Invisalign® Clear Aligners: What You Need to Know Before Starting

What You Need to Know Before Invisalign®

The idea of straightening your teeth is exciting, but traditional braces may not be the option for you. If you’re looking for a more discreet way to achieve the smile of your dreams, you may fall in love with Invisalign®. These popular clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontics, offering a nearly invisible alternative to braces.  All Smiles Dental Care walks you through the complete Invisalign process, from your initial consultation to life after your treatment is complete.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Most people are excellent candidates for Invisalign. The most popular reasons for Invisalign are patients who experience:

• Crowded Teeth: When there isn’t enough space in your jaw for teeth to fit normally.
• Gapped Teeth: Extra spaces between your teeth.
• Overbite: When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth.
• Underbite: When the lower front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth.
• Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside.
• Open Bite: When the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed.

Your First Steps: Consultation & Custom Treatment Plan

Your journey begins with an initial consultation. Our dental team discusses your smile goals and thoroughly examines your teeth and bite. To create your custom dental plan, we take a highly accurate 3D digital scan, so you can even see a preview of your final results before you begin.

Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners

Once your custom aligners are ready, you’ll receive several sets at a time. Here’s what to expect from daily life:

• Wear Time: Patients wear the clear aligners 20-22 hours for optimal results. You only take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
• Changing Aligners: As directed by your dentist, you will switch to a new set of aligners approximately every one to two weeks. Each new set will gently and gradually shift your teeth into their correct position.
• Comfort: The aligners are made from a smooth, flexible plastic, making them more comfortable for most patients than traditional braces. You may feel some initial pressure or discomfort with each new set.

Eating, Drinking & Cleaning with Invisalign

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is the freedom it offers. Unlike braces, there are no food restrictions. We recommend the following regarding eating and drinking with clear aligners:

• Eating and Drinking: Simply remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents food from getting trapped and staining or damaging the aligners.
• Cleaning Your Aligners: Brush your aligners gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and rinse them in lukewarm water every time you brush your teeth. Do not clean your aligners with hot water.
• Oral Hygiene: It’s essential to maintain positive oral hygiene like brushing and flossing. This prevents food particles and plaque from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligner, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Invisalign for Teens vs. Adults

Invisalign is a fantastic option for patients of all ages. Invisalign for teens includes a few helpful features, such as compliance indicators, small blue dots that fade with wear, to help parents and dentists ensure the aligners are being worn for the recommended amount of time. It also comes with extra replacement aligners in case one gets lost.

Invisalign for adults is popular because of its discreet appearance, allowing them to straighten their teeth with confidence in social and work settings. The flexibility of removable aligners fits seamlessly into a busy adult lifestyle.

Common Questions & Invisalign Myths Debunked

There is a lot of information out there, but we want to make sure you’re hearing the answers correctly. Below, we list some of the most common Invisalign myths.

• Myth #1: Invisalign is only for minor issues. While it’s great for minor adjustments, Invisalign can also treat complex cases, including severe crowding and bite issues.
• Myth #2: Treatment takes longer than braces. Invisalign treatment is often about the same as traditional braces and, in some cases, can even be faster. The Invisalign average treatment time is 12 to 18 months, depending on the individual’s needs.
• Myth #3: It’s much more expensive than braces. The cost of Invisalign is often similar to that of traditional braces. In fact, most dental insurance plans cover Invisalign as a standard orthodontic treatment.

Staying on Track: Follow-Up Appointments & Adjustments

We will see you to check your clear aligners every six to eight weeks. These visits are quick and easy. Our dental team will check your progress and provide you with your next set of aligners. These appointments are vital for ensuring your treatment is effective.

Life After Invisalign: What Comes Next

Congratulations, you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment. To protect your beautiful new smile and prevent your teeth from shifting, you will need to wear a retainer. We custom-make retainers to ensure the perfect fit. Initially, patients wear the retainer full time, eventually only wearing it at night.

Contact All Smiles Dental Care

All Smile Dental Care is excited to offer our patients Invisalign as a modern, comfortable, and discreet path to a straighter, healthier smile. Combining advanced technology with unparalleled convenience provides a powerful solution for teens and adults. The benefits go far beyond aesthetics, contributing to better oral health and a significant boost in confidence. Reach out to Walnut Creek Dental to schedule an Invisalign consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Invisalign hurt? Most patients do not experience pain. You may experience some mild, temporary discomfort or pressure for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. The discomfort typically subsides quickly.

How often do I need to see the dentist during treatment? You will typically have a check-up appointment every 6 to 8 weeks. These appointments are to monitor your progress and receive your next set of aligners.

Can I drink coffee with my Invisalign aligners in? No, we do not advise drinking coffee with aligners in your mouth. We recommend removing the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Hot beverages like coffee can warp the plastic, and colored drinks can cause staining.