What To Expect When You Start Invisalign Treatment

For many years, traditional metal braces were the most common option to correct orthodontic issues. Dental technology, specifically in orthodontics, has advanced throughout the years, and there are now multiple different methods available when it comes to treatment. Deciding on Invisalign can be an exciting time for patients. The decision to embark on a journey with Invisalign clear braces over traditional braces can also be overwhelming, and you may not know what to expect.

Invisalign clear braces can be an effective treatment option for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic needs. Treatment consists of a series of custom-made trays that apply gentle pressure to the teeth to shift them into proper alignment. The transparent aligners can help to put each tooth on a straighter path without interrupting your lifestyle.

Invisalign clear braces can help treat misalignment issues, overcrowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and more. Results may vary, so it’s important to discuss all available options with your dentist. If you happen to both determine that Invisalign is an appropriate treatment method for your specific orthodontic needs, this particular article may help answer any questions you might have.

When arriving at your initial appointment, it’s understandable that you may be wondering what happens — so let’s break down what to expect. 

Initial consultation

Let the journey begin! At your initial consultation, you will meet with your dentist to help create a custom-tailored treatment plan to assist with your specific orthodontic needs. First, your dentist will complete a quick 3D digital scan of your teeth, followed by photographs and diagnostic digital X-rays. 

You will then meet with a treatment coordinator and your dentist to discuss the personalized treatment plan options. Now is the time to ask any questions you may have regarding treatment, including Invisalign costs. Invisalign is an investment and, you must make sure that the price is within your budget. Be sure to discuss potential payment plans the practice may offer and if your third-party insurance coverage will apply to your treatment.

You’ve decided on Invisalign treatment — now what?

Custom-fit clear aligners, made from medical-grade plastic, are designed and developed from the 3D digital scans, photographs, and X-rays taken at the initial consultation. Your dentist will ensure that the aligners properly fit and provide detailed guidelines and tips to make the transition to Invisalign as seamless as possible. Your dentist will also teach you how to insert and remove the aligner trays and provide helpful suggestions on caring for them properly.

Depending on your orthodontic needs and how much movement is required, you may need to wear attachments or buttons. The attachments are either bonded or glued to the enamel of your teeth in the same shade. The Invisalign trays will attach to the buttons to assist with shifting and may accelerate the treatment progress. And don’t worry, the buttons will be removed when your treatment is complete.

The adjustment period 

Getting used to the aligners will take no longer than a few days, and your dentist will likely advise using over-the-counter pain medication to ease any discomfort you may experience. But don’t get too comfortable! Aligners are typically changed every two weeks, depending on your treatment plan, to the next set in the series.

It’s important to remember that the discomfort experienced during Invisalign treatment is minimal. The sole purpose of orthodontic treatment is to shift the teeth and jaw into proper alignment by applying pressure. A few helpful tips are to change to your new set of aligners before bed, choose soft foods until your teeth adjust, try to limit the amount of time the trays are out of your mouth, and most importantly, stay on schedule. 

Patient compliance

Invisalign clear braces are an investment, and patient compliance is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. The most important part of treatment is to ensure that you are wearing the aligners between 20 to 22 hours each day.

Keeping your aligner trays clean is a crucial part of your overall treatment plan. Each time you remove your trays to eat or drink anything other than water, you should brush your teeth and your aligners before reinserting. Unlike traditional braces, you do not have to adjust or restrict your diet, but it’s important for food to never remain in your teeth while wearing your aligners.

Watch your smile transform

Many patients are surprised to see results quickly in their treatment. A bonus of wearing Invisalign clear braces is that you can watch your teeth shift and your smile transform right before your eyes. Treatment times vary from patient to patient, depending on the case. A typical Invisalign treatment may range from four months to 24 months, and the average time investment is usually around 12 to 15 months. 

It’s important to remember that Invisalign clear braces may not be the most suitable treatment option for everyone. Since there’s no way to tell on your own, be sure to speak with your dental professional about all options that would be best suited for your orthodontic needs. 

