A beautiful and welcoming smile is the first thing people notice in you. But what if your teeth are crooked or misaligned? Of course, that will not leave much good impression on the person opposite to you, thus making you less confident. Getting them fixed is the only way left in such a case! Crookedness of teeth is one of the most common problems that people face, particularly teenagers. And the worst part is that leaving it untreated can lead to several problems over time. While braces are still used to correct such a condition, several newer options are available. One of them is the Invisalign treatment. It is a teeth straightening procedure that involves wearing clear aligners.
What things to keep in mind before getting Invisalign treatment?
Before you visit a Dental Clinic London for Invisalign, you must know the following:
1. Wear time
This is the duration for which you need to wear the transparent aligners. Your dentist will typically ask you to put Invisalign for 22 hours a day. Of course, it is a removable device, and you can keep them off whenever needed. Unlike traditional metal braces; Invisalign does not cause gum irritation. All thanks to the biocompatible thermoplastic material! Moreover, it is strong enough to generate pressure over the crooked teeth and gradually shift them to their normal position. Well, there’s more. The transparent nature of Invisalign makes it one of the best and most discreet alternatives for straightening teeth. You can wear them and conveniently visit your friends, attend special occasions or even go to the office. Last but not least, Invisalign promises durability with utmost comfort, preventing frequent dental visits to treat emergencies.
2. Rapid results in just a few months
Honestly, you can get a glimpse of your result simulations even before starting with the Invisalign treatment. In your first consultation with the orthodontic specialist, a 3D imaging procedure will be performed. This helps to get an impression of your mouth and dental structures. Such impressions, paired up with in-face visualisations, show how your potential smile will look post-treatment.
However, in real life, you can see noticeable changes in your teeth alignment within a few months of use. For better results, the dentist will make you switch to a fresh set of clear aligners after every few weeks. This reassures your smile to get straighter with every passing day. The overall time needed to fix your problem entirely depends on the complexity of your dental condition. However, in general, patients can obtain their desired results within a year and a half. Mild cases take comparatively less time, as much as up to 6 months.
3. Maintain oral hygiene religiously
To maximise the efficiency of Invisalign treatment, prioritising dental hygiene is crucial. You should brush your teeth twice a day in gentle circular motions, ensuring no food remnants stick into the tooth gaps. Also, flossing your teeth after main meals is a must. If you are unable to strictly adhere this routine, at least rinse the mouth with clean water after having foods. Invisalign being removable aligners, you can easily keep them aside in their case, during meal times and maintaining dental hygiene.
4. Remove the clear aligners while having beverages (except drinking water)
Every drink except water contains sugars and acids. They may get trapped under the Invisalign, making it favourable for microbes to build colonies. This, over time may result in tooth cavities and dental decay. Therefore, once you finish drinking, quickly brush your teeth or rinse the mouth with plain water. Afterwards, you can put your aligners back on to your teeth.
5. Put your Invisalign aside whenever you eat
Whenever you are eating, you need to remove your clear aligners off. The reason is very simple – it prevents food particles from getting stuck under the teeth straightening device, thereby minimising the chances of dental decay. This holds especially true for sugar-laden snacks and sticky desserts. Since Invisalign aligners fit tightly against your teeth, there is a high chance that the sweetened items will be in direct contact with the enamel. This increases the risk of future dental damage. Hence, when you are about to take the first morsel, remember to take out the aligners first. Enjoy your food after that, and, once finished, clean the mouth thoroughly.
6. You will need to wear a retainer after getting Invisalign treatment
After completion of the Invisalign treatment, it is important to wear a retainer. This ensures your teeth stay in their usual position. Nowadays, Vivera retainers are available, using the same technology as that of Invisalign. These retainers are made of high quality material, promising durable results. Undoubtedly, you can embark on to a healthy and straighter smile that lasts till a lifetime!
A Detailed Insight into the Treatment Journey
Stage 1: Introducing the First Set of Aligners
This is given to the patient when the custom-made aligners are ready. You will need to wear each set for around two weeks, when the aligners will start to show results. They will put pressure on to your teeth; gently shifting them to their original position. The recommended time for wearing these invisible aligners is approximately 20 to 22 hours each day. Worry not – you can put them off while having meals and maintaining oral hygiene routine.
Stage 2: Progressing Through the Subsequent Aligner Sets
Once you have started to use Invisalign, there will be visible changes in your dental arrangement (preferably after two weeks). This prompts the need to switch on to the next set of aligners in the series. The dentist will ask you to attend follow-ups during this period to track the treatment’s progress. Typically, the aligners need to be changed after every two or three weeks.
Stage 3: Monitoring treatment efficiency and making necessary adjustments
Routine dental check-ups are crucial in maintaining the efficiency of invisible dental braces. They enable the orthodontists to make needed corrections in your treatment plan, thus restoring your teeth alignment. Typically, orthodontists suggest wearing each set of aligners for at least two to three weeks. After that, the next set is switched on.
Conclusion
Invisalign is an impressive orthodontic option for aligning the teeth. Thus, if you have been suffering from crooked teeth for long, consider straightening them without any more delay. An Invisalign treatment in London can lead you on the path to obtaining a straighter and confident smile – so, hurry up and book a consultation today!
