Invisalign® An Overview
Crooked teeth, or malocclusion, can be the underlying cause of common dental concerns and bite problems. From tooth cavities to TMJ disorders, your long-term oral health is at risk if your teeth are not making proper contact.
If you have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, Dr. Kim can meet your needs with the convenience of clear braces. Dr. Kim is a Williamsport area Invisalign provider and can help teen and adult patients straighten teeth using the original clear aligner system. Invisalign offers some key benefits to patients when compared to traditional metal braces, often making treatment a more pleasant experience.
The Benefits of Invisalign
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that it’s nearly invisible. Unlike metal braces with brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. This makes them hard to notice, so you can smile confidently throughout your treatment. Invisalign offers a more discreet option for people who feel self-conscious about wearing braces.
Another major advantage is that Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. This makes keeping your teeth clean much easier than traditional braces, which can trap food and make oral hygiene more difficult. With Invisalign, you can continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your aligners.
Invisalign is also known for being more comfortable than metal braces. The aligners are made of smooth plastic, so they don’t have any sharp edges or wires that can irritate your mouth. Additionally, there’s no need for the painful adjustments that come with traditional braces. Every few weeks, you switch to a new set of aligners, gradually moving your teeth into place. This process is gentle and reduces discomfort compared to the tightening process of metal braces.
One benefit of Invisalign that many people appreciate is the shorter treatment time. While traditional braces may take two to three years to complete treatment, Invisalign can often achieve results in a year or less, depending on the case’s complexity. This makes Invisalign attractive for those who want faster results without compromising effectiveness.
Invisalign also helps improve oral health during and after treatment. By straightening your teeth, Invisalign makes it easier to clean between them, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Misaligned teeth can create hard-to-reach areas where plaque builds up, leading to oral health problems. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, improving overall dental hygiene.
Another benefit of Invisalign is that it can treat many orthodontic issues. Whether you have crowded teeth, gaps, an overbite, or an underbite, Invisalign can help correct these problems. The treatment is customized to fit your unique needs, using 3D technology to map out the movements of your teeth and create a personalized plan.
In addition, Invisalign aligners can boost your confidence. Many people who are unhappy with their smile feel self-conscious about crooked or misaligned teeth. Invisalign allows them to achieve a straight, beautiful smile without the noticeable appearance of braces. As the aligners gradually shift teeth into place, you’ll see improvement in your smile, boosting your self-esteem.
Invisalign® What to Expect
The Invisalign process will begin with a consultation and comprehensive evaluation. Your visit may include:
- Exam and evaluation of your oral health and bite
- Discussion of your aesthetic goals
- Presentation of your personal treatment plan and associated costs for your consideration
You will be walked through the entire process and given the opportunity to voice your opinions or concerns. We will not begin without your approval of the treatment plan. It may also include treatments to fix underlying conditions before Invisalign treatment starts. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is done with a health foundation, and prevent orthodontic relapse.
The next step is to come in for digital impressions which are used for the design of your custom aligners. Invisalign uses CAD/CAM technology to create a digital blueprint for your treatment plan. Dr. Kim will take a digital impression of your teeth, bite, and smile.
She will then submit the data to an Invisalign lab for the fabrication of your new clear aligners. The number of aligners you receive will depend on your dental health needs and will help determine your treatment time. Patients, on average, see results after the first 4 months and complete treatment within a year.
Dr. Kim and our team will go over how to use your aligners, how often to change them out, and when to come in for periodic check ups when your set of aligners are complete. We will monitor your progress during treatment and make any adjustments as needed.
Dr. Kim recommends that all Invisalign patients use a retainer after the completion of treatment to maintain their new smile and avoid orthodontic relapse.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Caring for your Invisalign aligners keeps them in good shape and ensures the best possible results for your orthodontic treatment.
Cleaning Your Aligners
One of the most important parts of caring for your Invisalign aligners is keeping them clean. Since you wear the aligners for up to 22 hours a day, keeping them free from bacteria, food particles, and plaque is essential. You should clean your aligners at least twice daily, just like your teeth.
The easiest way to do this is to brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap or use the Invisalign cleaning system. Avoid using toothpaste, which can be abrasive and scratch the clear plastic, making the aligners look cloudy.
Rinse Your Aligners Regularly
Another simple way to care for your aligners is to rinse them every time you take them out. Rinsing removes saliva, which can lead to bacteria or plaque buildup if left on the aligners. When you remove your aligners for meals or snacks, rinse them with lukewarm water before putting them back in. Be careful not to use hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Remove Aligners When Eating or Drinking
One of the great benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat and drink. It’s important to always remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. Food and drinks can stain or damage the aligners, and chewing with them in can cause them to crack. After eating, brush your teeth and clean your aligners before putting them back in.
Store Aligners in Their Case
Always store your aligners in their protective case when you take them out. Leaving them out in the open can expose them to bacteria, and there’s also a risk of losing or damaging them. The small and transparent aligners can easily be misplaced if left on a table or napkin. Keeping them in their case ensures they stay clean and safe.
Brush and Floss Before Putting the Aligners Back In
Good oral hygiene is essential when using Invisalign. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before you put your aligners back in after eating or drinking. This helps prevent food particles and bacteria from being trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which could lead to cavities or gum disease. If you cannot brush, rinse your mouth with water before reinserting the aligners.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
While using Invisalign, it’s best to avoid consuming stain-causing foods and drinks, especially if you don’t have the opportunity to brush your teeth right away. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits can stain your teeth and aligners. If you do drink these beverages, rinse your mouth and the aligners afterward.
Replace Your Aligners on Schedule
Invisalign treatment involves wearing aligners that gradually shift teeth into the correct position. It is important to switch to the next set of aligners as directed by your dentist, usually every one to two weeks. Wearing each set of aligners for the proper amount of time ensures that your treatment stays on track and that you get the best results.
Monitor for Wear and Tear
While Invisalign aligners are durable, they can wear down over time, especially if you grind your teeth. Look at your aligners for any signs of cracks, rough edges, or wear. If you notice any damage, contact your dentist to see if you need a replacement set. Wearing damaged aligners could slow your treatment or affect the fit.
Avoid Smoking with Aligners In
Smoking while wearing Invisalign can cause discoloration of both your teeth and aligners. The chemicals in cigarettes can turn the clear aligners yellow or brown, which defeats the purpose of having a nearly invisible treatment. If you smoke, it’s best to remove your aligners beforehand and clean your teeth before putting them back in.
Be Consistent with Wear Time
For Invisalign to work effectively, wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. This means keeping them in except when eating, drinking, or cleaning them. Consistent with your wear time ensures that your treatment stays on schedule and that your teeth move as planned. Skipping hours or forgetting to wear them could delay your progress.
