Many people deal with the cosmetic and oral health issues that come with misaligned teeth but are hesitant to commit to a time-consuming orthodontic process. Invisalign has allowed millions of patients to straighten out their smiles without having to deal with the conspicuous metal components and irksome dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces, but you may have a few questions you’d like answered before committing to the treatment. Here are a few common questions about Invisalign along with their answers!
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a sequence of customized clear aligners to slowly push teeth into a more ideal alignment. Each set of aligners is specially designed to exert pressure on the patient’s teeth so they move a small distance toward their new positions. The patient must wear each set of aligners for at least twenty hours every day for two weeks before moving on to the next set of aligners in the sequence.
How Should I Care for My Clear Aligners?
While Invisalign is generally considered to be an easier orthodontic method than traditional braces, the patient will still need to make a daily effort to comply with their treatment. The aligners must be worn for at least twenty hours every day for the treatment to remain on schedule, and they must also be cleaned regularly. Plaque and food debris trapped between the teeth and the aligners can cause bad breath, discoloration, and tooth decay.
The patient must thoroughly rinse their aligners whenever they remove them to help remove food debris as well as brush and floss before putting them back in. It’s also important to remember to wait at least thirty minutes before brushing after eating so the teeth have some time to recover. All in all, the patient must pay special attention to scheduling meals and hygiene in order to wear their aligners sufficiently each day.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The average Invisalign treatment takes about twelve months, but actual treatment times vary based on the patient’s situation and how well they comply with the process. In many cases, minor alignment issues can be addressed in as few as six months while more complex cases may take eighteen months. Problems like tooth decay or noncompliance with treatment can cause significant delays in the process.
Invisalign is an excellent way to realign a troubled smile. Consulting with your orthodontist can determine if it can be an excellent treatment for you.
About the Author
Dr. Eduart Shkurti earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California before completing a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the New York Dental Society, and the Astoria County Dental Society. His office in Astoria, NY offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. For more information on what Invisalign may be able to do for you, contact his office online or dial (718) 806-1662.