Invisalign is a clear aligner great option for people of all ages who want to get their teeth straightened without needing traditional metal braces attached. We proudly offer Invisalign as an orthodontic option at Thrive Dental Studio in Portland, Maine. If you are interested but aren’t sure what it involves, keep reading to learn more about the Invisalign process, its benefits, and what our dental office offers.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a way of straightening your teeth using removable clear aligners. These plastic aligners are computer-generated based on a digital scan of your mouth. They fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth to help the movement of your teeth to the desired position and gradually improve their appearance. Many patients use one set per week and then move on to the next set in the series. Each set consists of a clear aligner tray for the top teeth and a clear one for the bottom teeth. As you continue using the Invisalign trays, the clear aligner trays apply pressure to your teeth, gently moving them into their correct positions.
How is Invisalign Different from Braces?
People with traditional braces have metal brackets attached to their teeth with wires connected to the brackets. Braces are not removable. Invisalign aligners achieve the same results as braces using removable plastic trays. They must be worn almost all the time, but they can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. No food restrictions are using the Invisalign system because there are no metal wires to break. Also, Invisalign trays are virtually invisible, making them a better option for people who are self-conscious about how their smile looks.
Why Do People Use Invisalign?
At Thrive Dental Studio, we see all kinds of people with bite issues, crowded teeth, gaps between their teeth, or misaligned teeth. When we recommend an orthodontic treatment to fix their issues, we explain their options, which usually include Invisalign. The clear aligner system is good for most of the conditions mentioned above, although more severe bite issues may need to be fixed with braces. Invisalign is a great choice for anyone who has all their adult teeth, including adolescents and adults. People like the trays because they are removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning, virtually invisible, and specially designed to fit comfortably over their teeth.
What Can You Expect When You First Get Invisalign?
The clear aligner trays must be in place for 20-22 hours daily to work properly. You can expect to wear them all the time except when eating, drinking, or cleaning your teeth. There are no food restrictions, so you can plan on eating your normal diet. You will receive a case to store your plastic trays while eating.
People may feel discomfort at the beginning of a new set of trays because they are applying pressure to the teeth. However, most people say the discomfort disappears within a day or two.
You are supposed to wear them during the day and the night, which means you leave them in your mouth while sleeping. They are computer-generated to fit your mouth. There are no rough or sharp edges to irritate your gums or the insides of your cheeks, making them more comfortable than metal braces.
Each mouth is unique, so the amount of time you need to use the trays will vary from person to person. You can expect to use the Invisalign system for approximately 6-18 months.
How Should You Care for Your Clear Aligner Trays?
One advantage of Invisalign is that you can continue to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would because you can remove the trays. You do need to wash the trays to remove bacteria. It’s best to clean them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle liquid soap. Also, rinse the trays with water every time you remove them during the day. Make sure you keep going to the dentist for regular dental checkups.
Want to Talk to a Dentist About Invisalign?
If you are interested in Invisalign or have more questions about it, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Figueiredo at Thrive Dental Studio. We always strive to give you the best treatment plan for your oral health because everyone deserves a beautiful smile they are proud of. The best part of Invisalign starts with a consultation appointment to achieve the best results. When you come to our Portland, Maine dental office, you can be sure your questions will be heard and your dental needs will be met to the best of our ability.
