Invisalign is a common orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to adjust your teeth into their correct position over time, much like traditional braces. It’s also one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry. If your cosmetic dentist has recommended Invisalign treatment, it’s important to follow instructions carefully to get the most from your treatment. These Invisalign tips can help you improve your treatment success and make the treatment process as easy and comfortable as possible.
#1. Wear your aligners!
The biggest mistake you can make is simply failing to wear your aligners as often as you should. The goal is to get as close to 22 hours per day as you can. If you leave your aligners out for too long, it can extend the treatment process or hinder results. During the first 2 days, wear your aligner trays as much as possible, removing them only to brush and floss your teeth.
#2. Change your aligners on time
Dr. Mishaan will give you a schedule for when you should change your aligners and in which order they should be changed. Each set is typically worn for two weeks. We recommend not trying to speed up your treatment by switching to the next set of aligners too soon, because this could ultimately delay the overall treatment period.
#3. Combat tenderness as you adjust to the aligners
At our dental office, we always take extra care to ensure that the aligners will sit comfortably in your mouth. Still, some people do experience some discomfort while adjusting to the aligners.
The good news is you can take steps to combat the tenderness and soreness to feel more comfortable during the adjustment process. We recommend trying these Invisalign tips if you experience sore gums:
When you can have your aligners out, suck on an ice cube to numb your gums.
Avoid crunchy, chewy, and crispy foods when you notice soreness of your gums or teeth.
When it’s time to switch to a new aligner, make the switch early in the day. This gives you plenty of time to adjust to the tenderness before you need to sleep.
If you feel a rough edge, discuss it with your dentist so it can be fixed.
#4. Keep the last set of aligners
Don’t toss your old aligners when it’s time for the new set. Always keep the last set on hand just in case you break or lose your aligners. This way, you have a backup set while you wait for the replacement set. Wear the last set of aligners to prevent your teeth from moving back into their previous position. Once your replacement set comes in, restart the 2-week process to avoid too much delay in your progress.
#5. Rinse, brush, and floss regularly
You will need to take your aligners out at least twice a day to brush and floss your teeth and use mouthwash. Remembering good oral hygiene is still required to ensure your mouth stays healthy and clean while wearing Invisalign.
#6. Practice makes perfect
Fun fact: there can sometimes be a learning curve to speaking normally with aligners in place. At first, you may speak with a slight lisp. Keep practicing talking with the aligners in; it shouldn’t take more than a few days until the lisp isn’t noticeable and you’re back to your normal speech.
#7. Attachments can speed up your treatment
Don’t be afraid to opt for attachments or “buttons” to speed up your treatment. These attachments can hold aligners in place, move a tooth, and treat a broader range of orthodontic cases that the plastic aligners could not otherwise treat. The “buttons” are tiny tooth-colored dots of bonding material usually on the middle of your teeth at strategic locations. These attachments work by ensuring there is the right amount of force in the right places to pull your teeth into alignment.
#8. Take care of the aligners
The aligners are easy to clean and take care of with warm water and antibacterial soap. Regular soap and water are usually fine to clean the aligners but you may also use cleaning products specifically for plastic orthodontics. At our office, we always make sure our patients have the correct and most effective cleaning products for their aligners. We recommend never using toothpaste to clean the trays because it can scratch the plastic.
#9. Wear your retainer after treatment
Once you’ve finished using the Invisalign aligners, you will need to use a retainer to help hold your teeth in their new positions. Unfortunately, some patients think their retainer isn’t all that important because their teeth look straight and perfect. If you skip the retainer though, your teeth may drift back out of alignment. So, we always recommend working with your Invisalign specialist to determine how often and for how long you should wear your retainer upon completing treatment.
Considering an alternative to traditional braces to straighten your teeth? To learn more about how aligners can give you a straighter and more beautiful smile contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our dentists.
Invisalign is a dental treatment for those who need braces. Unlike traditional metal braces, however, it uses clear adjusters to gradually straighten teeth into proper alignment. Although once considered to be cosmetic dentistry, it’s now considered in the category of braces and is also covered by many insurance plans. Many insurance providers cover Invisalign for health reasons such as TMJ and cavity prevention. Those who need braces should ask questions about Invisalign before they commit to the procedure.
Are They Truly Invisible?
The adjuster plates are made with a special medical-grade, clear material and they fit snugly over your teeth, so they are virtually invisible; this is one of the major differences between traditional braces and Invisalign. Certainly, they are less visible than metal braces. Their virtually invisible appearance makes them especially popular among adults and business professionals.
Do The Adjuster Plates (aka “Aligners”) Work As Well As Metal Braces?
Yes, and they may work even better because there are fewer limitations than there are with traditional braces. Those who have metal braces cannot eat certain foods and they can’t remove their braces. With this system however, you wear the adjuster plates for a minimum of 20 hours each day but remove them for eating, flossing, and brushing your teeth.
Many people find they are happier with them than they would be with traditional metal braces simply because of the lack of limitations. In addition, treatment time is often shorter than with traditional metal braces.
Are They Comfortable?
Traditional metal braces can cut, chafe, and irritate the inside of your cheeks and your gums. In contrast, the clear adjuster trays of Invisalign are substantially more comfortable than metal braces. The most common issue is a feeling of pressure for a day or so after installing a new adjuster plate but there’s no pain. The pressure is necessary in order to start the teeth on a new regimen of adjustment.
