Top Ways To Obtain The Best Results From Your Invisalign® Treatment
A unique method for aligning teeth, Invisalign provides optimal outcomes significantly faster than traditional braces but without the unattractive brackets and tedious wire tightening. Sometimes called "clear braces," the Invisalign process has been broadly used by Houston, TX adults wanting to reduce flaws or make enhancements to their teeth without looking like their kids! In addition, Invisalign is even becoming more popular with another demographic, and adolescents have been joining the movement to straighten their teeth without the obvious metal brackets affecting their appearance. Are you considering getting Invisalign? What can you do in order to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment?
At MINT dentistry | East Houston, our skilled Invisalign orthodontists currently offer this advanced process to align and straighten teeth without the utilization of metal braces. So, what can you do to obtain the most from your Invisalign investment when attempting to improve your smile? Let's go over the tips and suggestions for Invisalign to make certain you receive the best results plus a new, gorgeous smile!
ALL THERE IS TO LEARN ABOUT INVISALIGN TREATMENTS
There is no dispute that Invisalign has become ever more popular over the past few years, with more and more patients searching out “invisible braces” to be able to fix and improve the appearance of their teeth. This new way to subtly realign teeth has also had older adults hurrying to check it out, and now even younger adults and teenagers are joining the "invisible braces" movement. The customized aligners have the same goal as traditional braces, which is to enhance a person's smile with straighter teeth with the extra benefit of these braces being removable and needing to be worn just half the time of traditional braces. This sought-after aesthetic way of enhancing teeth is catching on, and here is what you need to know about getting Invisalign at our Houston, TX office.
You should wear your aligners as recommended
The aligners (or trays) that are moving your smile into the ideal alignment can't work well if they're not used enough. Research has found that those who use their trays 20 hours or fewer per day have less-than-ideal outcomes, and it also delays the procedure. Invisalign is most often easier and much quicker in regard to receiving results (when compared with conventional braces), but individuals have to stick to wearing their personalized trays for at least 22 hours each and every day and the full 48 hours for the first two days upon receiving new ones to get adjustments. Being responsible about wearing the aligners means that your teeth may become straighter per your treatment schedule and possibly even get done faster than originally expected.
Maintain your treatment process
Sticking to your orthodontist’s directions is a key part of the Invisalign treatment. Staying on schedule, like when to replace your aligners with new ones and using them in the perfect sequence, will only benefit your smile. Letting it work as designed will help you get noticeable results quickly. Your dental professional will tell you when you should get new trays, similar to the adjustments done with metal braces, so as to keep the treatment schedule on track and improve the overall look of your smile. The aligners have a specific order to follow to make sure your teeth are shifting in the optimal direction. Being on track with getting your next pair of aligners in the right order is essential to receiving the best outcomes.
Maintain your oral hygiene
Oral hygiene and appropriate attention to the trays are a crucial part of your Invisalign treatment. Flossing and brushing after each meal are essential. The same as with conventional braces, you don't want debris or bacteria remaining on your enamel, which may directly cause tooth decay or even inflamed gums. With Invisalign, when you don't floss or brush after each meal, then food residue will stay in your teeth when you put your Invisalign aligners back in, essentially trapping the particles, which may result in decay. Brushing and flossing once you eat is an essential factor during the Invisalign process to be able to keep the health of your mouth. Additionally, between your follow-up appointments, where you will receive a new pair of aligners, the existing Invisalign trays need to be washed frequently with mild soap and warm water. You shouldn't use your toothpaste or a toothbrush to clean your trays. This may scratch them, as well as won't actually make sure they are clean. Washing your Invisalign trays regularly keeps them protected from bacteria so that your “invisible braces” remain invisible!
Give yourself a period of time to get accustomed
Just like with conventional braces, you'll have an adjustment period to become accustomed to these new appliances in your mouth. Initially, it will feel strange or cumbersome, and you may feel slight discomfort, but eventually, your mouth should adjust to them. You might also discern a slight alteration in your speech or a “lisp” when you initially begin using the aligners. This is known as the “speech learning curve,” and it could be difficult, but you shouldn't get disheartened. This does not imply that you ought to remove them whenever you would like to speak! In order to keep with the 22-hour daily recommendation, keep them in place to practice speaking. Your mouth should adjust to the trays, and your speech will improve enough that you won't realize you even have them in!
Understand that you have to use a retainer after treatment
Those who decide not to use the retainer after going through the Invisalign process may as well not even begin the treatment. Like with metal braces, you'll have to use your retainer at night once you have completed Invisalign. We offer our patients the first year's worth of retainer appliances included in the overall price. Individuals who don't adhere to wearing their retainers as they should lose any progress that has been accomplished; therefore, committing to your retainer and attending your scheduled follow-up visits with your dentist are crucial to the post-care process.
The Invisalign process is not for everybody
Invisalign is not the best choice for everybody. If you have severely misplaced teeth or a serious underbite/overbite, traditional braces or dental surgery could be the only choices. Invisalign can deal with the most routine issues, such as gaps, minor underbites/overbites, and certain cases of tooth crowding; however, it is sometimes not the best alternative for more complicated orthodontic troubles. Talking with one of the Invisalign orthodontics dental professionals at MINT dentistry | East Houston is your best initial step in determining if Invisalign is the optimal treatment for your smile.
START YOUR INVISALIGN TREATMENT TODAY
If you are interested in cosmetically improving the appearance of your smile, then Invisalign from MINT dentistry | East Houston could be your next step! Invisalign is an ideal option for obtaining a straighter, healthier-looking smile without the attention and maintenance that comes with metal braces — and in a much shorter time. By adhering to these strategies and recommendations, you'll get the results that Invisalign can offer, and nobody will notice the aligners making it happen! If you want to find out if you are eligible for Invisalign, contact our office in Houston, TX to set up a free smile consultation now!