The idea of getting braces fill many of us with dread, especially as adults. From discomfort and inconvenience to feelings of self-consciousness, traditional metal braces can be unpleasant to wear. Invisalign is a popular and highly effective alternative for those looking to achieve a healthy, straighter smile with minimal hassle and interference to their daily life.
Also known as invisible or clear braces, Invisalign are invisible aligners that are custom-moulded to your bite. The aligners slowly move your teeth to the desired position and are removable so you can maintain your oral hygiene as you normally would. You’re given a new set every two weeks as your bite straightens over time until they reach their final position.
The Treatment Process
Invisalign treatment begins with an initial consultation with an approved dentist such as Hawthorn Road Family Dental Clinic, who will determine whether Invisalign is appropriate for you. Your dentist will then take impressions and photos of your teeth. Using these, the Invisalign team 3D print a series of custom-made invisible aligners. Your dentist will give you three or four pairs of aligners every two or so weeks, depending on your specific treatment plan.
The timeframe from getting your first pair of aligners to fully correcting your teeth can be anywhere between 6 weeks and 8 months, depending on the severity of your condition. Your dentist will give you a better idea of the treatment length during your consultation and they will prepare a detailed treatment plan.
How Often Do I Have to Wear Invisalign?
For the treatment to be effective, you must endeavour to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. You should aim to only remove them when you eat, consume hot drinks and when you clean your teeth.
Most people don’t find this difficult as the aligners are not painful or uncomfortable to wear. During the first few days, you may notice a feeling of pressure and your speech may be affected. After that, it’s more than likely that you’ll barely notice them.
Caring for Your Invisalign
Taking care of your aligners is easy. Simply clean them by gently scrubbing them with a soft toothbrush and a little bit of toothpaste. Avoid hot water as the aligners are made from a thermoplastic material that can become warped when exposed to heat. You can also clean your aligners using special cleaning tablets that dissolve in water.
Always clean your teeth after eating and drinking anything besides water, especially if it is sugary or acidic. Doing so will avoid trapping anything between your teeth and the aligners. Remember that while you have your aligners in saliva continues to fight plaque and decay, causing bacteria that may damage the health of your smile.
Want to Find Out More About Invisalign?
To discover whether Invisalign is the right treatment for your needs, book a consultation with Hawthorn Road Family Dental Clinic. We offer the highest quality cosmetic dentistry treatments to ensure you achieve your dream smile. Make an appointment with our friendly team of dentists in Melbourne by calling 03 9533 0996 or contacting us online.
