Understanding the Invisalign Journey
There are various orthodontic options to consider in your quest for a perfectly aligned smile. Invisalign has been gaining popularity for its discreet, effective approach to straightening teeth and helping people achieve a superior, well-aligned smile.
If you’re considering starting Invisalign treatment for yourself or for your child, then it’s essential to understand the various steps involved in the Invisalign treatment process.
So, what are the various steps in the Invisalign treatment process, you ask? Well, that’s what we aim to tell you in this blog post – the pros and cons of the Invisalign treatment and also the differences between Invisalign and other braces. Last but certainly not least, we will explain the critical phases of Invisalign treatment.
What is Involved Before You Decide on Invisalign?
Before you commit yourself to Invisalign treatment or, indeed, to any other orthodontic treatment, it’s essential that you consult with a dentist trained in Invisalign. It would help if you asked this dentist to explain the various treatment options available and recommend the one that is best for your specific condition and requirements.
What is Invisalign? It is an orthodontic treatment method that uses a sequence of clear aligners to correct various orthodontic issues that prevent a perfect smile. The wide range of orthodontic problems that Invisalign corrects includes crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and gaps.
Please do bear in mind that not everybody is a suitable candidate for Invisalign. Some severe orthodontic cases may require treatment with traditional metal braces or even other treatments altogether.
So, what should you do to determine whether or not Invisalign is right for you?
We would suggest that you schedule a consultation with our experienced Invisalign-trained dentists at Shoreside Dentistry. During this initial assessment, our Shoreside dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, take digital impressions, and discuss your goals and expectations. They will diagnose your condition and recommend treatment options that are best for you.
Finally, they will create a customized treatment plan which will be personalized and tailored to your unique needs.
Invisalign or Braces both will help you achieve well-aligned teeth and a better smile. Knowing the differences between the various orthodontic treatment methods will prepare you to make a knowledgeable and well-informed decision. This knowledge gathering is a step that you should not omit.
Invisalign clear aligners offer several significant advantages over traditional braces. They have improved comfort, are virtually invisible in appearance, and offer the tremendous convenience of being removable aligners.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are not only subtly invisible, but they can also be removed for eating, brushing, and other occasions. This is a key aspect of Invisalign and one that makes Invisalign a popular choice for both adults and teenagers.
Why Are Well Aligned Teeth Important?
Before diving deeper into the Invisalign journey, it’s essential to understand why well-aligned teeth are crucial. Beyond the simple idea of aesthetics, well-aligned teeth offer a range of oral health benefits.
Straight well well-aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss; this facet of Invisalign reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
They also contribute to proper jaw function, preventing issues like TMJ disorders and excessive wear on teeth.
A beautiful smile is great for your self-esteem. Not only will it boost your confidence, additionally it will most certainly impact positively your personal and professional life.
Invisalign provides a functional improvement and enhances your smile discreetly, without the conspicuous appearance of traditional braces.
What is the Difference Between Invisalign and Other Types of Braces?
When you are considering orthodontic treatment, it becomes essential for you to understand the differences between Invisalign and other types of braces treatments available at Shoreside Dentistry. Some of the other orthodontic treatments are as follows:
Metal Braces:
- Metal braces are produced with metal brackets and wires that are visible when you smile.
- They are highly effective for complex cases and can address severe misalignments.
- Metal braces are not removable and require regular adjustments by your dentist.
Ceramic Braces:
- Ceramic braces are also called clear braces. They use clear or tooth-colored brackets made of polycrystalline alumina that blend in with the teeth, making them subtler and less noticeable than metal braces.
- Ceramic braces are essentially similar in concept to metal braces in that they are not removable.
- But unlike metal braces, they use brackets that are tooth-colored or are clear. The ceramic braces and wires blend in with your teeth.
- They offer a more discreet appearance while providing effective treatment.
Fast Braces:
- Fast braces are a revolutionary option that claims to provide quicker results compared with traditional braces.
- They use a triangular bracket, which is uniquely specific to Fast braces. This design of Fast braces is what helps is move teeth more efficiently.
- Fast braces are suitable for certain cases and may not be suitable for everyone.
