Invisalign is a great choice for patients looking for an easily managed and great looking option to straighten their teeth. It’s especially great for patients who simply don’t want to be self-conscious about traditional wire braces. In fact, you’ve probably seen someone wearing Invisalign and haven’t even noticed. They really are that close to being invisible.
For those completely unfamiliar with Invisalign, the company makes the eponymous plastic liners that look similar to teeth-whitening trays. Over the course of treatment, a patient receives a new aligner approximately every two weeks. Although, a dentist may adjust the time frame based on how an individual’s teeth are responding to the aligners. Each aligner makes minor adjustments to the patient’s teeth. The process continues until the Invisalign treatment is finished, which usually takes around 12 months.
For best results, the aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. During Invisalign treatment, it is recommended that patients remove the aligners only to eat, drink, or clean them. The aligners should be removed for meals, snacks, and consumption of sugary beverages, so that sugar does not become trapped in the aligner and cause cavities. Due to the removable nature of the aligners, a patient can eat what they want and does not need to adhere to the same guidelines as those with regular braces.
If you and your dentist decide that Invisalign is right for you, it is recommended you make cleaning the aligners part of your morning and evening routine because it is necessary to clean the aligners in the morning and at night. Cleaning the aligners is simple. A patient can choose to purchase the Invisalign cleaning kit or brush and rinse the aligners with warm water.
Call Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Makrauer or Dr. Miller to find out more about how Invisalign can improve your smile.