26 Dec Invisalign as a Way to Enhance Your Smile

Starting to worry about your smile? You might have heard of Invisalign as one of the most effective options for straighter smiles and healthy teeth. In fact, orthodontists prescribed Invisalign trays to 931,000 people in 2017 alone.

If you’re looking for a straighter smile without the hassle of braces, why not opt for an Invisalign smile? Despite its growing popularity, there’s still a lot that people don’t know about Invisalign.

How does it work? Does it hurt? Who do I go to for a consultation?

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before receiving your Invisalign smile!

How Does Invisalign Work?

Over time, Invisalign aligners straighten your teeth through a gentle process. Unlike braces, which have metal brackets, Invisalign aligners are clear. Many adult patients and working professionals choose aligners over braces because they’re discreet.

Your clear, plastic aligners are designed only for you. Since they’re a perfect fit for your teeth, they’ll help close the gaps between your teeth and improve alignment. Each set of aligners will accomplish the movement you and your dentist desire.

If something needs to change, your dentist will order a new set of aligners just for you.

You’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners up to 22 hours a day for them to work effectively and quickly. Otherwise, you might cause a delay in your treatment.

Am I An Ideal Candidate?

You’ll need to schedule an initial consultation with your dentist to determine if you’re a candidate. During that appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and jaw. If your misalignment is between the mild to moderate range, they might suggest Invisalign. Dr Eshom says of 95% patients in San Diego qualify for Invigalign treatment

If your misalignment is severe, however, they might suggest a more traditional orthodontic treatment.

The Process

The first step toward your Invisalign smile is to choose a professional, experienced dentist. Choose a dentist who is experienced in providing the Invisalign treatment. That way, you’ll feel comfortable and have peace of mind that they know what they’re doing.

They’ll also be able to provide you with the best possible results.

During your consultation, make sure to discuss your goals with your dentist. That way, you’ll both have realistic expectations moving forward.

After your initial assessment, your dentist will perform a digital scan of your teeth. These scans are essential for your treatment progress as planned. After the scan is are made, your dentist will discuss your Invisalign smile treatment plan moving forward.

They’ll also help you make future appointments to review your progress with the treatment over time.

If you have the discipline to follow the dentist’s instructions, you’ll have your Invisalign smile in no time!

What to Expect

Once you receive your Invisalign aligners, you’re ready to start your treatment. The experience is a little different for each patient. However, there are a few changes you might notice during the first few weeks of your treatment.

For example, you might notice your speech has changed a little during the first few days you wear your aligners. This is normal as your tongue works to adapt to the new devices in your mouth. Once your mouth adjusts, any changes, such as a lisp, will fade. This usually happens in less than a week.

Make sure to speak with your dentist if your speech doesn’t return to normal. They might suggest making an adjustment to your aligners.

Some patients also experience slight tenderness when they start wearing their aligners.

This is also normal. Your gums and teeth will feel a little compressed as the aligners work to straighten your teeth. However, the tenderness should fade with time.

Make sure to wear your aligners as instructed. Otherwise, your mouth won’t properly adapt. You can also cover the edges of your aligners using dental wax to avoid discomfort.

If you decide on braces, your dentist will give you a list of food restrictions. With Invisalign, you can eat anything you want! However, it’s important to take your aligners out before you eat.

That way, you won’t have to worry about food sticking to your aligners and won’t stretch your aligners.

After you eat, you’ll need to brush and floss before putting your aligners back on. For some, the most difficult part of working toward an Invisalign smile is remembering to replace your aligners. In a pinch, Dr. Eshom suggests you can rinse your mouth and then replace aligners.

If you fail to develop this habit, however, your aligners could start to smell or discolor.

The Benefits

According to this poll, 83% of new Invisalign users adapted to wearing their aligners in the first week. While it takes an adjustment, the benefits far outweigh the costs.

For example, wearing Invisalign aligners is more aesthetically pleasing than wearing metal braces. You also won’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious when you smile with wires and brackets in your mouth.

Instead, your Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible! They’re also easy to wear and comfortable, so your cheeks are protected from sores or cuts.

When you wear braces, you can’t take them off without an orthodontist’s help. You can take your Invisalign aligners on and off any time you’d like! As a result, it’s a lot easier to brush your teeth, floss, and eat your favorite foods.

If you choose the Invisalign treatment, you’ll only need to wear aligners for one year. (average at Dr Eshom’s office). This depends on your treatment needs (and whether or not you’re wearing your aligners). If you decide on braces, on the other hand, your treatment could end up a lot longer.

Your teeth after Invisalign will look straight and healthy. A beautiful smile will boost your confidence and help you look more attractive. As a result, you can make a strong first impression and feel more comfortable with social interactions.

Is Invisalign worth it? In the end, it depends on your comfort and needs. All-in-all, though, Invisalign is an easy way for you to get the straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!

The Invisalign Smile: How Invisalign Can Get You Grinning from Ear-to-Ear

Say cheese! By choosing the Invisalign treatment, you can get a wow-worthy Invisalign smile that will have you grinning from ear-to-ear.

Visit our office today to get started with your first Invisalign consultation!