By Maylands Dental Centre 
Are you looking for a more discreet way to get straight teeth? If so, Invisalign could be just what you need!
This revolutionary orthodontic technology has been helping people worldwide achieve beautiful smiles without having to wear bulky metal braces. But how exactly should you use Invisalign, and is it right for you?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into how you can make the most of your treatment with Invisalign. We’ll also provide tips on making your journey toward a better smile as smooth as possible.
Read on if you’re ready to learn more about unlocking the power of invisible aligners!
Blog Navigation
- How Can Invisalign Straighten My Teeth?
- How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
- How Often Should I Wear My Aligners?
- What Foods Should I Avoid During Invisalign Treatment?
- How Are Invisalign Trays Cleaned?
- How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?
- Can All Patients Use Invisalign?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked questions
How Can Invisalign Straighten My Teeth?
Invisalign is an orthodontic solution that utilises advanced 3-D imaging technology to create a customised set of transparent, removable aligners designed to gradually adjust the position of your teeth. The aligners fit snugly over your teeth, and apply constant pressure to move them into alignment.
The number of aligners needed for the treatment will vary based on the severity of the orthodontic case. While undergoing treatment, patients must wear their aligners for 20 – 22 hours per day and switch to a new set every two weeks. They also need regular checkups with their dentist to determine if the treatment is progressing as intended.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Generally, the length of Invisalign treatment varies from person to person, but for most patients, the process usually takes between 6 and 12 months. However, patients should be able to observe changes in their smiles a few weeks after the dental treatment has started.
Of course, how quickly results are achieved depends on how closely instructions are followed and how compliant the patient is with wearing the aligners. Additionally, cases requiring more dental movements will take longer to finish than those with minor corrections.
Although each case may differ in length, Invisalign’s innovative approach makes it possible for patients to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile faster than traditional braces.
How Often Should I Wear My Aligners?
Wearing your aligners as often as possible is essential to achieve ideal results. Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day, so they should only be removed while eating and cleaning them.
You must stick to the recommended wear schedule given by your dentist and wear your aligners consistently. Store the aligners inside the case in between wears to preserve their shape and avoid breakage or loss. By wearing your aligners as often as needed and storing them as directed, you can get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
What Foods Should I Avoid During Invisalign Treatment?
The foods that you eat can affect the progress of your Invisalign treatment. It is important to remember that even if the aligners are removed while eating, some foods can cause soreness and discomfort in your newly-shifted teeth.
For your dental treatment to go smoothly, following food restrictions is important. These include chewy, crunchy, hard, and sticky food. Here’s a list of foods and drinks to avoid:
- Nuts
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Caramel
- Gummy bears
- Apples
- Carrots
- Sugary foods such as candy or lollipops
- Coffee and tea
- Dark-coloured soda
Your treatment will go far smoother if you eat soft foods instead, such as applesauce, soup, hummus, and yogurt.
How Are Invisalign Trays Cleaned?
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is essential for maintaining their effectiveness and prolonging their lifespan. Neglecting to clean the aligners can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and other oral health issues. Cleaning the aligners is also important to ensure that they fit properly and continue to work as intended. Invisalign is a significant investment, and proper cleaning is essential to make sure that the investment pays off in the form of a beautiful, healthy smile.
Here’s a step-by-step process on how to properly clean Invisalign trays.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling the aligner trays.
- Rinse trays with warm water after each use. Do not use hot water, as this can warp the aligner.
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Gently scrub between grooves and crevices to remove food particles and plaque buildup.
- Carefully rinse the trays after brushing.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the plastic material of the trays.
- You may use Invisalign crystals as a soaking bath for your aligners.
- When putting away your aligners, make sure they are completely dry to prevent them from developing an odour.
Following these steps closely and practising good oral hygiene help maintain your Invisalign trays’ cleanliness. This way, you can get the most out of your treatment and achieve the benefits of improved teeth alignment and oral health.
How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?
Patients who wear orthodontic devices such as Invisalign must visit their dentist every 6-8 weeks for a checkup. During the visit, your dentist can check your treatment progress, determine if you are wearing your aligners as instructed, and check for any signs of dental problems such as gum disease or tooth decay. Regular dental checkups can save you time and money by helping to avoid potentially costly future problems if issues are caught early. During these visits, your dentist will also give you the next sets of aligners that you should wear for the next month or two.
Can All Patients Use Invisalign?
All patients can use the Invisalign system, but it may not be suitable in all cases. It depends on the goals of the patient and their particular dental needs. A person’s suitability to get Invisalign treatment will only be determined after an in-depth evaluation by an experienced dental professional.
Invisalign works well on patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as slightly crooked or misaligned teeth. If a patient has severe alignment problems or other more complicated dental issues, traditional metal braces may be the right choice.
To determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, visit an Invisalign provider for an assessment.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a viable option for people who wants a smile makeover without the look and feel of traditional metal braces.
To benefit from using Invisalign, it’s very important that you follow the instructions provided by your dentist. Using them as instructed will result in successful treatment with less discomfort than traditional braces.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about this non-invasive treatment option and that it has helped you make an informed decision. If Invisalign still seems like a good idea after considering all the facts, why not book a consultation appointment at Maylands Dental Centre? Our friendly staff will be happy to help set you on the path toward the confident, beautiful smile that you’re looking for.
So what are you waiting for? Make your appointment today!
Frequently Asked questions
Several types of Invisalign treatment choices are available to meet the varied needs of patients seeking orthodontic corrections. The type of treatment suited for you will depend on your dental problem as well as your age. Here are the different types of Invisalign treatments.
- Invisalign Full:
This treatment is designed to address more complex orthodontic cases and typically lasts 12-24 months. The treatment includes an unlimited number of trays, which allows for maximum flexibility and ensures optimal tooth alignment. - Invisalign Lite:
This treatment was developed to address mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth. This treatment provides patients with 8-14 sets of trays, and the estimated duration is 6-8 months. - Invisalign Express:
This is a short-term treatment specifically designed to address minor orthodontic issues such as relapses after orthodontic treatment. Depending on the dental problem being addressed, it provides 5, 7, or 10 sets of aligners. Treatment time for most minor orthodontic cases is only 3-6 months. - Invisalign Teen:
Teens suffering from mild to moderate misalignment and crowded teeth can benefit greatly from this treatment. This treatment for teenagers is specifically designed to accommodate their needs. It provides patients with 18-30 clear aligners, and the treatment may last between 6-24 months. - Invisalign First:
This treatment is a quick and comfortable way to address developing malocclusions in children. Treatment time can be up to 18 months, depending on the compliance of the patient and the dental problem.
Absolutely! Invisalign is an excellent option for managing misaligned teeth that have had a root canal. It can help restore and maintain proper alignment without affecting the root canal treatment. Your dentist will create clear, custom-fit aligner trays that are comfortable and effective in aligning your teeth.
When cleaning your aligner, you must be mindful of what type of toothpaste you use. Many kinds of toothpaste contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch the surface of your aligner, which could eventually lead to holes and breakage. To avoid this, use non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your aligner. These types of toothpaste are gentle enough to clean your aligner without damaging its surface.
Invisalign retainers and aligners may sound the same, but they actually serve different purposes.
Invisalign retainers are worn after Invisalign treatment has been completed to maintain the treatment results. In contrast, Invisalign aligners are used during treatment to gradually move teeth into place over time.
The two products serve different purposes at different stages of Invisalign treatment. It’s important to understand when and how each should be used to achieve a better outcome for your smile.
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