How Invisalign Straightens Teeth
Invisalign clear braces use a series of thin, plastic aligners to slowly shift teeth into the desired position. Each new set of aligners is custom designed by a dentist to fit comfortably in your mouth and apply just the right amount of pressure to gradually straighten crooked, misaligned or gapped teeth.
Unlike traditional braces that rely on unsightly metal brackets and wires, the transparent Invisalign aligners are so discreet that your friends, family and coworkers will likely not even notice when you are wearing them – they will only see your beautiful smile!
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Each person’s smile is unique, which means the length of Invisalign treatment can vary from patient to patient. However, in general, most patients complete Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months – considerably less time compared to traditional metal braces!
To help straighten your smile on schedule, be sure to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, or as directed by Dr. Castleberry. While your aligners can easily be taken out to eat or brush your teeth, make sure to pop them back in as soon as you are done!
In addition, cavities and other dental problems can interrupt your Invisalign treatment, so be sure to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
The Benefits of Invisalign Clear Braces
Invisalign near Louetta Road offers a range of benefits compared to conventional braces, such as:
- Discreet Appearance – The transparent plastic aligners are virtually invisible when being worn.
- Greater Comfort – Metal braces can sometimes irritate the inner cheeks and gums. In contrast, smooth, plastic aligners are designed for your comfort!
- Removable – You can easily remove your Invisalign aligners to eat meals, enjoy a drink after work with friends, and brush your teeth normally.
- Convenience Factor – You do not have to worry about Invisalign treatment interrupting your busy schedule. Patients typically must see a dentist only once every 4 to 6 weeks during treatment.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is an excellent cosmetic solution for most adult men and women who want a straighter smile. While some serious dental issues – like severely rotated teeth – are best treated with more traditional orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is perfectly suited to address a wide range of common dental imperfections, such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Mild overbites or underbites
If you want to know if Invisalign clear braces are right for you, schedule a visit at our conveniently located dental office near Vintage Park with Dr. Castleberry. He will be happy to discuss your smile goals and help determine the best path forward to achieving the beautiful, straight smile you deserve.
Invisalign FAQs
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Let’s start with one of the most common questions patients considering Invisalign have: does it hurt? If this has been a concern of yours, don’t worry – clear aligners are quite comfortable! They are custom-made from smooth plastic, and there aren’t any brackets or wires to worry about. So, while you will likely experience some soreness from your teeth being guided into their new and improved positions, you can have peace of mind knowing Invisalign is
significantly more comfortable than braces. Plus, measures like sipping on cold water and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help minimize any soreness you do experience.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign?
Fortunately, cleaning your Invisalign aligners doesn’t require any special products or techniques. Simply rinse your trays with clean water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each surface. Then, rinse them off again and put them back in your mouth!
Note: if your aligners are beginning to discolor, do not soak them in mouthwash or harsh cleaners like bleach. This can warp their shape, rendering them virtually useless. Instead, use the cleaning crystals that came in your Invisalign welcome kit to provide them with a deeper clean!
What Happens After Invisalign?
Invisalign can guide your teeth into their straight, properly aligned positions. To keep them there, you need to wear a retainer. Although the exact wear time will depend on your unique dental needs, it is recommended across the board that patients make wearing theirs a life-long best practice. That way, your teeth don’t drift out of place in the short or long term.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
You can’t eat with your aligners in, but you can eat whatever you’d like once they are out! Of course, it’s still a good idea to exercise caution with hard, crunchy, and sticky foods since they can result in a dental emergency if you aren’t careful. Foods and drinks with added sugar should also be kept to a minimum to avoid the development of tooth decay (which can significantly delay your treatment plan). In short, do your best to eat plenty of smile-friendly
foods to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Does Invisalign Give You a Lisp?
Many patients have heard the rumor that Invisalign gives you a lisp. We’re here to assure you that’s not the case. First, the large majority of patients don’t report any difficulty speaking with their clear aligners. Second, the patients that do experience a slight learning curve should know that it’s temporary. Plus, you can speed up the adjustment process by taking proactive measures, like reading aloud.
