What to Expect with Invisalign

Some readers may remember a childhood where the only option for straightening teeth was metal braces, which had to be worn for months or years at a time. It was always tough for kids to deal with the stigma and the maintenance of braces but as an adult it could be even worse. 

One of the most popular advancements in dental treatments is the evolution of clear braces, commonly known as Invisalign. Invisalign has been around since the late 90’s and has gotten more and more affordable over the years. Our guide to Invisalign can help prospective wearers learn what they need to know as well as give parents information to help their families adjust their teeth with Invisalign.

Invisalign is the general term for a progressive series of plastic braces that help adjust your teeth and straighten them to prevent any injuries to teeth as well as to improve the quality of your smile. Invisalign is a significant improvement over the old metal braces that were applied to each tooth individually and adjusted over time. 

Invisalign 101

The Invisalign product is a series of plastic retainers that you change every two weeks to move your teeth bit by bit. First, your dentist will take a 3D scan of your teeth to figure out a plan for straightening. Second, your dentist will create a series of aligners that you wear day and night. These aligners move your teeth slowly to the correct position.

Invisalign is good for adolescents and adults but is not usually used for very young children. A typical course can take anywhere from 6 months to 24 months with plastic aligners being switched out every two weeks.

Maintenance and Expectations

Invisalign is very easy to maintain and keep clean. The plastic is worn on your teeth all day and needs to be cleaned twice a day while you are brushing your teeth. Since the braces fit so nicely on your teeth, you can eat and drink normally while wearing them as well. Finally, you can brush and floss your teeth normally without the braces as needed.

Most of the time, users wearing Invisalign have even cleaner teeth than normal because the plastic protects the teeth so well. The only drawback to Invisalign is that it doesn’t work on younger children who might not maintain the product well or remove it frequently. 

Long Term Goals

Invisalign comes with the benefit of being nearly invisible and is a great way for people to keep their medical choices to themselves without the judgment and interference of others. 

Once you have achieved your goal of straight teeth with Invisalign, your dentist might recommend that you wear retainers to maintain the position. These retainers, worn at night, can help prevent teeth from getting out of position again. 

The Invisalign braces system is a great innovation for those looking for straight teeth with none of the hassle and stigma of regular braces. If you or your family member is in need of braces and wants to find out more, contact us today at Wooten Dental. Our experienced dentists and highly qualified staff can help find out whether Invisalign is right for you. Check out our approach to Invisalign and schedule an appointment when ready!