Braces are used to move and realign teeth to create a more uniform smile. With new and advanced technology in the dental world, traditional, metal braces are no longer the only option.
Invisalign is known for being a highly convenient option when it comes to changing your smile. They are removable and undetectable aligners that can fix an uneven smile.
Clear aligners require little to no changes to your diet and are practically invisible making them a popular option for any age group.
Here’s everything you need to know about Invisalign, including how to look after them and how to get the best results possible.
They’re comfortable to wear
When it comes to straightening treatments, patients are concerned about comfort. However, Invisalign aligners are trimmed to your unique and exact measurements, meaning they fit seamlessly around your teeth and gums.
Unlike traditional braces, there’s no painful tightening of wires.
Some patients experience mild discomfort in the first few days of a new aligner. This is due to the subtle change in shape to move the teeth and it is completely normal. If it’s too much to handle, contact your dentist who can adjust the aligner to ensure minimal pain is experienced during the treatment.
Once you’re used to the aligner, you’ll barely feel them and can go about your day without worrying about your brace.
Easy to look after
Invisalign is perfect for every age group. From teens to adults, it’s such a popular treatment because of how easy the aligners are to maintain and clean.
For an effective result, it’s vital you take care of your aligners properly. Cleaning your Invisalign braces removes bacteria built-up throughout the day, and odours caused by saliva, all while keeping them crystal clear.
To clean them, you can use toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them thoroughly – it’s as easy as that. This should be done daily.
If you do take them out to eat or brush your teeth, place them in their case to prevent them from getting damaged or dirty, further maintaining the effectiveness of the brace.
Invisalign braces are removable
Invisalign braces aren’t fixed to your teeth so can be removed at any point during the day with minimal fuss. Simply take them out and return to their case until you’re ready to put them back in again.
You will be instructed to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, removing them to eat, drink and brush your teeth.
It’s important to be aware that removing them too often or for prolonged periods of time can affect the final result.
There are minimal diet restrictions with Invisalign
With traditional braces, your diet is restricted during your treatment. You have to avoid certain drinks and chewy, hard foods in order to protect the metal and brackets.
However, with Invisalign, you can eat and drink what you like, as long as you remove your aligners beforehand – apart from when drinking clear, still water – to avoid damaging and staining them.
You will still be advised to enjoy a healthy, balanced diet, keeping sugar and fizzy drinks to a minimum to protect your overall oral health and reduce the likelihood of more serious problems arising in the future.
Treatment is quicker than traditional braces
Invisalign is the only orthodontic treatment that allows you to picture your new and improved smile before starting.
You will be given prediction photos before being given your aligners to show you how your smile will be improved using Invisalign.
The length of any dental treatment depends on the individual’s unique needs and current oral condition. However, the average patient takes 12 months to complete Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign allows you to maintain proper dental hygiene
As Invisalign aligners are removable, you can continue to look after your teeth with your normal dental hygiene routine.
You don’t need any special equipment to get between wires or brackets, just toothpaste, a toothbrush and floss.
It’s important to look after your teeth in general, but especially during dental treatments. Keeping your teeth and gums clean reduces the likelihood of any further issues, ensuring nothing interferes with the final result or the condition of the aligners.
Start your Invisalign treatment today
If you’re interested in Invisalign in Essex, orthodontics in Essex or the surrounding areas, contact us today.
Our team of experienced and friendly dentists have the knowledge and expertise to transform your smile into one to be proud of.
To find out more, book a consultation online, or give us a call on 01708 707050 (Hornchurch) or 01702 553535 (Leigh-on-Sea).
