Are you planning on getting Invisalign? Starting your Just Smile journey can seem like a daunting experience, but at Lyons Orthodontics, we make orthodontic treatment fun for all ages! Before you start this exciting journey, here are a number of things that you need to know before getting Invisalign.
Prepare to Wear Your Aligners
One of the benefits of choosing Invisalign clear aligners as your orthodontic treatment is the ability to take your aligners off and on. As Dr. Long Luu, an orthodontist in Fair Oaks will tell you during your no-obligation consultation, that the best smile transformations require at least 22 hours of wearing your custom aligners each day. This means that you only have two hours within which to eat, drink, brush, and floss each day. Consequently, for the good of your smile, you just might have to say goodbye to sipping your hot cup of coffee leisurely in the morning!
Your Toothbrush Will See More Action
Expect to spend more time on dental hygiene habits if you plan on getting Invisalign aligners. This is a good thing for your overall dental health, but it requires that you prepare to devote more time to brushing and flossing. Why will you be spending more time than usual brushing and flossing? Since you will be taking out the aligners when you are going to eat, it is recommended that you brush or at least rinse your mouth with plain water before putting the aligner back in.
We asked our good friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about brushing and flossing between teeth with Invisalign aligners. Dr. Kacos says it’s necessary to prevent food particles from being locked in place between your teeth until the next time you take out the aligners. Brushing gets rid of those particles that could cause bad breath, cavities, and tooth decay. We want your smile transformation to be amazing! Make sure you brush and floss your teeth so that you can enjoy your smile.
You May Need Other Components
Each patient is different, so don’t expect to wear Invisalign aligners only. We realize that every single smile is unique. Some people may have to get buttons (small brackets adhered to your teeth) or orthodontic rubber bands. If these additional components are recommended to you, use them as instructed so that you can achieve that beautiful smile!
Watch What You Eat or Drink
One big plus for Invisalign is that you can take the aligners out when you are going to eat or drink. However, this isn’t mandatory, as you can still eat or drink with the aligners in place. You just need to be selective about what you eat or drink while you have the Invisalign aligners in your mouth. For example, it isn’t advisable to take a hot drink without removing the aligners since this can warp the plastic..
Similarly, taking pigmented drinks, such as coffee or grapefruit juice, can stain the aligners. Don’t worry, you will not have to guess what to eat or drink with the aligners on. Dr. Long Luu and our team at Lyons Orthodontics in Fair Oaks will give you detailed instructions about the specific foods and drinks that are Invisalign-friendly. You can always call the orthodontic office if you have any questions. Our team is always happy to help!
Postpone Teeth Whitening
As already mentioned, Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours each day. This means that you are unlikely to have enough time to take the aligners out in order to whiten your teeth at home. So, it’s better for you to be patient and wait for the treatment to be completed before you can whiten your teeth and get rid of any discolorations in the areas where the aligners made contact with your teeth. In the meantime, Dr. Long Luu recommends that you pay particular attention to dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing as earlier recommended so that you prevent stains from developing on your teeth.
Embrace the Post-Treatment Phase
When your treatment phase with Invisalign comes to an end, you will be expected to wear a retainer. This is so that your teeth can be kept in their new positions. This post-treatment phase is important for the long-term enjoyment of the benefits brought by the treatment phase. Your orthodontist in Fair Oaks will let you know what you can expect with your new retainers.
Treatment Time Varies Between Patients
Orthodontic treatment using Invisalign can take a few months or even more than two years. The key determinant is the specific defect that is being corrected by this treatment. Orthodontist in Fair Oaks explains that closing a small gap between a few teeth may require that you wear the aligners for a few months. Comparably, correcting misalignment in several teeth could take more than 12 months. Dr. Long Luu will explain to you how long your treatment is likely to take, so keep that timeline in mind and do as you are advised so that the duration of the treatment isn’t extended beyond the initial estimate.
Invisalign with Lyon Orthodontics
Now that you know what you should consider before getting Invisalign, you’ll now be able to decide if Invisalign is something you’re interested in. Invisalign is a great orthodontic treatment option that we offer at Lyons Orthodontics. If you are interested in this treatment, we highly recommend that you schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our orthodontists. You can visit either of our orthodontic offices in El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks. We will give you all the information that you need to make an informed decision. Then you will soon be on your way to your best smile ever!