Invisalign is a discreet, completely metal-free orthodontic solution to straighten teeth. Gentle, effective, and virtually invisible, it’s no wonder people all over the world have opted for the clear aligners to straighten their smile. Invisalign are also a popular choice with celebrities, with the likes of Niall Horan, Emma Watson, Zac Efron, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams opting for the clear path to a straight smile. Whilst you may have heard how amazing they are, it’s always good to do your research before making such a big decision. Here are the things you need to know before taking the plunge.
Many people pleasantly surprised at how effective Invisalign can be. People with severe misalignment often jump straight into thinking that traditional braces are they only way forward, without speaking to their orthodontist first. Whilst Invisalign isn’t suitable for everyone, it has shown amazing results on all types of malocclusions, even with patients who had written the treatment off! Have a chat to your dentist to see if it’s right for you!
Orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient, making it difficult to make a call on how long your treatment will last. Generally speaking, treatment time with Invisalign aligners in simple cases can be as short as six months. However, a far more typical timeframe is 12 months to 18 months. In more complex cases, such as crowded teeth, the treatment time could be 24 months or slightly longer. The short answer is treatment requirements vary case by case, as no two mouths are the same.
One of the key things that has made Invisalign so popular is how discreet they are. The claims of them being virtually invisible are true! However, ‘virtually’ is not the same as ‘entirely.’ Put it this way, at a glance it will probably look as though there isn’t anything in your mouth, but if you’re in a long conversation, or standing quite close to people, they may be slightly noticeable. That being said, they are far less obvious that traditional metal braces, and truly innovative for those feeling self-conscious about having orthodontic work.
Whilst it might feel as though Invisalign is protecting your teeth, it’s really important that patients don’t start seeing them as a get out of jail free card that allows them to get with slack with their oral hygiene. Consistent flossing, brushing twice a day and after every time you eat are the keys to protecting your mouth and aligners from bacteria, cavities, and tooth decay.
Keeping your aligners clean is just as important as keeping your teeth clean. They are going to be spending 22 hours a day in your mouth, and the last thing you want is germs or bacteria sitting there for that long. Whilst some may think brushing them with toothpaste is the logical option, doing so can actually damage your aligners, which nobody wants! There are several specialist Invisalign cleaners that will help keep them as clean as possible, that just require a simple soak to do the job properly.
If you’re wanting to a smile transformation, speak to your dentist if Invisalign is the right treatment for you!