Clear aligners like Invisalign are great for straightening your teeth
Each year many people find that they need braces to help treat the alignment of their teeth. The first thing that pops into most people's mind is a mouth full of metal, which is not something they want. This is especially true for those millions of adults who would like to straighten their teeth, but don't want to walk around with traditional metal braces, calling attention to what they are doing. The good news is that there is a better option, called clear aligner treatment that include things like Invisalign, ClearCorrect or Inman Aligners.
Do
- ask your orthodontist if clear aligners are right for you
- plan on seeing the specialist every 6 to 12 weeks
- still see your general dentist every 6 months
- take care of the aligners as directed and wear them for 22 hours per day
- wear your retainers as prescribed following your treatment
Don't
- assume you have to pay for the entire treatment up front
- be shy
- believe all clear aligner cases are the same
- throw your previous aligner away when you switch to a new one
- forget to celebrate your new smile
Do ask your orthodontist if clear aligners are right for you
Be sure to tell the doctor about your goals and chief concerns before starting treatment. When you and your doctor work together to formulate a treatment plan that works best for you, the end results are amazing.
Do plan on seeing the specialist every 6 to 12 weeks
Although less than half as time-consuming as traditional braces, your clear aligner treatment still needs to be monitored by your orthodontist to be sure the alignment is progressing as planned. If you need before-work or after-school appointments, be sure to let your orthodontist's office know in advance so that your treatment can be completed as efficiently as possible without missing any appointments.
Do still see your general dentist every 6 months
Your orthodontic specialist monitors tooth and jaw alignment, while your family dentist provides cleanings and fillings. It's still important to see the general dentist throughout your treatment, so that the gums and teeth remain clean and healthy.
Do take care of the aligners as directed and wear them for 22 hours per day
You can remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth, but the best results are achieved when the aligners on your teeth. Taking the trays out too frequently can delay your treatment and actually increase tooth sensitivity. Be sure to wear the trays full-time and your new smile will be finished before you know it.
Do wear your retainers as prescribed following your treatment
Although your teeth are very unlikely to shift back to where you started, there is a chance your teeth can crowd slightly over time. Shifting and crowding of the teeth is a natural aging process. To prevent this unwanted shifting, be sure to wear your retainers diligently. Your orthodontist will let you know when you can switch to night-time only and following the orthodontist's instructions will keep your smile straight and looking great.
Do not assume you have to pay for the entire treatment up front
Many orthodontic specialty offices provide in-house financing or third-party financing to make your investment in straight teeth an easy one. With flex spending plans and insurance for many patients, the total out-of-pocket cost for your treatment can be surprisingly affordable.
Do not be shy
Ask your orthodontist any question you might have. It's better to be prepared for clear aligner tooth alignment process before you start than to be surprised afterwards. Questions like “Will it hurt?” and “How long will I need to wear the aligners?” are frequently-asked questions in my office and I'm thrilled to take the time and explain these items with patients. And so should your orthodontist.
Do not believe all clear aligner cases are the same
Many patients assume because their friend spent 2-3 years aligning their teeth that they too will require this length of treatment. Every patient is different. Your case might require only 6 months of alignment or less. The only way to know for sure is to ask an orthodontic specialist. Many specialists provide low-cost or no-cost initial consultations so that your questions can be answered before you decide which treatment option is best for you.
Do not throw your previous aligner away when you switch to a new one
Occasionally, the next aligner will fit too tightly or you might lose it. Always keep your previous aligner in a safe place until you are done with the current aligner. This way, if you lose or break your current aligner, you can step back to the previous one and not lose any progress in treatment. It only takes a few days to a week to order a replacement aligner, so you will not need to wear the previous tray for long.
Do not forget to celebrate your new smil
Finishing your clear aligner treatment is a big deal. Invite your friends over for a party or happy hour. Schedule a photo shoot and make plans to enjoy your new smile with those you love. Many of our patients are thrilled to show off their new smile to friends and family and setting a date to celebrate the completion of your orthodontic treatment is a date you are not soon to forget.
Summary
Following these easy steps will help you achieve the smile of a lifetime without the hassle of traditional metal braces. Invisalign, Clear Correct, and other aligner trays are a wonderful option to help you straighten your teeth, so contact an orthodontic specialist today.
