In the past couple of years, many people have been interested in trying out Invisalign braces. But at the same time, there are so many questions about these aligners. How do Invisalign attachments work? How does Invisalign work with missing teeth? How long does it take for Invisalign to work?
Now is a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about these clear aligners and the way they work, as well as some things you will need to understand before you check them out.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners or clear braces are designed to fix crooked teeth. They have a similar goal as traditional braces and can be quite effective. As you might guess from the name, these invisible braces are not as in-your-face as traditional ones.
You can also consult your dentist, and they will assist you every step of the way with your Invisalign treatments, but it is also possible to do everything on your own. These clear aligners are an excellent option for moderately crowded teeth, and the patient can see the difference in no time.
Of course, as with other orthodontic treatments, invisible aligners require dedication, and it will not work after just a couple of days.
How to Get Started?
It is always a good idea to talk to your dentist and hear what they have to say about the topic. Maybe they will recommend a better treatment plan and something that can assist you along the way. One thing you should know is that Invisalign braces are not always effective.
Not everyone can use them, either. If there is a slight misalignment of teeth, clear braces are an excellent choice. But if aligning teeth requires a complex procedure, metal braces are a better option.
The next thing to understand is that you can’t just go and buy clear aligners. They are custom-made for each patient. For these aligners to work, you must create a mold of your jaw. This way, the company can design aligners just for you.
If you talk to your Invisalign dentist, they can make a 3D scan of your teeth, eliminating the need for molds. Either way, you will need to have a way to get the braces customized for your teeth.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The short answer is yes, but these braces are not omnipotent. They still have limitations. For the teeth to be able to move, Invisalign patients must have moderate crowding and spacing. Otherwise, the method won’t be enough.
That means that not everyone will be able to qualify for Invisalign. And it is one of the main reasons to consult a dentist before checking out the aligners. So, you will need to get all the information you can before trying out clear braces.
But as long as alignment issues are not severe, Invisalign braces will be a great option. And if you are wondering what happens if Invisalign doesn’t work, you will probably need to go for traditional braces instead or other orthodontic treatments.
How Effective Is Invisalign?
As mentioned earlier, Invisalign can be quite effective for mild and moderate misalignments. In fact, many people will say it is as effective as traditional metal braces. But clear aligners won’t be as helpful if the misalignment is more severe.
Furthermore, clear aligners may still work if the patient is missing a tooth (or a few), but there is a high chance that the dentist will recommend tooth replacement. In most cases, dental implants are the best possible solution, and they will prevent the bone from deteriorating.
Invisalign with missing teeth may or may not work, and it is situational. So, once again, the best course of action would be to consult your dentist.
How to Use Invisalign?
If everything works according to plan, you can get your clear aligners. Since these braces are designed for you, they will feel comfortable, and you won’t have any problems wearing them for a long time, which is one of the most critical factors.
The next question on the list is how long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth? For the braces to be effective, you will need to wear them for 22 hours each day. Usually, the entire process takes around 18 months, so be prepared. It is a lengthy process, but you will need to go through it.
But one of the main advantages compared to traditional braces is that Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take them out when you eat. And this is an important advantage for many people.
Maintenance
While you will spend most of your time wearing braces, oral hygiene should still be your priority. You will need to know how to take care of your teeth, as well as how to clean Invisalign braces properly.
That is the best way to avoid gum disease, cavities, and many other problems that may happen along the way. And since these aligners are removable, you will have an easier time brushing your teeth and flossing.
As for the braces, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. One thing you should remember is to get a separate toothbrush for your aligners and use a different one for brushing your teeth. While cleaning the aligners, use lukewarm water and clear soap, and be gentle. The last thing you need is to damage your Invisalign.
What Else to Know?
It might sound like everything will be simple, but it rarely is. From time to time, your teeth might feel loose. You might feel uncomfortable at the beginning. You might experience difficulty speaking properly. And all of this is fine. You will need to adjust to wearing aligners, and this shouldn’t scare you.
Of course, if you have any doubts about whether everything is going according to plan, you can always pay a visit to your dentist, and they will be able to help you with any problem you have.