Let’s face it, there are thousands of people with out-of-place and crooked teeth. Not only does this cause lack of confidence, but it can lead to several health problems. For a long time, the best solution for correcting misshapen teeth was braces.
When it comes to braces, not many people felt comfortable wearing them and they became self-conscious. We all know that braces are made of metal wiring, which are easily visible. With the advancement in technology, there is a better alternative to braces: Invisalign.
Invisalign is a treatment used for straightening your teeth. Though both the treatments are used for the same purpose, the only difference is in the material used. Instead of metal brackets, in Invisalign, plastic retainers are used; they are nearly invisible, making people feel more comfortable and confident.
If you are thinking about starting Invisalign treatment, here is everything you need to know about it.
What Should You Expect?
Without a doubt, getting Invisalign can prove to be a unique and one-of-a-kind of experience. If you are planning on getting this treatment, here are some things you should expect.
Plenty of Attachments
During the Invisalign procedure, you will receive a lot of attachments. You will get colored ridges that will stick to your teeth just like braces brackets. It helps your teeth move into shape effectively.
Wearing Them Throughout the Day
It is advised to wear them for at least 22 hours. The only time you should remove aligners is when you are eating or drinking. Since it doesn’t cause any discomfort, you can easily keep wearing them. Additionally, you will even lose weight.
Mouth Soreness
As you will be using aligners for the first time, your teeth and gums will get compressed against new directions. This can lead to tenderness in your mouth. Luckily, when you wear it again and again, you will get used to it. The soreness can be a result of sharp edges, so you can use wax to avoid scraping.
Speech Distortions
Another thing you should expect is that there might be a slight change in your speech. It is because your tongue will be getting used to the aligners. Over time, when you get used to it, your speech will become normal.
Drink and Eat Without Any Trouble
A great thing about aligners is that it makes eating and drinking easy since you can take them out without any hassle. You can take them out before eating and wear them once you have finished eating and cleaning your teeth.
No Lipstick
Say goodbye to colored lip gloss and lipsticks. This is because they can stick to attachments and aligners. You can apply clear lip gloss or lip balms; unfortunately, they can leave a waxy residue.
Cleaning Is Crucial
The most important thing is cleaning. First, you have to take care of your oral hygiene such as regular brushing and flossing. It will help in preventing the buildup of bacteria and plaque formation. Then, there are aligners to clean. You can soak them in either mouthwash or a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar.
Complications in Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is a safe treatment for crooked teeth, there are some complications and risks associated with it. These might include:
- Dryness of mouth
- Breaking of aligner tray
- Allergic reactions to the material used for making aligners
- Damage to tooth nerve
- Tooth bone damage
- A lisp
- Scratches to cheeks, gums, and lips
- Root resorption
- Damage to crowns and fillings
- Bad breath, if you don’t clean the aligners
Details About the Procedure
As far as the process is concerned, the aligner trays work similarly like braces. In Invisalign, a different approach is used. Aligner trays are placed on teeth for repositioning the teeth rather than using metal wires.
During the treatment period, you will have to use more than one aligner. Every aligner should be worn for more than 2 weeks before replacing it with a new aligner. After the consultation, the dentist will make impressions of the teeth. The dentist will then send all the information and desired results for the aligner to the dental technicians.
Once the trays are ready, the first tray will be placed on your teeth. You will be asked to return after two weeks for a checkup. Usually, this treatment will take as long as braces, but it will not cause any discomfort. In addition, it will look better, giving you more confidence to smile and attend social events.
Therefore, Invisalign is a new and effective procedure that will help in straightening your teeth. For more details, visit a dental office nearby.