How To Have The Greatest Results From Your Invisalign® Program

A unique approach to straightening teeth, Invisalign offers optimal outcomes significantly faster than traditional braces but without the uncomfortable brackets and daily wire tightening. Frequently called "clear braces," the Invisalign method has been widely adopted by Houston, TX adults wanting to correct flaws or make improvements to their smiles without looking like their kids! However, Invisalign is now getting increasingly popular with a separate set of patients, and young adults have been becoming part of the movement to straighten their smile without the noticeable metal brackets impeding their physical appearance. Are you considering receiving Invisalign? What could you do in order to obtain the most out of your Invisalign treatment?

At MINT dentistry | Westheimer, our skilled Invisalign orthodontics dentists now perform this innovative solution to properly straighten and align teeth without the use of metal braces. So, what should you do to obtain the most from your Invisalign investment when seeking to enhance your smile? Let's take a look at the tips and suggestions for Invisalign to make certain you achieve the most effective outcome plus a new, beautiful smile!

ALL THERE IS TO LEARN ABOUT INVISALIGN
No one can debate that Invisalign has become more and more popular over the past few years, with a growing number of people searching out “invisible braces” to be able to correct and improve their teeth. This new method to discreetly realign teeth has even had adults rushing to check it out, and now even younger adults and teenagers are catching onto the “clear braces” movement. The customized aligners have an identical goal as conventional braces, which is to enhance a person's smile with more aligned teeth, along with the added bonus of Invisalign being removable and taking only half the time of conventional braces. This exciting cosmetic means of enhancing teeth is catching on, and here is what you may need to learn about receiving Invisalign at our Houston, TX facility.

You have to wear your aligners as directed
The trays (or aligners) that are shifting your smile into the correct alignment won't function properly if they're not worn properly. It's been found that patients who use their trays fewer than 20 hours every day have counterproductive outcomes, and it also delays the process. Invisalign is most often simpler and much quicker in regard to getting outcomes (as compared to conventional braces), but individuals need to stick to using their personalized aligners for at least 22 hours each and every day and also a whole 48 hours for the first two days after receiving new ones for adjustments. Being responsible about using the trays means that your teeth will probably straighten out according to your treatment schedule and perhaps be completed faster than initially anticipated.

Maintain your treatment process
Sticking to your dental practitioner’s recommendations is a critical factor in the Invisalign treatment. Remaining on schedule, such as when to change out your aligners with new ones and wearing them in the right sequence, is only going to improve your smile. Letting it work as it's supposed to will ensure that you obtain the best results effectively. Your dentist will let you know when it's time to receive new trays, much like the adjustments that are part of having conventional braces, to be able to keep the alignment process on track and improve the overall look of your smile. Invisalign trays have a specific order to follow to ensure your teeth are shifting in the proper direction. Remaining on schedule with receiving your next pair of aligners in the correct order is crucial to getting the best results.

Maintain your dental hygiene
Oral hygiene and proper attention to the aligners are a significant part of the Invisalign treatment. Brushing and flossing after eating are crucial. Just like with traditional braces, you should avoid food or debris staying on your enamel, which may directly lead to tooth decay or even irritated gums. With Invisalign, when you don't brush or floss after every meal, then food residue will remain in your teeth once you put your trays or aligners back in, basically trapping the particles, which may lead to decay. Brushing and flossing once you eat is a main factor during the Invisalign process to be able to maintain the health of your teeth. Also, between your follow-up appointments, at which you will get a new set of Invisalign aligners, the current Invisalign trays should be washed regularly with mild soap and water. Don't use your toothpaste or a toothbrush to wash your trays. This is likely to scratch them, as well as won't properly make sure they are clean. Cleaning your Invisalign trays frequently keeps them free of stains so that the “invisible braces” remain invisible!

Allow yourself time to get accustomed
Just like with conventional braces, you'll go through an adjustment time to become adjusted to these new appliances on your teeth. At first, it will feel strange or cumbersome, and you may even encounter a little discomfort, but after a while, your mouth will get used to the trays. You might also experience a small change in your speech or a “lisp” when you initially start putting in the trays. It is known as the “speech learning curve,” and it may be challenging, but don't get disheartened. This does not mean that you should remove them if you would like to speak! To be able to stay with the 22-hour-a-day commitment, leave them in to practice speaking. Your mouth will adapt to the aligners, and your speech will improve enough that you will no longer remember you even have them in!

Know that you must wear a retainer following treatment
Those who neglect to wear the retainer after completing the Invisalign process may as well not even start the treatment. Like with conventional braces, you'll be required to use your retainer during the night once you are done with Invisalign. We offer our patients the initial year's worth of retainers as part of the overall price. Patients who don't commit to wearing their retainers as directed lose any progress that has been made; therefore, wearing your retainer and going to your scheduled follow-up visits with your dental professional are important to the post-care process.

Invisalign treatment is not an option for everyone
The Invisalign process is not the most effective choice for everybody. For those who have extremely crooked teeth or a serious underbite/overbite, traditional braces or dental surgery might be the only alternatives. Invisalign can take care of the most routine issues, such as gaps, slight underbites/overbites, and a few cases of overcrowded teeth, but it is not always the most suitable choice for more complicated orthodontic troubles. Consulting with one of the Invisalign orthodontics dentists at MINT dentistry | Westheimer is your most important initial step in determining whether Invisalign is the ideal choice for your teeth.

BEGIN YOUR INVISALIGN JOURNEY NOW
If you are considering aesthetically boosting the look of your teeth, then Invisalign from MINT dentistry | Westheimer might be your initial step! Invisalign is a great alternative for getting a more aligned, healthier-looking smile without the care and attention that comes with metal braces — and within half the time. By sticking to these tips and recommendations, you'll obtain the attractive smile that Invisalign can produce, and most people won't see the aligners that make it happen! If you want to find out if you are eligible for Invisalign, contact our office in Houston, TX to set up a free smile evaluation now!