Our BC Straight Smile dentists can use Invisalign to straighten smiles and correct many orthodontic conditions. That said, before you decide whether Invisalign is right for you, there are some factors that need to be considered.
Invisalign treatment is a full-time commitment.
Although Invisalign aligners are removable, Invisalign treatment is still a full-time commitment, just like any other orthodontic treatment option. To achieve the straight smile you've been dreaming of you will need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day, every day, for the entire duration of treatment.
The fact is, it can be tempting to take a little break from your treatment if your teeth are feeling especially sore, or if you forget to put the aligners back in. But to keep you treatment on track it is essential to resist this temptation, and wear your aligners as prescribed. Your aligners should only be removed when you are eating, drinking or cleaning your teeth.
Full time commitment to your treatment is the key to a straighter smile with Invisalign. If, after honest consideration, you don’t think you’ll be able to be consistent, Invisalign may not be a good choice for you.
Removing your aligners when eating or drinking is required.
With proper use, Invisalign aligners are almost completely invisible when worn. Not following treatment instructions could lead to aligners becoming stained or warped.
Dark coloured drinks like coffee and pop can cause the aligners to become stained, and hot liquids can make the plastic material warp. To avoid discolouration or warping, always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than cool water.
If you think that the temptation of sipping coffee or pop with your aligners in will be too great for you to resist, Invisalign may not be the right orthodontic treatment choice for you.
Brushing after EVERY meal is essential.
Keeping your teeth healthy throughout your Invisalign treatment is an important step in achieving a smile you will be proud to show off. Whether you are at home, or at the movies, whenever you remove your aligners to eat or drink you will need to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in place.
Sealing food particles in between your teeth and your aligners will lead to a buildup of plaque causing bacteria, possibly leading to tooth decay and bad breath. Throughout your Invisalign treatment you'll always need to have a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss handy to keep your teeth clean and your smile healthy.
Snacking may not be practical.
Now that you know that you will need to remove your aligners every time you eat, and clean your teeth thoroughly before you return your aligners to your mouth, it's easy to understand that frequent snacking may not be practical.
However, being a bit strategic about how and when you eat will help to make Invisalign treatment more convenient. Since you will need to take the extra time to brush and floss your teeth, and to rinse out your aligners before putting them back in, you may find that sticking to a small number of larger meals is easiest.
If snacking frequently is a way of life for you, changing your eating habits may be necessary in order to make Invisalign a convenient treatment option for you.
So, is Invisalign treatment right for you?
If you are looking for a way to straighten teeth without the need for bulky brackets and wires, and are ready to commit to the points mentioned above, Invisalign may be the ideal orthodontic treatment for you.
Invisalign can treat many types of orthodontic issues from simple tooth alignment to more complex bite issues, and has a range of treatment options from standard Invisalign for adults to the more specialized aligners created to address the unique orthodontic treatment needs of teens and children.