Invisalign is a popular alternative to braces due to how discreet they are. If you’ve been looking to correct your smile without having to go through the hassle of wearing braces, this could be a great fit for you. Our team at Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry of Champions Gate, FL, is happy to offer this treatment and go over some of the questions you may have about it.
Invisalign should be worn consistently for the best results, and to keep your treatment schedule on track. 20 to 22 hours each day is what’s usually recommended, so they should really only be taken out when you clean your teeth or eat.
This treatment involves a series of aligners. You can expect to wear each set for about two weeks; each time you move on to your next set, your teeth will be getting closer and closer to the desired end result.
The total time you wear your aligners will partly depend on your unique needs. With more mild corrections, you could be done in as little as six months, but a treatment spanning 12 months is more common. When you visit us for a consultation, we may be able to give you a more personalized timeline based on the corrections you’re looking for.
While your clear aligners should be worn consistently, one of the best benefits this treatment has to offer is you’ll be able to take them off to enjoy your favorite foods. Many patients dread the idea of limiting their diet with braces, but Invisalign makes those limitations unnecessary. Patients who already have a limited diet due to allergies are often especially thankful that they don’t have to think about cutting even more options out of their diet.
On top of this, the removable aspect makes oral hygiene easier. The added challenge of brushing around braces can make some patients cut corners when it comes to their daily cleaning, which can have disastrous results. This treatment means that after a long day when you’re already exhausted, brushing and flossing won’t be any harder than it was already.
If wearing braces is unavoidable, clear aligners could still potentially help with the process. Some patients are able to use Invisalign to reduce the time they’ll have to spend with their braces. If you’re interested in this, reach out to us and we’ll let you know if this is a possibility for you.
As the name implies, no one should be able to tell when you’re wearing these clear aligners. When it comes to braces, some kids and teenagers genuinely enjoy customizing their smiles with fun elastics. But adults generally don’t want to deal with braces. It’s less common for adults to see their peers wearing braces, and braces may also make them feel less confident in social situations.
Discretion is also a benefit if you have a big event coming up, like a wedding or vacation, and you don’t want to have braces for the pictures. Regardless of your reasons, if you want to get started on correcting your teeth but don’t want any visual reminders of it, clear aligners could be the way to go.
Protecting your teeth is always the right call, but the good news is these aligners are known to be pretty durable. If you have an active job, or enjoy active hobbies like sports, that could make this treatment option a good fit for your lifestyle.
Patients with sensitive mouths may find wearing braces difficult. Since Invisalign doesn’t have any hard edges, brackets, or wires, it tends to slip smoothly and comfortably over your teeth like a glove. Patients may even find it easier to adjust quickly and get a full night’s sleep with clear aligners versus braces.
If you’re someone who suffers from jaw pain or headaches due to misaligned teeth, addressing the root of the problem can help improve your future comfort levels. It can even help some patients get a more restful night’s sleep.
If you have mild to moderate protruding teeth, clear aligners can help correct that too. Protruding teeth can put a patient more at risk of mouth injury following an impact, so correcting this concern may be an especially good idea for athletes.
If there’s an issue affecting your dental health, addressing it as quickly as possible can help save you time and money down the road. By starting the treatment process with clear aligners, you can help correct the current issue and prevent it from turning into a more severe problem.
Misaligned teeth of any kind are usually more challenging to clean. This is especially true for teeth that are either tightly packed or overlap with each other. These overlapping areas are almost impossible to brush, and often very difficult to floss. Even professional cleanings will be less effective than they could be for these teeth.
That means even the most thorough patient who tries their best to keep on top of their dental health may be at increased risk for decay if they have overlapping teeth. Healthy teeth won’t just help protect you from oral disease and early tooth loss. A healthy smile is good for the health of the whole body. Straight teeth can make maintaining healthy teeth easier.
Some patients hesitate to show their teeth when they smile or laugh. Misaligned teeth can make them feel self-conscious, and that thought can bug them in the back of their mind throughout social situations.
We want all of our patients to enjoy their best possible health, but we also want them to be thrilled with their results. For many patients, just starting the treatment process gives them a boost of encouragement and self-esteem.
This treatment can handle a significant range of different dental issues. The best way to know if it would be a good fit for you would be to come in for a consultation. That said, there are several common dental concerns that can usually be treated with clear aligners.
Overcrowding is very common. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons to seek out either braces or clear aligners.
Many patients want to fix overcrowding for cosmetic reasons, but there are other reasons why correcting overcrowded teeth is a good idea. For one thing, if you need crowns or fillings in the future, it’s easier to carry that treatment out when your teeth are already straightened.
Misaligned teeth can throw off your bite and the balance of your jaw. It can also contribute to issues like too much friction between teeth, which can cause premature enamel loss.
Enamel is that protective coating that helps keep your teeth safe from damage and bacteria, so losing it can leave you more at risk for gum disease and tooth decay. Since misaligned teeth throw off the natural balance of the jaw, it may also lead to jaw pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Underbites and overbites can both be addressed with clear aligners. Since the treatment works by guiding your teeth into a more correct position, it can help “set” things where they need to be in order to function properly. In severe cases, clear aligners can be combined with other treatment plans to ensure the patient gets the results they need.
Sometimes gaps between teeth can make chewing and speaking more difficult. Patients may find that food particles become trapped between these teeth as well. While gaps aren’t always an issue, patients who want to address minor tooth gaps can do so with clear aligners.
As you consider getting clear aligners, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
If you have more questions, why not set up a consultation? Contact us today at Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry of Champions Gate, FL, and we can schedule a time to go over your questions and whether or not you’re a good candidate for this treatment. Our friendly team can’t wait to help you achieve your dental goals.
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