Is Invisalign right for you?
Orthodontic treatment can be incredibly beneficial, providing adults and kids alike with better bites, straighter teeth, and the increased self-confidence that accompanies these improvements. While most patients are familiar with braces, you may have questions about new treatments like Invisalign.
Here are the top 10 questions we hear at Bela Family Dentistry of White Knoll regarding Invisalign and comprehensive answers to help you decide if Invisalign may be right for your family.
1. Is Invisalign uncomfortable?
Comfort is one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces. The vast majority of Invisalign patients report little to no pain. There is no need for tightening of your aligner, and your aligner contains no metal to scrape or irritate your mouth. The days of painful orthodontic treatments are over, thanks to Invisalign.
2. How long does Invisalign treatment last?
While you will wear each aligner in your series for about two weeks, your total treatment time will last anywhere from a few months to about two years. You can obtain a more specific timeline from Dr. Kucko, here at Bela Family Dentistry of White Knoll, once she’s performed an examination and has the details of your unique case.
3. What sorts of problems can Invisalign correct?
Invisalign is a versatile treatment option for many orthodontic issues. This aligner system can help correct a variety of problems including crooked teeth, teeth crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and unattractive gaps between your teeth.
4. Will I need to wear a retainer after my Invisalign treatment?
Yes, it is quite likely you will need to wear a retainer after you are done with your aligner treatment. Like Invisalign, this retainer will be removable for eating and oral care. Your exact retainer treatment time will depend on the specifics of your case and the severity of your orthodontic issues. However, you can help minimize the length of your retainer treatment by faithfully wearing your Invisalign aligners as much as possible.
5. How many hours per day should I wear my aligner?
You should aim to have your aligner in your mouth 22 hours each day. Of course, you will need to take your aligner out for snacks, meals, and oral self-care. You may also remove it for sports. Otherwise, your aligner should be in place. This includes when you are asleep. Remember, the more diligently you wear your aligner, the briefer your treatment time will be.
6. Can I skip flossing with if I use Invisalign?
Noooooo. Come on, you know the importance of flossing. In all seriousness, oral hygiene is even more crucial when you wear an aligner. The aligner can trap food particles against your teeth all day, so you need to be diligent in your brushing and flossing. Invisalign will not protect you from cavities or tooth decay.
7. Who will know I wear Invisalign?
Well, your dentist will certainly know, so will your dental treatment team. Otherwise, whoever you choose to tell. Invisalign is designed to be discreet and completely transparent, with no metal parts. If you kiss someone while wearing your aligner, they may figure out that you have the aligner in. Still, casual observation or photographs will not reveal your Invisalign treatment.
8. How easy to remove are the aligners?
Pretty simple. You just pop them out of your mouth just as you would a sports mouthguard. Most patients find that it helps to place their fingernails under the aligner to help with removal. This is a great reason to refrain from biting your nails, which is a bad habit for both your teeth and your fingers.
9. How do I clean my aligners?
We’re glad you asked. You need to clean your aligner every time you remove it from your mouth. If you are on the go, like at work or school, you can simply clean it with cold water and a toothbrush. Scrub it thoroughly but not vigorously as you do not want to scratch the aligner.
At home, you can soak your aligner for 15 minutes in clean water with a denture cleaning tablet. Invisalign also offers cleaning crystals you can use instead. While you need to keep your aligner clean, avoid cleaning it with toothpaste as this may discolor or scratch your aligner.
10. Can I have cosmetic dentistry while using Invisalign?
Maybe. Remember, your aligners are improving the aesthetics as well as the function of your teeth. You will need to wait until your Invisalign treatment is concluded before having some cosmetic dental procedures. For example, veneers may need to wait.
However, you may be able to undergo teeth whitening or other procedures during your Invisalign treatment depending on your situation. Ask our dentist, Dr. Jenny Kucko at Bela Family Dentistry of White Knoll for guidance, and she will be happy to help.
REFERENCES
- “Living with Invisalign® Clear Aligners.” Invisalign, Invisalign.com, 2019, www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/living-with-invisalign.
- Roberts, Anna Monette. “11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Got Invisalign.” Health.com, Popsugar, 3 Apr. 2019, www.health.com/beauty/11-things-i-wish-id-known-before-i-got-invisalign.
- “The Smile You Want, Minus the Interruptions.” Invisalign, Invisalign.com, 2019, www.invisalign.com/.
