Invisalign is an ideal solution for people who don’t want to wear visible braces. The clear aligners are practically undetectable and eliminate the need for wires and sections that could irritate the mouth during treatment.
The aligners are also removable, so patients can eat and drink as usual. However, it is important to remember that they must be worn for most of the day and night to get the best results.
It’s Invisible
Invisalign’s clear aligners are almost invisible, allowing wearers to discreetly straighten their smiles without having to worry about metal wires and brackets in the mouth. They can also be easily removed to eat, drink and brush your teeth, giving you more freedom than traditional braces.
However, it’s important to remember that you should only eat and drink water when wearing them, as many foods and hot liquids could stain the clear trays. It’s also not a good idea to chew gum or other hard foods while they are in place.
To ensure that Invisalign is an ideal option for you, your doctor will first scan your teeth using the state-of-the-art iTero Element scanner. This allows them to see the shape of your teeth and how they move when you change your trays, which helps your doctor devise a treatment plan. This plan will determine how long your Invisalign treatment will last, which typically ranges from 12-18 months.
It’s Removable
When you wear Invisalign, you can remove the clear plastic trays to eat, drink and brush your teeth. This means you can avoid the food restrictions and discomfort associated with traditional metal braces. Plus, there are no wires or sharp metal to cause mouth abrasions and you will spend less time at the dentist for adjustments.
Removing Invisalign is easier than you might think. Start with the back molars and work your way forward. Then position your index finger under the edge of the aligner on the inside of your mouth to gently dislodge it and then pull it straight off.
You can also use thick paper towels to increase your grip on the aligner and make it more difficult for it to slip off. And remember to clean your trays thoroughly in the morning and evening to remove bacteria that could make them smell. This is important since bacterial build-up can lead to gum disease or stains.
It’s Comfortable
Although a little discomfort is normal with Invisalign, it is much less painful than traditional metal braces. This is because the smooth plastic material is less likely to irritate teeth than the wires and brackets that are typically used in orthodontic treatment.
The initial few days of wearing a new aligner set will be the most painful. The pain will subside as your teeth shift into their correct positions. If the pain persists, ask your orthodontist about taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
Be sure to remove your aligners at night, and when eating or drinking. If you don’t, food can get trapped in your trays and lead to bacteria buildup or discolouration. It’s also recommended that you clean your trays every morning and night before using them. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from smelling. Your orthodontist will also provide you with soft ’chewies’ to help make it easier to insert and remove your trays.
It’s Affordable
Patients appreciate that they can get their Invisalign in the same dental office they already go to for regular check-ups. They only have to visit their dentist every 6-8 weeks so we can check on their progress and ensure that treatment is going as planned.
The cost of Invisalign can be a barrier for many people, especially when they are not covered by dental insurance. Fortunately, there are ways to make Invisalign more affordable.
One option is to find a dentist that offers payment plan options or accepts medical and dental credit cards that allow you to pay off your debt over time.
Another way to save on the cost of Invisalign is to get it at a dental school. Dental schools provide Invisalign at a lower price than private orthodontists, but the savings may not be as significant as you might think. Most dental schools also have a maximum amount of money they can spend on Invisalign per patient, so make sure to check with them before you go.