About nine out of ten people in America have misaligned teeth. They go through so much trouble trying to correct these conditions.
Thanks to the Invisalign treatment, you can now align your teeth without much trouble. The treatment process has become a favorite among patients.
There are many benefits of Invisalign treatment. However, it isn’t an ideal corrective measure for some conditions.
If you are considering starting the treatment, you need to get facts about Invisalign right. Let’s dive into this guide that features eight Invisalign facts.
Invisalign Aligners Are Removable
Dentists recommend that you should have your aligners on most of the time for desired results. Yet, patients find the need to remove them once in a while.
As opposed to conventional braces, these plastic aligners are removable. This aspect makes them a favorite among patients.
Sometimes, the aligners can cause discomfort and, at worst, some mild pain. This is normal during the alignment process.
Having removable aligners helps patients deal with the discomfort. However, be careful not to remove the trays so often. It might result in premature cracking of the trays.
If this happens, contact your dentist immediately for a replacement. Using cracked trays will only create room for misalignment.
Invisalign Aligners Lack Wires or Brackets
Invisalign has many benefits, but the lack of wires in the retainer stands out. Most patients hate having any metal brackets in their mouths. These clear retainers help them avoid that situation.
What’s better is that the plastic aligners are clear. Thus, most people can hardly notice them.
You will be free to wear the aligners anywhere without worrying about your smile. This helps many patients maintain their confidence even when going with the treatment.
Wear Invisalign Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day
For the Invisalign treatment to work, you must wear the plastic aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. Your dentists will insist upon it.
You should only remove the retainers when brushing and eating. It’s also advisable to remove them when playing a sport that might cause damage to them.
Some new patients tend to remove them at night. Yet, this only reverses the alignment process. The treatment works by micro-moving your teeth.
So don’t prolong your results by disrupting the process now and then. Patients who follow the recommended time frame get faster and better results.
Rotation of Invisalign Aligners Happens Every Two Weeks
The majority of the patients wonder, how does Invisalign work? The process involves the installation of plastic retainers that align your teeth over time.
Dentists recommend that the rotation of aligners should happen every two weeks. Each aligner is a bit smaller than the previous one. This facilitates the gradual alignment of teeth.
If dentists can’t fit the new tray into your teeth, you may have to wear the same set for a bit longer. The standard two weeks help measure your treatment process.
Most treatments go for about a year. But with frequent interruptions, the treatment can even go for two years.
Invisalign Aligners Are Custom Made
The Invisalign treatment wouldn’t work if dentists used mismatching aligners. Any slight gap between the tray and your teeth creates room for errors during the alignment process.
However, the future of Invisalign is now. We use 3D print technology to make aligners that fit in your mouth. Hence, your set of aligners will be ready within one print. We use liquid resin, but it hardens quickly.
Moreover, we use cutting-edge technology to produce an image of the aligned set. This measure helps patients know what their teeth will look like after the treatment.
Over a Million People Use Invisalign
Going through the history of Invisalign, you’ll notice that the treatment was initially used for aesthetic purposes. With time, people discovered they could use aligners for corrective procedures.
This made it gain even more popularity. With over a million people using Invisalign, the treatment is the most commonly used.
This is a big leap from only 80,000 patients 20 years ago. The popularity of the treatment indicates that it’s more than effective.
You Might Need a Retainer After the Treatment
Clear plastic aligners help you get the smile of your dreams in a more discreet manner. Unless someone has keen eyesight, no one will notice your trays.
However, you might be required to wear the aligners after the treatment. The dentist will not need you to put them in for 20-22 hours a day. We recommend having your aligners on every night for a few months after the treatment is over.
Putting them on while you are sleeping will help prevent your teeth from slipping into their old position. However, this is something that you might need to address with your dentist.
The treatment is unique for every case. You might not need them after all.
Not Suitable for All Conditions
Some patients tend to think that plastic aligners will solve all their dental woes. Even though the benefits of Invisalign are numerous, the process is still limited.
Patients with crowded teeth or gaps can enjoy the treatment. Besides, the aligners can also treat underbite and overbite, among other bite problems.
However, if the patient has crowns or veneers, the treatment may not be ideal for them. Further, you can treat cases like bridged teeth by moving individual teeth rather than a whole set.
We always carry out a thorough examination before starting any treatment.
Facts About Invisalign
Now that you know some facts about Invisalign, you can face the procedure with more confidence. The trick to achieving the desired results is to start right.
You must be careful when choosing a dental service that will take you through your alignment treatment.
Here at Wardlaw, we have qualified professionals eager to help you. They have gone through Invisalign certification. Feel free to contact us for all your Invisalign treatment needs.