5 Things You Need to Know Before You Wear Invisalign

Invisalign can feel like a magical orthodontic solution to the people who wear these nearly invisible aligners. If you have always dreaded the look of metal mouth, as an adolescent or adult, Invisalign eliminates this self-consciousness. Because Invisalign is so different from traditional metal braces, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. 

If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, understand that there will be rules to follow to ensure that your treatment is successful and progresses as it should. Here are just five things you need to know before you wear Invisalign: 

Make sure you don’t have commitment issues. Invisalign is a process. The entire treatment lasts from nine to 15 months, with most cases averaging about 12 months. Invisalign cuts the time of treatment with traditional metal braces in half, but you still must be dedicated to the whole process from start to finish. Invisalign is a daily commitment that requires you to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, clean them properly, and see your Haymarket Invisalign provider regularly. 

Readjust your eating habits. Invisalign does not interfere with eating. You can enjoy all the crunchy, chewy, sticky foods you like because Invisalign is removable. There are no restrictions on what you can eat as there are with traditional metal braces. However, the most important rule is that you cannot eat or drink with Invisalign in your mouth. Water is fine, but tea, coffee, soda, juices, and any foods? They can stain and discolor your nearly invisible aligners, as well as harbor bacteria and odors. You will have to think twice about whether a snack is worth it, or whether it’s better to wait for your next meal. Don’t be surprised if you lose a few pounds as you’re learning how to blend Invisalign into your lifestyle. 

Expect a learning curve. It will take time for you to get adjusted to wearing Invisalign. The pressure and discomfort you may feel at the start of wearing each new set of aligners is normal. If you didn’t feel anything, then Invisalign wouldn’t be doing its intended work of shifting your teeth to their proper places. All your teeth are not moved at the same time with Invisalign – it’s just a few at a time, and this order is determined by your Haymarket Invisalign provider at the start of your treatment. 

Be prepared to do the work. Invisalign is a responsibility. Are you up the challenge of following the rules of wearing these clear aligners? That means cleaning them daily, rinsing your aligners after you take them from your mouth and putting them back in your mouth, not eating while you wear Invisalign, and following the customized directions your Haymarket Invisalign provider has provided. Ultimately, Invisalign is not a demanding orthodontic treatment. Know that there are dos and don’ts, accept them, obey them, and carry on. 

Yes, even THAT problem can be fixed. Invisalign can usually repair nearly every alignment issue that traditional metal braces are able to address. Crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, gaps, and overcrowding are all possible candidates for Invisalign treatment. Don’t fear that metal mouth is your doom if you want to align your teeth. (If you still don’t want hardly noticeable orthodontia, consider cosmetic dentistry – porcelain veneers can fix just about every aesthetic complaint). Ready to discuss your potential for being an Invisalign candidate. Make a consultation appointment with Dr. Sina Reangber at her Haymarket, VA, cosmetic dentistry office, LifeTime Smiles. Find out if you’re an Invisalign candidate and exactly what the treatment involves. Here’s to your new, straight smile!