Our Abbotsford orthodontist describes what you can expect before, during and after your Invisalign treatment, and how Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter smile.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of custom-made clear aligners that can help straighten your teeth without using traditional wire and metal braces.
Typically, you’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. During that time, the aligners will make gradual, tiny adjustments to your teeth.
Your dentist will determine your specific needs and decide the duration of your treatment plan. You can remove your custom aligners during your treatment for drinking, eating, brushing and flossing. Here are 5 ways your smile will change during your treatment:
Improved Cleanliness During & After Treatment
Because Invisalign trays are removable, you can remove the trays when you are ready to brush and floss. You'll be able to ensure you brush and floss all your teeth thoroughly during treatment.
Your Invisalign clear aligners can also be cleaned - just rinse them or clean them with the Invisalign cleaning crystals. This will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums while your teeth are straightened.
Straighter Teeth
Before you begin your treatment, your teeth may be gapped, crooked or misaligned. Invisalign can help treat any of these issues - individually or in combination.
Your results will vary depending on your individual treatment plan, but overall, as long as you comply with the prescribed treatment plan, when you look in the mirror you can expect to see straighter teeth after treatment with Invisalign.
Gaps between your teeth may also be reduced, and your bite may also improve. Regardless of the issues that were treated, you’ll likely find that you enjoy sharing your new, straighter smile with everyone you meet.
Better Dental Health
Provided you wear your Invisalign clear aligners properly and only remove them when necessary to eat, drink or when cleaning your teeth, every one of your teeth will receive just the right amount of pressure for the right amount of time. The total number of aligners you’ll wear will depend on the nature of your misalignment. Long-term, you'll benefit from better dental health and healthier gums, due to straighter teeth.
No More Crowded or Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned or crowded teeth can impact the physical appearance and contribute to poor oral health. Misalignments can be improved with Invisalign. The key to success is in sticking to the custom treatment plan your dentist will develop for you.
Instead of moving all of your teeth at once, each phase of your treatment focuses on a few of your teeth at a time. It’s important that you follow the plan your dentist prescribes and wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, no matter which issue is being treated. After a successful treatment process treatment, your crowded or misaligned teeth should be straight, and you'll be able to reveal a straighter smile.
Increased Comfort Level
Because Invisalign clear aligners are made from smooth plastic, they can be quite comfortable to wear. Plus, thanks to the transparent plastic, the casual observer will be hard-pressed to see them as they discreetly straighten your teeth.