The Invisalign Process & Maintenance
In short, Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. The Invisalign process uses a number of transparent plastic aligners to slowly over time correct the alignment of your teeth. No one likes the look or feel of metal braces, but with Invisalign, it’s likely no one will know you’re wearing aligners.
We’re going to go into , how to properly maintain your aligners, and what else to expect.
The Process
The first step is coming in for a consultation. This is where your dentist will talk to you about whether Invisalign is right for you. There’s a number of points to consider before moving forward and we talk about them in our Is Invisalign Right for Me post.
Second, the custom aligner trays are made with the help of impressions and digital photos/x-rays. Your dentist will give you the first tray and talk more about proper use and maintenance. In order to achieve the best results, you will need to wear the aligners 20-22 hours a day everyday.
Ask your dentist when you should move on to the next aligner set. Everyone is different, but most people spend an average of one to two weeks per set.
Maintenance
It’s important to properly maintain your aligners to get the best results and because it’s an investment in your health. Here are some tips on how to take care of your aligners:
- See your dentist every 4 to 6 weeks
- Avoid staining drinks
- Be sure to clean your aligners
- Brush & floss your teeth in the morning and at night
If your aligners are yellow that means bacteria is building up and they need to be thoroughly cleaned. The good news is they easily pop in and out. Make sure your aligners are in their case when you’re not using them to reduce the risk of being damaged.
Your teeth may slightly move after you finish all your aligners. If this does happen your dentist will make a custom fit retainer and instruct you when to wear it.
What else to expect
While it is custom fit for you, when you first put on your aligners you should feel some tightness and may experience some discomfort for a couple of days. This is because they are exerting pressure on your teeth to correct them.
The discomfort should go down over the course of a few days, if it doesn’t or if it gets worse, let your dentist know.
Ready to Learn More?
Our Invisalign dentists can let you know if clear aligners are right for you. To schedule an appointment with Robinson Dental, call any of our offices in Cascade, Coopersville and Wayland. We’d be more than happy to help you explore appropriate treatment options for your smile call any of our offices at 1-888-932-8669.