the aligners can be easily removed for brushing and for when you are eating or drinking items usually on the prohibit list when you wear braces. There are no wires or metal that could irritate your teeth or gums. An added bonus is that often times you don’t have to wear Invisalign braces as long as the metal ones and they are a very affordable treatment option. Intrigued to know more? Invisalign clear braces offer you the same great results of traditional metal braces, but without all the drawbacks that usually come with wearing braces. Here is a detailed look at how Invisalign works.
Free Consultation
Before you make a final decision on the kind of treatment and an orthodontist, you should do some initial research and set up a free consultation with a certified and licensed orthodontist who is trained in the Invisalign treatment process. Not all orthodontists are trained in this type of treatment, so make sure you choose one with the proper experience and training. This is a major medical and financial decision, so you need to evaluate your options carefully.
At your consultation, the orthodontist will examine you, taking x-rays and photographs of your teeth and discuss whether or not you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. At this time you should also ask any questions about how Invisalign works and the cost. Pick the doctor who not only has the right training, but who is someone you trust. You want someone who you are comfortable with and who sets you at ease.
Try to find an orthodontist that offers free consultations.
Customized treatment plan
Once you are decided on Invisalign and have chosen a provider, he or she will take impressions of your teeth and create a customized treatment plan for you. The doctor will create a digital 3-D image of your teeth and use it to map out the different stages of teeth positioning. Not all teeth are moved at once. Instead your doctor will straighten a couple at a time. For adults, the treatment process is usually a year and for teenagers it is the same amount of time as it is with metal braces.
The clear braces are put on
The next step is to get your clear plastic aligners that are made out of BPA-free plastic. Unlike metal braces, these will not cause irritation or little cuts inside your cheeks. Once you have your set of aligners, you will wear them every day. But what makes these braces so much more convenient than metal braces, is that they are easy to remove so you can take them off when you are eating and brushing and flossing your teeth. If you play sports and wear a mouth guard, you can also take the aligners off to make the guard fit better. You should wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day for the best effect so don’t leave them off for too long.
Get a new set of aligners every two weeks
In order to improve the straightening process, your doctor will give you a new set of aligners every week based on your treatment plan. At each stage of the process, you will start to see your teeth gradually getting straighter, giving you a more beautiful smile. The Invisalign process not only allows your doctor to control the force placed on your teeth with these aligners but also the timing of it. During each stage, the doctor will concentrate on moving just certain teeth. With your treatment plan established in the beginning, you will know exactly what to expect each stage. If there is the need for any adjustments to the plan along the way, your doctor will communication those to you. Sometimes your doctor will also add attachments which are like little ridges to your aligners to help facilitate the teeth-straightening process.
Checkups every 6 weeks
Your doctor will want to also have you come in approximately every 6 weeks for an evaluation to see how the treatment is going and if any alterations have to be made to the treatment plan. Sometimes you might need to wear a retainer at the end of the treatment to help keep your teeth locked in their new position. The retainers are made with the same technology as the aligners. Talk to your doctor about whether he or she thinks you need them.
It is also important to keep up with your regular teeth cleaning every 6 months to ensure that no problems crop up during the treatment process. Because you can remove the aligners while you eat, you won’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces like you do with metal braces, but you still need to make keeping your teeth clean and healthy a priority.
Maintain proper hygiene
During treatment and once treatment is done, maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial for keeping your smile looking beautiful. Now that your teeth are straighter, you will want them to also be pearly white and healthy so brush and floss regularly and never miss a cleaning.
Get a Beautiful Smile!
Once treatment is complete, you will love your new smile and will love sharing it with the world. You will find that you will have a renewed sense of confidence as you face the world. No more hiding from the spotlight or from photographs. You will be able to show the world your beautiful smile.
Whether you choose Invisalign or not, remember that taking care of yourself is important. For once, do something for yourself for a change. You deserve to have a smile that makes you feel confident. Learn more about how Invisalign works, by contacting a local Invisalign Hatboro provider.
