Did you know that nearly 30% of adults aged 20-44 years have dental caries? This is a worrying fact since dental caries can cause severe infection and pain if left untreated. Another common dental problem is represented by misaligned teeth, but luckily, this can be easily corrected with Invisalign braces.
But what is Invisalign and how can these help you? Invisalign refers to a new type of braces that are more inconspicuous and can be removed before eating. To get them, you need to go through an Invisalign process and let your Chattanooga dentist come up with the best dental treatment for your needs. Keep reading this article to learn more about the Invisalign steps.
1. The First Consultation
Your Invisalign treatment starts with the initial consultation with your dentist. Your healthcare professional will ask you some questions about your lifestyle, eating habits, and maybe how often you brush your teeth. He or she might also look at your teeth to see the degree of misalignment you have to deal with.
This is when your doctor might also take some pictures of your teeth with a special scanner. These are called dental impressions and they will be useful in making completely unique Invisalign braces for you. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have during the initial consultation as your dentist will provide adequate answers to them.
2. Crafting the Aligners for You
If you’re happy with the treatment option recommended by your doctor, an order is placed to create special Invisalign trays or aligners that are compatible with your teeth. These aligners will do exactly what the name implies – to align your teeth properly and make them look symmetric and beautiful.
The manufacturer will make multiple sets of aligners for you. It’s required to come to the clinic once every two weeks to let your dentist change these trays or aligners. This step is required as your teeth begin to slowly get straightened. You cannot change the trays on your own, so you’ll have to schedule follow-up visits with your doctor every 2 weeks.
3. Setting Your First Aligners
Once these aligners arrive, you’ll have to go to the dentist to get your first set of trays placed on your teeth. In the first days, you’ll feel some discomfort as you’re not used to having a few bits of plastic in your mouth. Still, you might be happy to know that your aligners are removable, in comparison with normal braces.
Ideally, you need to wear your Invisalign trays for about 20-22 hours per day. Most people take them off when they eat and they immediately put them back on after finishing the meal. Wearing them for less than the recommended time will make the straightening process much slower.
4. Living with Invisalign Braces
Keep in mind that the typical treatment period for Invisalign braces takes between 6 and 18 months. You will eventually have to do check-up visits once every 6 weeks so that your Chattanooga dentist can monitor your progress. Refinements and adjustments to your aligners might be made if they have been deteriorated by accident while wearing them.
5. You Might Need Retainers After Invisalign Treatment
At the end of the treatment, clients have completely straightened their teeth, but after a prolonged period of biting and chewing, there is a risk for the teeth to revert to their original position. In this case, your doctor might give you a retainer. This is an element made from the same material as aligners and it’s very strong, invisible, and easy to apply.
The retainer will keep the teeth in a straight position and prevent shifting over time. You might be required to wear the retainer during your night sleep and you can easily remove it before going to bed. The retainer is manufactured according to the dental impressions taken after your Invisalign treatment and you usually receive a set of two, in case you lose one retainer by accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Treatment
Although this is a safe and very technologically advanced procedure, some clients are still worried and confused about the Invisalign procedure. Here are a few answers to the commonly asked question about getting Invisalign:
1. Does it Hurt?
Attaching the first aligners as well as removing or changing them is a painless experience. No shots are needed and you won’t feel pain while wearing the Invisalign braces. As mentioned earlier, you might experience mild discomfort in the first days, especially when speaking, but this will fade as you get used to your new braces.
2. Can Someone Tell I’m Wearing Invisalign Braces?
The beauty of this type of braces is that they’re completely invisible while wearing them. Even if you’re standing close to people while talking, they might still not be able to tell that you’re wearing braces and that’s why this treatment option is so popular.
3. How Do I Take Care Of My Invisalign Braces?
Your dentist might offer you a special type of cleaning solution to keep your aligners look like brand new. It’s also possible to brush them with your toothbrush while using regular toothpaste and warm water. However, make sure that you avoid hot water as it might warp the plastic from which Invisalign braces are made.
4. Is Invisalign Treatment Approved by the FDA?
Yes. The company that makes Invisalign braces has received a clearance to commercialize these products since 1998. These aligners are categorized as Class II medical devices and they do not contain dangerous substances or chemicals that might affect your oral health.
Now You Know More About The Invisalign Process!
As you can see, the Invisalign process is pretty clear and straightforward. Keep in mind that some of the cost of your Invisalign dental treatment might be covered by your insurance agency, so you’re not alone when it comes to payment possibilities.
If you’re from Chattanooga, TN, and you want to take advantage of Invisalign braces as soon as possible, make sure that you contact us today. Our experts specialize in dental braces and we offer a broad range of dentistry services that will put a big smile on your face!