How Long Does The Treatment Program Take?
Usually, we tell our patients to expect to wear their Invisalign aligners for about a year. This varies by patient but that’s the average length of a treatment and is dependent on wearing the plates for the 20 to 22 hours per day that we recommend.
How Often Are The Aligners Changed?
Approximately every two weeks, you’ll need to come to our office for a new set of plates. They’re custom fit to your teeth so you may feel a slight pressure for a day or two as your teeth begin a new round of adjustment toward the ultimate goal.
Do I Need To See My Dentist Besides For New Adjuster Plates?
In addition to your visits to obtain new aligners, you’ll need to see your dentist every four to six weeks to ensure that your treatment plan is proceeding satisfactorily. Adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure that you ultimately receive beautifully straight teeth.
What Happens If I Lose One Of My Aligner Plates?
We know that things happen and sometimes things get misplaced. If you lose one of your aligner plates, be sure to call us immediately. It’s important that you wear the aligners at least 20 hours each day, so we need to get you a replacement as soon as possible.
Will This System Fix All My Teeth Issues?
Although typically used to straighten crooked teeth, it can also help with teeth that have:
Cross-bites
Large gaps
Overbites
Overcrowding
Underbites
Is This Option More Expensive Than Traditional Braces?
The cost of the clear adapter trays versus traditional metal braces will be unique to the individual and will depend on several factors. Items that will affect the final cost include:
The degree of straightening needed
Any additional dental or orthodontic treatments needed
Your dental insurance plan coverage
Your age
Our highly accessible NYC dental offices makes it easy to see one of our dentists at your convenience – and did we mention that we promise that there will be no wait time when you come in? Call our office to schedule a consultation today.
If you don’t like your smile, you’re not alone. In a recent study conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists, more than a third of Americans said that they avoid smiling because they don’t like their teeth.
Having been proudly practicing cosmetic dentistry for many years, we know that a brighter smile and straighter teeth can boost your confidence which is why so many people are happy with the results they get when they seek Invisalign for fixing their teeth.
If your teeth have shifted over the years, this is known to occur naturally and it can be corrected.
What Can Invisalign Help With?
If you’re wondering if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, it’s highly likely that you are. And if you happen to be one of the few that needs a different solution, we’re experts in Cosmetic Dentistry and can gladly find your path to a brighter smile.
Invisalign can successfully treat and address the following dental conditions:
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite
Open bite
Gap teeth
Invisalign for an Overbite
An overbite is the overlapping or protruding of the upper teeth over the lower teeth and we typically see patients with either a vertical overbite whereby the top teeth significantly overlap. The other overbite we treat is a horizontal overbite which is when the top teeth not only overlap but also protrude. On some occasions, a patient have both.
Left untreated, an overbite can lead to many dental complications that are far more serious than cosmetic issues. Some patients with an untreated overbite suffer from jaw pain; difficulty speaking and chewing; and wearing down of tooth enamel which can contribute to tooth decay.
Invisalign is a subtle way to treat an overbite, aligning the teeth, giving you a perfectly aligned, and healthier, smile.
Invisalign for an Underbite
This is a similar condition, but an underbite occurs when the lower teeth overlap with the the upper teeth. The dental concerns and challenges we see with an underbite are very similar to that of an overbite. Often, a patient with an underbite may also have significant crowding of the teeth. Invisalign is an excellent option to reduce the crowding in the mouth and leave you feeling more confident with your smile.
Invisalign for a Crossbite
A crossbite will often present itself in childhood as a result finger sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier. A crossbite is a lateral misalignment of the dental arches. When this happens, the teeth are either closer to the cheek (more buccal) or lingual (closer to the tongue) position than is normal.
A crossbite is a relatively common reason for needing realignment of the teeth and Invisalign aligners can correct the crossbite. Invisalign is a successful solution for a crossbite, even if you choose treatment during adult life.
Invisalign for an Open bite
When the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed it is called open bite. Causes of open bite vary and can range from simple genetic inheritance to habits like thrusting of the tongue which over time push the incisors forward. Additionally, open bite can develop from temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ.
TMJ can lead to pain and discomfort, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking and locking of the jaw. Realigning the overbite with Invisalign can lead not only to a to a more confident smile, but a more functional, pain-free jaw.
Invisalign For Gap teeth
The term gap teeth is used to describe a space between the teeth which can lead to the teeth becoming poorly aligned. This can lead to problems with biting and tooth decay as well as a noticeable gap in your smile. Invisalign is an excellent solution for patients with gaps in their teeth and we often find patients are very pleased with the results.
Invisalign Can Be Used With Veneers
If you have veneers and need your teeth straightened, Invisalign is a great choice because the aligners work to move your teeth into place using a unique approach. Whereas traditional braces use an arch wire and brackets that are bonded to your teeth with strong cement, Invisalign does not use brackets and wires. Rather, it uses plastic aligners, thereby protecting veneers from damage.
Daniell Mishaan D.M.D. is an expert New York City Dentist specializing in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Midtown Dental is located in the Manhattan Garment District in the heart of New York City. Dr. Mishaan has been named one of New York City’s best Dentists by Yelp and is loved by his patients. Contact Dr. Mishaan to make your appointment.
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