Invisalign Treatment Hacks You’ll Want To Know

Are you getting ready to start Invisalign treatment? If you are a candidate for Invisalign, the treatment can produce impressive results. The guidelines are relatively simple: the better you care for your teeth and aligners, the better the outcome will be. 

In this article, we’ll provide some tips and tricks for Invisalign clear braces treatment to keep you moving forward. Invisalign aligners are discreet and removable, so you can continue your current lifestyle, from brushing to flossing and everything in between. 

Keep track of your daily wear time

It is essential to wear your Invisalign clear braces for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. This recommended daily wear time can help ensure optimal treatment results. Unlike traditional braces, you can remove the aligners to eat or drink. Be mindful about the amount of time the aligners are out of your mouth. Keep an eye on how long the aligners are removed and create a habit of reinserting after meals — but not before brushing! 

Always have a toothbrush kit on hand

Patients who maintain a diligent at-home oral care routine during Invisalign treatment are unlikely to develop future dental issues. Brush your teeth after each meal and ensure that food does not remain on your teeth. Carrying a travel toothbrush kit, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, is convenient for on-the-go brushing and keeping teeth healthy during treatment. 

Remove your aligners safely

It does take some practice and patience to learn how to safely and effectively remove your Invisalign clear braces. Your dentist may provide a removal tool that makes the process a bit easier, and this will help avoid constantly putting your fingers in your mouth. A helpful Invisalign tip is to rinse the aligners before placing them in their accompanying case to eliminate lingering bacteria. Also, it is handy to have multiple storage cases readily available for storing your Invisalign clear braces. Never wrap your aligners in a paper towel or napkin after taking them out to eat. Of course, this is not wise because they could accidentally get tossed in the trash. 

Never insert trays without brushing first

As previously mentioned, you should never reinsert clear aligner trays without brushing and flossing your teeth first. Food particles and bacteria can become trapped and, this potentially could lead to excessive plaque, cavities, tooth decay, or even gum disease. 

Keep your trays clean

Another crucial step for a successful treatment outcome is to clean your Invisalign trays properly. To prevent bacteria growth, plaque buildup, and infection caused by improper dental care, thoroughly brush your teeth after each meal or snack and after drinking anything other than water. To effectively clean your Invisalign clear braces, be sure to soak them in a solution designed for aligners or retainers, use a denture cleaner, or rinse the trays thoroughly with cool water. Avoid brushing the trays with toothpaste as the formula contains abrasive ingredients that could damage the plastic. 

Set reminders

Set a timer as a reminder to reinsert your trays after eating. It might feel slightly obsessive to track the amount of time the aligners are out of your mouth, but the closer you come to meeting the 20 to 22-hour goal each day, the closer you come to the smile you’ve always hoped to have. Depending on your treatment plan, Invisalign trays are typically changed every two weeks. It may be beneficial to set alarms on your phone to remind you when it’s time for the next set in the series. 

Switch aligners at bedtime

While clear aligners can be an effective method for correcting misalignment issues, they can cause discomfort. You will experience mild pain from the pressure applied to your teeth. A helpful tip is to switch to your new set of aligners in the series before bed. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can help you sleep throughout the initial adjustment period and will help avoid dealing with any discomfort throughout the day. 

Keep your previous set of aligners 

Though it can be tempting to immediately toss your aligners after switching to the next set of trays in the series, a helpful tip is to keep the previous trays on hand, just in case you misplace or damage your Invisalign clear braces. Keeping the former set of aligners will allow you to continue with your treatment progress until you can schedule an appointment with your dentist for a replacement.

Create a schedule and stick to it! 

Invisalign clear braces are convenient, comfortable, removable, and discreet. But even with all of these advantages, patient compliance is essential for successful treatment. Invisalign is an investment, and it’s helpful to create a schedule and stick to it. Be mindful about the amount of time you are wearing your clear braces, and be sure to maintain a dedicated at-home oral care routine. You are taking the necessary steps towards achieving the smile you’ve always hoped for, so be sure to follow these suggestions to make your orthodontic journey a breeze and, hopefully, an overall enjoyable experience.