Invisalign For Adults: What To Expect
Did you know that over 4 million Americans use braces? Adults account for 25% of that total. Today’s orthodontic treatment options are vastly different from those available when you were a child. As a result of these improvements, an increasing number of people are looking for treatments to fix alignment concerns that were not addressed in childhood.
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that uses a series of custom-made aligners to gradually straighten teeth. The entire treatment typically takes around a year; however, this can vary depending on the severity of the individual case. The first step is to make an appointment with one of our orthodontists. At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we are proud to be recognized as a Diamond Providers of Invisalign. This puts our skill and experience at a level you can feel confident about.
During this appointment, we will examine your teeth to see if you are a good candidate for the treatment. If this is the case, our team will take x-rays, pictures, and digital impressions of your teeth to build a personalized treatment plan. Once your aligners are created, we will have you come back to our office to give you the aligners and ensure a proper fit. As your teeth gradually shift into place, you will need to wear these aligners for 20-22 hours each day and transition to a new pair every 1-2 weeks. Most patients report little to no discomfort throughout treatment, and many believe Invisalign is faster and more comfortable than traditional braces.
Advantages Of Invisalign
The aligners are not only almost invisible, but they are also detachable, allowing you to eat your favorite meals without fear of breaking brackets or getting food caught in your braces. It is also easier to maintain proper oral hygiene because the aligners can be removed to floss and brush your teeth. Because there are no metal braces or wires in your mouth, they are gentler on your cheeks and lips. Another advantage of Invisalign is that the Invisalign software allows you to view your virtual treatment plan when you begin your treatment, giving you an idea of how your teeth will look when your treatment is over.
- Treatment times up to 2x faster.
- Invisalign aligners are virtually undetectable because they are transparent and discrete, so you don’t have to be concerned about the appearance of your smile!
- Remove them as needed: no special toothbrushes are required for cleaning, and no trapped food!
- There are no wires or metal to adjust: simply swap out the aligners for the next set in your treatment plan every two weeks.
Caring For Your Invisalign Aligners
Caring for your Invisalign aligners is essential to ensuring they function properly and last as long as possible. You may take a few simple steps to care for your aligners. To begin, brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush on a daily basis. This will aid in the removal of any plaque or food particles that may have become attached to them. Second, before putting your aligners back in your mouth, rinse them with lukewarm water. This will aid in removing any remaining soap or toothpaste from the aligners.
When not in use, keeping your aligners in the provided case is essential. This will aid in keeping them clean and dust-free. By following these simple measures, you can assist in extending the life and effectiveness of your Invisalign aligners.
