While you may already know that Invisalign is a discreet alternative to metal braces for teeth straightening, you may have some questions about this comparatively new treatment. Invisalign is as effective as traditional braces for fixing common problems like overbites, spacing, and teeth crowding.
It would be a shame if you missed the opportunity to forgo braces in favor of Invisalign just because you didn’t know enough about the treatment. To prevent that from happening, we thought it would be a good idea to share some information everyone should know before they choose Invisalign treatment.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Every Invisalign treatment plan is tailored to the specific patient it’s made for, meaning they’re all custom-made. For this reason, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline for the treatment. The general rule of thumb is to expect the average treatment to last between 12 and 18 months.
What happens after my treatment wraps up?
Many people think that once they’re done using their Invisalign aligners that they’re done with maintaining the appearance of their smile. That’s not the case, however. While your teeth will be in proper position when you’re finished wearing your aligners, that’s the point where you’ll need to shift into maintenance mode. To maintain the position of your teeth, you’ll need to use a retainer after your Invisalign treatment.
How long do I have to wear my aligners every day?
Your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist will advise you about how long you’ll have to wear Invisalign aligners daily. To achieve the best possible results as quickly as possible, it’s generally wise to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, with 22 hours being the optimal goal.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Although the treatment isn’t as painful as metal braces can be, some patients do experience some mild discomfort with Invisalign. During your treatment, you’ll receive a new set of aligners every two weeks or so. If they report pain at all, most patients say their aligners hurt when they switch to a new set. In most cases, the discomfort only lasts a day or two before it resolves itself. Many patients can manage their discomfort using over the counter medicine.
How will Invisalign disrupt my life?
Invisalign is deliberately designed to fit into your life, not disrupt it. The aligners are barely noticeable and they don’t require you to change your diet or adjust the activities you participate in during treatment. Although that’s the case, you still need to brush and floss before you put your aligners back into your mouth and you’ll need to see your Invisalign specialist regularly, about every six to eight weeks, throughout your treatment.
Start Your Invisalign Treatment with Clearsmile Orthodontics
Now that you know more about Invisalign, we invite you to start the journey toward your best smile with Clearsmile Orthodontics. Our team will be your guide as you walk the path that will lead you to an improved smile you’ll be proud to show off to the world. To achieve the best smile possible, partner with our team in Charlotte, NC today.