Invisible Aligners:
- Invisalign is a famous brand of clear aligners known for their discreet appearance and comfort.
- These aligners are removable, making them convenient for eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Invisalign is suitable and recommended for a wide range of orthodontic issues and offers a less noticeable alternative to braces.
You must consult with a dentist who explains to you the differences between the various orthodontic treatment options. Understanding the difference between various ortho treatment options will definitely help you make an informed decision based, of course, on your specific requirements and goals.
What Happens Before the Invisalign Treatment Starts
Once you’ve chosen Invisalign as your orthodontic solution, the next step involves comprehensive planning and preparation. Here’s what to expect before your Invisalign treatment begins:
- Consultation and Assessment: Your journey starts with a consultation at Shoreside Dentistry. During this appointment, your dentist will thoroughly examine, take digital impressions, and discuss your treatment goals. These digital impressions will be the basis for creating your customized Invisalign aligners.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Based on your dental evaluation, your personalized treatment plan is developed using advanced computer technology. This plan outlines the precise movements your teeth need to undergo to achieve the desired alignment.
- Aligner Fabrication: A series of clear aligners are custom-fabricated specifically for your teeth. These Invisalign aligners will gradually, step by step, move your teeth into their desired positions.
What Happens During the Invisalign Treatment
Once your Invisalign aligners are ready, the treatment phase begins. Here’s what you can expect during this crucial part of your Invisalign journey:
- Wearing Your Aligners: You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks, depending on your dentist’s instructions. It’s essential to wear them consistently for at least 20-22 hours a day to achieve optimal results.
- Regular Check-ups: Throughout your treatment, you’ll have periodic check-up appointments with your Invisalign-trained dentist at Shoreside Dentistry. These appointments ensure that your progress is on track and any necessary adjustments can be made by your dentist when needed.
- Changing Aligners: As you progress through your aligner series, you’ll notice gradual improvements in the alignment of your teeth. Approximately every 6-8 weeks, you’ll switch to the next set of aligners in the series.
- Maintenance and Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment. Since the Invisalign aligners are easily removable, you can brush and floss your teeth comfortably and as usual. The signal benefit of maintaining good oral hygiene is that it prevents cavities and gum problems.
What Happens After Invisalign Treatment
Completing your Invisalign treatment is exciting, but it’s not the end of your orthodontic journey. To retain your newly achieved smile, you’ll need to follow specific post-treatment steps:
- Retainers: After finishing your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will provide you with retainers. These are custom-made to maintain your teeth’s alignment and should be worn as instructed.
- Follow-up Appointments: Continue to attend follow-up appointments as scheduled with your Invisalign-trained dentist to monitor the stability of your results.
Dos and Don'ts During Invisalign Treatment
While undergoing Invisalign treatment, it’s crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure its success:
Dos:
- Wear Your Aligners: Consistently wear your aligners for the recommended hours each day.
- Keep Aligners Clean: Regularly clean your aligners to prevent discoloration and odors.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth after meals before reinserting your aligners.
- Attend Check-up Appointments: Keep all scheduled appointments with your dentist for progress assessments and adjustments.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Eat or Drink with Aligners: Ensure that you remove your Invisalign aligners before you eat or drink anything other than water. Removing your aligners before eating or drinking will prevent staining and damage to your aligners.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can stain your aligners and compromise your oral health.
- Don’t Skip Aligner Changes: Follow the prescribed schedule for changing your aligners to ensure consistent progress.
Are You Wondering if Invisalign is Right for You?
If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, the best way to determine if it’s the right choice for you is to schedule a consultation with our Invisalign-trained dentists at Shoreside Dentistry in Oakville, Ontario. During your appointment, our experienced and Invisalign-trained dentist will diagnose your condition and assess your specific orthodontic requirements.
The Shoreside dentist will discuss with you the various treatment options available, and respond to any questions or concerns that you may have.
Some discomfort and disciplined wearing of the aligners can lead to a beautiful, well-aligned smile. The benefit of this improved bright smile will be a boost to your confidence and even your oral health.
Contact Shoreside Dentistry today to book an appointment to begin the journey towards achieving the smile of your dreams with Invisalign.
