To progressively and accurately straighten teeth, Invisalign® employs cutting-edge technologies, including computer modeling and computer-assisted manufacturing. Read on to learn more about this teeth-straightening option. The patient, as with any orthodontic therapy, plays an important part in the process. The quality and timeliness of your outcomes all depend on the patient's dedication to treatment instructions.
The following are some important recommendations to help patients achieve optimal outcomes from Invisalign treatment.
Getting used to changes in daily habits often takes time. Fortunately, many patients report being comfortable wearing the aligners after one to two weeks of consistent use. Consistent use means having them on for at least 22 hours each day. Patients should only take them out when eating, drinking, and brushing their teeth, and for no more than a total of 2 hours each day.
When each new pair of aligners fits securely over the teeth, the treatment is working as expected. On the other hand, deviating from full-time use may lead each aligner to fit poorly with time. This will need fresh impressions or scans and the remaking of the aligners in the future. Since this may prolong your treatment duration, it is advisable to wear the aligners as directed.
When each aligner tray fits precisely over the teeth before switching them, it is a sign of optimal Invisalign treatment. When there are air spaces between the teeth and the aligner, the aligners are not fitting properly, which means they are not working properly. For such gaps, patients can opt for "chewies," which are tiny cylindrical cushions composed of styrene copolymer, a plastic-like substance. Biting down on chewies for up to 10 minutes a few times a day can ensure the aligner sits snugly against the teeth, which will improve the chances of finishing treatment on schedule.
The Invisalign system comprises aligners and the attachments placed on some teeth to enhance the efficacy of the aligners. The attachment is a tiny tooth-colored dot of composite resin material. Since aligners are removable, they tend to slide during specific motions. Attachments function as an anchor in these cases to give the aligners a stronger hold on the teeth. The visibility of the attachments is determined by where they are put and how well the color matches the natural tooth color. However, they are typically hardly visible.
Patients already have the added convenience of oral hygiene with the removability of Invisalign aligners. It is important to brush and floss the teeth regularly to prevent oral issues that might require treatment and lengthen the treatment duration. Good oral hygiene also includes cleaning the tray properly to prevent bacteria accumulation and discoloration.
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A lot of time and effort goes into Invisalign treatment, so committing to the process will ensure you get that beautiful smile after the treatment is over. Contact our dental office to discuss your requirements if you are interested in Invisalign treatment or need further guidance.
Request an appointment or call Bagnall Family Dentistry at 978-475-3997 for an appointment in our Andover office.
.bagnall-blog Quick answer Business trips barely change your aligner routine. Wear your trays 24 hours a day, keep them in while eating and drinking almost everything, and remove them only to brush and floss your teeth and clean the trays. 24/7 Recommended daily tray wear A few days Typical speech adjustment time Fewer visits Office…
.bagnall-blog Quick answer If your Invisalign fits differently today, the most common reasons are that your teeth moved as intended, or the trays were left out too long and your teeth shifted slightly. A snug or tight feeling early in each tray cycle is normal, but a tray that will not seat at all warrants…
.bagnall-blog Quick answer Invisalign may cause a slight, temporary lisp during the first few days that can briefly reduce voice-recognition accuracy. Still, most speakers adapt within about a week, and both their pronunciation and the software normalize. 1 week Typical speech adjustment window s, sh, th Sounds affected first 24 hrs/day Recommended wear time Fewer…