A smile is one of the first things most people will notice about you. However, just because smiling gets a good rep, it doesn’t mean that everyone is ready to display their pearly whites!
There are many ways to improve the look of your smile, and thanks to today’s technological ways, you can! Clear aligners are becoming the best way to straighten your teeth and get the smile you’ve always wanted.
But how do clear plastic aligners work? Is there a way to see the clear aligners before and after the procedure? If you’ve got questions regarding aligners or teeth straightening, keep reading!
What Are Clear Aligners?
Traditional braces have metal brackets with wiring that shift your teeth into a more appealing position. While metal brackets work for some people, they can be cumbersome, painful, and create cuts in your mouth. They also harbor food particles if your teeth are not fully cleaned.
Clear plastic aligners, better known as Invisalign, are aligners that also shift your teeth. However, unlike metal braces, you can remove Invisalign aligners during eating, drinking, and brushing. They’re also made of clear plastic, so they’re undetectable.
Invisalign aligners are very popular with teenagers and adult professionals, who want to keep the fact that they have orthodontics discreet.
Invisalign works by applying gentle pressure on your teeth, encouraging them to move. Every few weeks, your orthodontist will evaluate the progress Invisalign is making and give you new aligners. That continues for the duration of your treatment until you achieve your goal.
Pros And Cons of Invisalign
As with every medical treatment, there are pros and cons. Here are some of the benefits of Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign aligners are removable, and this is important because metal brackets make it difficult to remove all the food particles from your teeth. When you take out your aligners, you’re able to brush normally, removing all traces of food, which will keep your teeth healthy during your treatment.
They are virtually undetectable. Because they’re made of plastic, you can be wearing your aligners, and no one notices. Most patients claim that they’re more comfortable because no wires or brackets are rubbing against your mouth.
The length of the time of treatment is usually less, around six months to 18 months. However, this depends greatly on a case-by-case basis, and it could be longer.
Invisalign is typically a great choice for many adults and teens with no complicated oral problems. Younger children might have to stick with metal braces because their teeth are still developing, but every situation varies.
Aligners are easy to care for. Every day you’ll need to clean them using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and water. Even if it’s not every day, you’ll want to clean them frequently to remove bacteria and build up.
Cons
Invisalign is great, but there could be some drawbacks for people.
First, not everyone can have Invisalign. For some people, some cases are too severe. While certain technologies work well with Invisalign, some people need a different approach.
Invisalign takes commitment. On average, you’ll have to wear your aligners anywhere from 20-22 hours per day. You can remove them during meals, but other than that, they stay in your mouth, even while you’re asleep!
If you have difficulty remembering or losing everyday items, you may want to reconsider Invisalign.
The price of Invisalign is a little more, but not unaffordable. Many dentist’s offices will work with you – either with a financial or payment plan – to make sure you can get Invisalign without it breaking the bank. Ask your dentist office how they structure payments with Invisalign.
While overall, Invisalign is comfortable, there is an adjustment period where there might be some pain. Usually, this subsides after a week or less.
Clear Aligners Before and After, What to Expect
If you decide you want to get Invisalign, and you’ve received the ‘OK’ from your orthodontist, the first step is to take x-rays of your teeth. From there, the orthodontist will formulate a plan that will shift your teeth into a more desirable location.
Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to best care for your aligners and encourage you to brush your teeth after every meal.
You’ll continue to see your orthodontist every few weeks (depending on your case) to get your new plastic aligners and observe your progress. Your teeth should subtly but surely be moving. If you experience any discomfort that does not go away, notify your orthodontist.
As long as you wear your aligners correctly for the entirety of your treatment, you’ll finish your treatment on time! Once this is over, you’ll have post-treatment care, which will likely require you to wear a retainer for a few months. That is to ensure that all your hard work was for nothing, and your teeth do not move.
To find an Invisalign provider, you want to make sure the orthodontist is trained in the expertise of Invisalign. You want someone who understands the complexities of Invisalign and can help you achieve the best results.
Invisalign: Is it Right For You?
When you consider clear aligners before and after treatment, you’ll find that with dedication and commitment, you could have straighter teeth and a beautiful smile in less time with a little less pain. Could Invisalign aligners be right for you?
If you have more questions concerning clear plastic aligners, contact our office today! We can set you up a consultation and answer all your questions.