Do you hide your teeth? Are you embarrassed when you forget and smile with your teeth?
If you’re uncomfortable with your smile, you may have thought about getting braces in the past. Yet braces are intrusive and noticeable, and you may be even more embarrassed.
Getting Invisalign could be the answer you’re looking for. Clear trays are less intrusive than metal braces, and they’ll help adjust your teeth so you get the straight smile you want.
Here are 7 questions to ask before starting treatment.
1. How Long Do I Have to Wear My Aligners?
If you’re worried about how long you’ll have to wear your clear aligners, don’t be concerned. The length of treatments is generally shorter than wearing braces, and the average is about 8-10 months. Some dentists offer an accelerated Invisalign program for those who are eager to finish sooner.
Depending on the severity of your misalignment, your treatment could be longer or shorter, even on a non-accelerated program. Ask Dr. Eshom about how long your treatment will take. He will give you an estimated timeline, although not a specific date.
2. Besides Straight Teeth, What Are the Benefits?
One of the benefits of Invisalign is their near-invisible appearance. Unlike the metal brackets of braces on your teeth, Invisalign clear aligners are unobtrusive. As long as you keep them clean, they’ll be far less noticeable.
Part of keeping your aligners clean is removing them every time you eat and drink anything except water. Food and colored liquids like tea and coffee can stain the aligners and make your teeth look dirty or yellow. Hot liquids can also warp the plastic aligners and render them ineffective.
3. Is Getting Invisalign a Long Process?
You’ll start with an appointment to discuss your case. After your first payment, they’ll take scans of your teeth and send them to the manufacturer so they can create your trays. It takes about two weeks for the manufacturer to make them on average.
Shipping delays and other factors can mean that it may be several weeks before you’re fitted for your first trays. Depending on how flexible your schedule is, you may be able to get right in for your fitting when the trays arrive.
You’ll keep your appointments with dentists as usual, in between your Invisalign appointments. They’ll be able to tell you how to keep your teeth clean while you’re undergoing treatment.
4. How Often Do I Have to Wear Invisalign?
If you’re wondering when to wear aligners during the day, it’s nearly all the time. They recommend at least 22 hours a day, which may seem easy. Yet the key is remembering to put the trays back in after eating and drinking.
If you forget, it’s easy to go a few hours before remembering, and then you won’t be able to get your 22 hours in. Keep a case for the trays nearby when you’re at the dining table or in a restaurant. This serves as a reminder, while wrapping the aligners in a paper towel may cause you to forget.
Some people find that reducing the number of snacks they eat every day makes it easier to get their 22 hours in. If you aren’t taking your trays out to eat as often, you don’t have as much brushing and cleaning to do either. Make sure that you have a plan so that you still get the nutrition you need and the 22 hours of wear every day.
5. How Do I Clean My Aligners?
Your oral hygiene routine changes a little when you have clear aligners. Part of keeping them clean is taking them out whenever you eat or drink anything besides water. Even other liquids can stain the trays and make your teeth look dingy.
You’ll need to soak the trays once a day in a cleaning solution. Invisalign has cleaning crystals you can use, or you can also use denture cleaner. This also helps them stay smelling fresh, as well as clear in appearance.
It’s recommended that you keep a separate toothbrush for your Invisalign trays. Don’t use your regular toothbrush on the trays because you can transfer bacteria to the trays. Use the designated tray toothbrush after you soak the trays if you see any remaining buildup.
You should rinse your trays every time you take them out. It helps keep bacteria away. It’s also important to clean your teeth (brushing and flossing) before you put your trays back in.
You can check out these tips for cleaning your Invisalign trays for further information.
6. Is Invisalign Expensive?
The pricing for Invisalign is similar to other orthodontia, like braces. Your cost may vary because of the number of trays you need and other factors, like how well you take care of the trays. If you lose a clear aligner or damage one, you’ll have to get a replacement, which costs extra.
Your insurance may be able to help offset the cost. Before you get started with treatments, talk to your dental insurance company about the benefits you have and how much they’ll contribute to the cost of Invisalign. With good coverage or payment plans, Invisalign can be very affordable.
7. What Happens If I Have a Problem?
Sometimes an aligner breaks or gets lost. If this is the case, you’ll need to get a replacement right away. Don’t delay in calling your orthodontist to get the help you need, or your treatment could take longer.
With supervised clear aligner programs like Invisalign, you’ll have someone with you every step of the way if you’re experiencing discomfort or other problems. Unlike with mail order trays, your dentist and orthodontist are here to help. They want to ensure the best care for your teeth while you work on improving your smile.
Your Brightest Smile
When you’re more confident about your teeth, you smile wider and brighter wherever you go. Getting Invisalign is a great step in boosting your self-assurance.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, contact our office. We’ll conduct a free consultation to determine what the best orthodontic treatment is.