If you’re considering taking advantage of correcting your smile without the metal by trying out the “no-show” clear Invisalign trays to straighten your teeth there are some facts you will want to be aware of. While Invisalign is a great treatment option, it’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach and it may or may not be the right choice for you. You’ll have to meet with your orthodontist for an exam to determine if it’s the correct method of straightening for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering Invisalign.
22 Hour Rule
Success with Invisalign is extremely reliant on your dedication to actually wear your treatment trays. Your aligner trays must be worn 22 out of the 24 hours of EVERY day. You will pretty much only take them out to eat and clean them and brush your teeth. This is the only way to ensure proper treatment with Invisalign.
Speech Adjustment
There may be a slight adjustment to talking with the Invisalign in. If you’ve ever worn a retainer, you know how it can affect the way you say certain things. Invisalign can have the same challenges. There may be a small lisp until you adjust to having them in your mouth consistently. So while they are “invisible”, they are noticeable until this adjustment takes place.
Bring Your Toothbrush With You
You may want to invest in some travel toothbrushes. The care of your Invisalign requires you to brush your teeth each time you remove and replace the trays. It’s extremely important to your oral health to only put clean retainers onto clean teeth. This will help you avoid a buildup of bacteria that can lead to plaque. Stash some extra toothbrushes and toothpastes in your car, purse, and backpack to always have a spare.
Braces with Comfort
Not only is Invisalign hardly noticeable, but it’s also far more comfortable than traditional braces. You will experience some mild discomfort when changing to a new set of trays, however it will be far less than what is traditionally experienced with the tightening of brackets and wires on braces. You also won’t have to worry about poking wires or rubber bands.
Be Patient
While Invisalign can be a shorter treatment plan than your traditional braces, they still take time to work their magic. Trust the process and allow the allotted time to pass to see the results. Some treatments can still take up to a year to reveal their new smile. Your orthodontist can give you a more solid estimate as to how long it will take for your specific case.
Check with your orthodontist to see if Invisalign is the right treatment plan for you. If it is, we can get you started on your new smile right away and you’ll have no regrets.
