Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Teeth that are clean and straight can make your smile stand out. But, what do you do if your teeth are crooked, crowded, or have gaps? Is the only solution braces? No! Invisalign® is a revolutionary system that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth, not brackets or wires.
At Skyview Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, Seti Byrd, DMD, and Jennifer D’Silva, DDS, are experts in providing Invisalign aligners. In this blog, they explain what Invisalign is and how you can get the most out of your treatment.
What is Invisalign?
When it comes to treatments for straightening teeth, most people are familiar with traditional metal braces. While braces work well, they can be uncomfortable, ugly, and take a long time. Invisalign offers a much more comfortable, discreet, and speedy option for straightening teeth.
With Invisalign, you’re given a series of clear plastic aligners, each set slightly adjusted. Every two weeks or so, you replace one set with another, and by the time you take off your last set, you have the smile of your dreams.
To make your aligners, your dentist takes 3-D images of your teeth and uses them to plan out your treatment. Your aligners are then made based on the 3-D scans of your teeth. At home, you’ll wear them all day and night except when you eat, drink, brush your teeth, or for special occasions.
Tips for getting the most out of Invisalign
While Invisalign aligners can give you a great smile, there are some things you can do to help your treatment succeed.
Wear your aligners for the right amount of time
The clear plastic aligners are removable, but you’ll need to wear them at least 22 hours a day. If you wear them for less time than this, your treatment time may take longer.
Change your aligners as scheduled
Your dentist will provide you with a number of aligner sets. And, as mentioned earlier, you’ll switch out one set with another every two weeks or so. Your dentist will give you instructions on when to switch out your sets. Changing your aligners as scheduled will ensure that you stay on track.
Keep your teeth clean
While undergoing Invisalign treatment, your aligners will be pressed against your teeth day and night. So, it’s imperative that you brush and floss your teeth so bacteria won’t get trapped and cause tooth decay.
Drink plenty of water
It’s always important to drink plenty of water, but it’s especially important when you’re wearing aligners. When wearing aligners, you may not produce as much saliva, and therefore you’ll need to drink more water to compensate.
Among other things, saliva helps sweep away acids and small bits of food. You should only drink water while your aligners are in your mouth. If you drink any other beverage, be sure to take out you aligners and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
To learn more about how Invisalign can give you straight teeth and a great smile, book an appointment online or over the phone with Skyview Dentistry today.