Are you tired of hiding your crooked or misaligned teeth every time you speak, smile, or laugh? You no longer have to rely on metal wires and brackets to achieve the straight grin you’ve always wanted. Invisalign orthodontic treatment is an excellent alternative to braces, providing patients with a discreet and more comfortable way to get their desired results. It may sound like the perfect solution for most people, but there are many things you should know before committing to treatment. Read along to find out what they are!
It’s a Major Time Commitment
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to move teeth into more ideal positions. For successful treatment, you’ll need to meet the recommended wear-time of 20 to 22 hours every day. If you fail to do so, you risk extending the length of treatment, which can cost you more time and money down the line.
More Attachments May Be Needed
Depending on the severity of your misalignment, you may receive more attachments than anticipated. These typically include enamel-colored ridges that bond to your teeth to move them more effectively. It’s worth noting that once the attachments are in place, you might look like you’re wearing clear braces.
There Will Be Changes in Your Speech
When you first get your Invisalign aligners, you may notice a slight change in your speech. Since your mouth isn’t used to talking with the plastic trays, it’s normal to have a mild lisp or speech impediment during the first week or two. Fortunately, these alterations will gradually fade as you adjust to your treatment.
You’ll Have More Dentist Appointments
Aside from practicing good oral hygiene, everyone should be visiting their dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. However, patients with Invisalign will need to see their dentist or orthodontist much more often – usually every six to ten weeks. That’s because your treatment needs to be monitored by a dental professional to ensure that everything is going according to plan.
You Must Remove Your Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
Even though there are no dietary restrictions while undergoing Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything that’s not water. Otherwise, you could damage or stain them. Keep in mind that you still have to meet the wear-time of 20 to 22 hours a day, meaning you only have about two hours to eat and snack!
You’ll Need to Wear a Retainer After Treatment
After completing Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to preserve your results. You may be instructed to wear it all day every day for the first few months. But after that, you should be okay to wear the retainer at night only. Since every patient is different, be sure to ask your dentist what’s recommended for your specific case.
Are you ready to start your Invisalign journey? Now that you know what to expect, you can confidently move forward with the process and begin working towards a straighter smile!
About the Author
Dr. David C. Parsons has over 40 years of dentistry experience under his belt. After receiving his dental doctorate from Baylor (Texas A&M) School of Dentistry, he has attended numerous hours of continuing education courses to grow and refine his skill set. Dr. Parsons is passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain a happier, healthier smile. To learn more about Invisalign, visit his website or call (620) 221-0730.