Whether you’re a college student, a busy parent, or a career-driven professional who has their eye on a promotion, you may not be thrilled about the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires. Fortunately, there’s another (much more discreet) way to get the smile you’ve always wanted: Invisalign. If you are considering this innovative orthodontic treatment for yourself, then read on to learn five things you should know before committing.
1. Your Teeth May Need to Be Shaved Down a Bit
Patients often assume that there’s nothing more to Invisalign than clear aligners. That’s not the case! For example, if your case of overcrowding is more moderate, your dentist may need to slightly alter your teeth so that they can move into their properly aligned positions. This procedure is referred to as IPR (interproximal reduction), and don’t worry – it’s completely painless.
2. The Average Treatment Timeline Is Only 12-18 Months
Typically, traditional braces take two or more years to deliver results. Invisalign, on the other hand, has an average treatment timeline of only 12-18 months. Even if your teeth-straightening journey ends up being a bit longer, you’ll be able to see the improvements along the way because the aligners are clear and removable!
3. There Are Fewer Check-In Visits
If you had traditional braces in the past, then you may remember the monthly adjustment appointments. Fortunately, Invisalign works a bit differently. You’ll be given several sets of aligners at once so you can progress through your treatment plan at home. Then, you’ll visit your dentist every 6-8 weeks so they can make sure your teeth are moving as anticipated.
4. You Need to Wear Your Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day
Although Invisalign aligners are removable, they should only be taken out when absolutely necessary. Remember, if you don’t wear your trays consistently, your teeth won’t move! Plus, there’s a chance that they could get damaged or misplaced if you aren’t wearing them. So, do your best to keep them on for 20+ hours each day.
5. Brushing After Each Meal Is Essential
Right now, brushing your teeth each morning and evening may suffice when it comes to preventing decay. Once you start the teeth-straightening process with Invisalign, however, you need to do so after every meal. Otherwise, the lingering food particles will get trapped against your teeth by the aligners, increasing your risk of cavities.
About the Practice
We’re proud to be Preferred Invisalign Providers at Radiant Dental. So, if you are interested in straightening your teeth with clear aligners and you reside in or around Farmington Hills, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation! We go the extra mile to make the teeth-straightening process comfortable and convenient as well – from using digital impressions to offering early morning appointments. If you want to visit us, take the next step: get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (248) 855-4850.