Crooked teeth are a frequent issue that we see in patients. They desire a nice, even smile. Metal braces are what people think of when they think of smile straightening, and it can deter them from getting help. Particularly in teens and adults, they don’t want their crooked teeth treatment to be obvious. Invisalign clear aligners provide a discreet way to straighten your smile with cosmetic dentistry.
Treatment With Invisalign in Marshall, TX
Every cosmetic treatment begins with an initial consultation. We practice personalized dentistry to ensure every patient gets the necessary care. We’ll discuss your cosmetic smile goals, medical history, and previous dental experiences. The dentist also performs a thorough examination of the mouth. For Invisalign, we look at the state of your crooked teeth and ensure you don’t have severe orthodontic issues that may need more intensive treatment.
If you have oral health problems, like tooth decay or gum disease, we must treat those before proceeding with teeth straightening. Once we proceed with Invisalign, we take digital impressions of your teeth. Traditionally, you would’ve had to sit with your teeth in an impression tray filled with putty for a length of time. With modern dental technology, we can skip the uncomfortable, time-consuming putty treatment and just have you bite on a digital device instead.
The impressions are sent to an Invisalign lab where they make multiple sets of clear plastic aligners custom to your smile. Each set is slightly different, designed to slowly move your teeth into the correct position. When they’re ready, we bring you back into the office and ensure that the first set fits in a way that’ll shift your teeth properly.
You change out aligners about once every two weeks. You’ll also come into the office routinely to ensure treatment progresses accurately. Wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day and only take them out when you’re eating or performing your oral healthcare routine. You need to wear them consistently for your treatment to progress on time.
After your treatment, we’ll use impressions to get you an Invisalign retainer to wear at night. This keeps your teeth in the correct position, preventing them from shifting around in your mouth again. We’ll examine your teeth during your bi-annual dental appointments to ensure shifting hasn’t occurred.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign treats mild to moderate oral health concerns, but severe orthodontic problems require alternate treatment options. However, if you are eligible for Invisalign, you’ll likely choose it over metal braces. Since Invisalign uses clear aligners, they’re practically invisible on your smile. People won’t notice you’re wearing them unless someone is looking for them. Patients strongly prefer this subtler option over metal brackets and wires.
Clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces. They’re made of a smooth plastic material that glides gently over your teeth. Metal brackets and wires dig into the soft tissues on the inside of your cheeks and lips. This can leave painful ulcers or scrapes when you move your lips.
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, they’re easier to clean and give you more freedom in your diet. You take your aligners out to perform your oral healthcare routine, meaning you can follow the same one. With braces, you must learn how to brush and floss around the new brackets and devices in your mouth. Braces also require you to avoid certain foods because they can get stuck in or break components of your braces. With Invisalign, you can just take the aligners out for meals.
Traditional braces involve other extra steps. You must visit the orthodontist once a month so that they can tighten the wires on your braces. This wire tightening is what shifts your teeth into place with traditional braces. Since you change out the aligners at home, we only need to see you occasionally during your treatment. The average length of Invisalign treatment is shorter, too, averaging around 12-18 months.
Caring for Your Aligners
To achieve the best results, it’s essential to care for your Invisalign aligners properly. Proper care not only helps maintain the aligners’ transparency but also ensures your oral health during the treatment process. Here are some key tips for caring for your Invisalign aligners.
1. Clean Your Aligners Daily
One of the most important aspects of caring for Invisalign aligners is cleaning them daily. Since aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, they can easily accumulate bacteria, plaque, and food particles, which can lead to unpleasant odors and stains. To clean your aligners:
- Rinse Them Regularly: Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water whenever you remove them. This helps to wash away saliva and reduce the build-up of bacteria.
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild antibacterial soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals to brush your aligners gently. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and cause scratches on the aligners, making them more visible and less effective.
- Soak Them Daily: Consider soaking your aligners in a specialized Invisalign cleaning solution or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar for about 15 minutes each day. This helps to disinfect the aligners and remove any lingering bacteria or plaque.
2. Handle With Care
Invisalign aligners are made from a durable plastic material, but they can still be damaged if not handled properly. When removing your aligners, do so gently to avoid bending or cracking them. Use both hands to take them out, starting from one side and working your way around. When not wearing your aligners, store them in their protective case to prevent them from being lost, damaged, or exposed to bacteria.
3. Avoid Eating or Drinking With Aligners On
One of the significant advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and drink without restrictions. However, it’s crucial to remove your aligners before consuming any food or beverages (other than water). Eating or drinking with your aligners on can cause them to stain, warp, or develop an unpleasant odor. Additionally, food particles and sugars trapped between the aligners and your teeth can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential when wearing Invisalign aligners. Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal before reinserting your aligners to prevent food particles and plaque from being trapped. Floss daily to remove any debris between your teeth that brushing might miss. If brushing after a meal isn’t possible, rinse your mouth and aligners with water before putting them back in.
5. Avoid Exposure to Heat
Invisalign aligners are made from a thermoplastic material that can become deformed when exposed to high temperatures. To prevent warping, avoid rinsing your aligners with hot water, leaving them in a hot car, or exposing them to direct sunlight. If your aligners become warped, they may not fit properly, which can affect the progress of your treatment.
6. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Your dentist or orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how to care for your Invisalign aligners. It’s essential to follow these guidelines closely to ensure the best possible outcome. This includes wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to the next set of aligners as directed, and attending all scheduled check-ups.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is an ideal way to get a straighter smile. Learn more with these frequently asked questions.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case. On average, most patients complete treatment within 12 to 18 months, but some cases can be shorter or longer. Simple cases may take as little as six months, while more complex cases requiring significant movement can take up to two years. Your dentist will give you an estimated timeline based on your specific needs.
How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?
Wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours daily for the best results. You should only remove them when eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, or flossing. Wearing them consistently ensures your teeth move according to the planned treatment timeline. If you don’t wear them as directed, your treatment may take longer or become less effective.
Are Invisalign aligners comfortable to wear?
Yes, Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable since they are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic. Unlike metal braces, they don’t have brackets or wires that can cause irritation or cuts in your mouth. However, you may feel some mild pressure or discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners. This sensation is normal and means your teeth are adjusting as planned.
Can I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign?
You should remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with your aligners in place can cause them to become stained, cracked, or warped. Drinking colored or sugary beverages while wearing Invisalign can lead to staining and an increased risk of cavities. Always brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in to maintain good oral hygiene.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Some people experience a slight lisp when they first start wearing Invisalign aligners. This happens because your tongue needs time to adjust to the presence of the trays. The lisp usually disappears within a few days as you get used to speaking with the aligners in place. Practicing speaking out loud can help speed up the adjustment process.
Will my teeth hurt during Invisalign treatment?
You may feel mild discomfort or pressure, especially when switching to a new set of aligners. This is a normal part of the process as your teeth gradually shift. The discomfort is usually temporary and lasts only a few days with each new aligner. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help if you experience soreness.
Schedule a Consultation
Get the straighter smile you want subtly. Call us or schedule an appointment online to learn more about Invisalign.