A Complete Guide To Invisalign Aligners

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Invisalign Aligners
Woman wearing orthodontic silicone trainer. Invisible braces

Are you one of the people afraid to smile because of your crooked and uneven teeth? Or are you one of those who needs orthodontic treatment but never had it done? If so, you may have heard your dentist suggesting you have braces.  Unfortunately, braces are obvious and bulky, and most of the time, they require additional maintenance, such as visiting your dentist regularly. If you feel that this is not for you, then perhaps it’s time to know what Invisalign aligners is and what it can do for you. 

Invisalign is a revolutionary retainer that has a similar function to the traditional bracket-and-wire braces. It is gaining more popularity as more people prefer it over conventional and high-maintenance braces. 

Many people found Invisalign aligners to be more comfortable and less awkward than wired braces. These reasons make them more attractive, especially to teens who need dental works to prevent severe problems in the future.

What Is Invisalign Retainer? 

Invisalign is an almost invisible aligner, hence its name. It is a clear and removable plastic retainer to give you a strong, aligned, and healthy set of teeth.

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign can be used as a mouthguard and be removed as needed, and it’s made specifically for every patient’s set of teeth. Since Invisalign has the same primary function as metal braces, you may wonder how this plastic aligner does the job made for a metal brace.

Invisalign is made from a unique thermoplastic resin capable of moving your teeth into place. Also, your dentist will replace the tray with a new one that is slightly different from the past one. Its principle is quite similar to the adjustment done to braces. For 18-20 months, your teeth can become perfectly aligned.

Sydney, Australia, 2021-08-23 Invisalign aligners in a storage carry case. Invisible braces. Clear teeth straighteners. Clear plastic bracers
Sydney, Australia, 2021-08-23 Invisalign aligners in a storage carry case. Invisible braces. Clear teeth straighteners. Clear plastic bracers.

How To Get Your Invisalign? 

If you think Invisalign suits you, then here are the steps you’ll have to do:  

Step 1: Make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will evaluate your case if you need teeth realignment and see if Invisalign will work well with you. This is also your time to ask questions about Invisalign.  

Step 2: Your dentist will assess your mouth and jaw using an x-ray. Also, your dentist will take an impression of your bite before you begin the process. This is also the process where your dentist creates a plastic tray fit for your mouth. After this, your records are submitted to the Invisalign manufacturer to produce one that fits you.   

Step 3: After a few days, your dentist may ask you to pick up your retainers, and you may start using them.  

Step 4: Your dentist may require you to visit every six to eight months to check your progress and replace the trays with a new one. You will do this until your teeth become perfectly aligned.   

Furthermore, make sure that you have done any recommended reading before you proceed with the first step so that there’ll be no surprises in the end.   

Who Should Use Invisalign?

Invisalign can treat almost all misalignment issues, but it’s still important to seek medical advice before you proceed. Invisalign may not be appropriate for children, especially if they have cases of impacted teeth, because they do not have fully grown teeth yet.  

On the other hand, Invisalign has a version for teens called Invisalign teens. This is a slightly modified version, perfect for an active lifestyle most teens have. 

What Should You Expect With Invisalign?

During the first week of treatment, you might feel a little pain and soreness in the gums, which may occur each time you change your aligners. This is normal, and the pain may be gone after a few days. Also, this pain is nothing compared to traditional braces.  

Since Invisalign are removable, it won’t be difficult to brush your teeth daily, unlike traditional braces which require additional cleaning procedures and force. This makes brushing your teeth easy and comfortable.   

How Long Should You Use Invisalign?

If you have a mild condition, your dentist may require you to undergo the process for at least 12 months. However, if your situation is severe and needs more attention, your dentist may advise you to use it in not more than 18 months.  

Also, there is an option for people with minor alignment issues, the Invisalign Express. It will only take about six months of maximum use.  

Can You Still Eat Your Favorite Food? 

The good news is you can still eat your favorite food whenever you want. There are no restrictions on food. Unlike metal braces, you won’t have to worry about food that may get stuck in between them.  

Since it is removable, you’ll be able to eat your favorite meals comfortably. Furthermore, experts suggest that you remove it before you eat, even if it’s tight and sometimes painful to remove.

However, no chewing gums are allowed. Chewing gums may stick on your aligners, which are difficult to clean. The same goes for caramel, toffees, and other sticky and slimy food.

How To Clean Invisalign?  

The Invisalign manufacturer has a cleaning solution for its aligners, but a simple toothbrush and toothpaste still work fine. But remember, never use hot water to rinse your Invisalign. Since it is made of plastic, hot water may deform the aligner.   

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost for the treatment depends on the length of the treatment process, with a range of USD$3000 to USD$5000, which is a bit more expensive than braces. However, if you have dental insurance, it may help reduce the cost. Also, most dentists offer installment plans to make the payment less of a burden for most patients.  

What Should You Do After Invisalign? 

Unfortunately, your teeth tend to revert to their usual unaligned position even with the use of Invisalign. This is because your teeth can retain their previous locations. That’s why you need a retainer, just like after using braces.     

Final Words 

Invisalign is one of the best ways to treat misaligned teeth ever invented in the field of dental medicine. Perhaps you’re already thinking about having Invisalign to help you. But first, you need to make sure that you are fit to wear this. So, call your dentist’s office and have your appointment set.