The Invisalign transparent tooth-straightening system is an excellent alternative to metal braces, allowing patients to achieve sparkling, straight teeth in less time and with less fuss. Invisalign trays allow teens and adults to care for their teeth and gums discreetly and with fewer restrictions.
Periodontist Dr. John Paul Gallardo recommends the Invisalign system because it allows his patients to take good care of their oral health while simultaneously enhancing their smile. Invisalign prioritizes oral health throughout the entire orthodontic process, whereas metal braces restrict flossing and limit the patient’s ability to clean trapped food and bacteria from between the gums and braces.
The Invisalign system’s path to beautiful, healthy teeth is simple, but there are potential obstacles to achieving the impressive improvements that Invisalign offers. Follow these steps to accomplish picture-perfect results with Invisalign.
Find Out If Invisalign is Right for You
Not all clear aligners are alike. Invisalign was developed based on years of research and data obtained from millions of patients.
Only Invisalign technology offers smart track material. This cutting-edge material is more comfortable and allows the trays to be placed on the teeth and removed without stretching or breaking the plastic.
The Invisalign process offers adults results in as little as six months based on the complexity of their case. Insurance coverage, pretax dollars, and payment plans are also Invisalign options that adult patients and parents of teens find helpful.
The Invisalign smile assessment helps prospective patients find out if the system will benefit them, and patients can schedule an Invisalign consultation to learn more about their potential Invisalign treatment plan. Not all bite and alignment issues can be resolved with Invisalign, but many can.
Start with Clean Teeth
Patients should have any signs of gum disease eliminated or under control and should be up-to-date on dental x-rays and necessary dental procedures before starting Invisalign. Invisalign removable trays allow patients to prevent gum disease and maintain the reversal of gum disease on a daily basis.
Many patients find that their gums heal significantly after completing Invisalign treatment because the system properly aligns their teeth. This alignment allows the gums to tighten around the teeth and improves periodontal health.
Commit to Following the Dentist’s Instructions
Depending on the complexity of the case, most patients with the following issues can benefit from Invisalign:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gaps between the teeth
- Open bite
- Crowded teeth
- Nearly straight teeth
Clear aligners are designed to fit within a patient’s lifestyle, not to interrupt it. However, patients must also commit to following their dentist’s instructions during the alignment process. There are certain responsibilities that patients must take on to achieve straight, beautiful teeth with Invisalign.
Attend Each Appointment
Face-to-face care is essential during the Invisalign process. Initially, the doctor evaluates the patient’s smile and creates a precise, digital treatment plan with uniquely designed aligners.
Some online companies offer clear braces with no dental visits required, but face-to-face care is necessary for this process because the dentist carefully maps out the patient’s new smile and tracks their progress at every appointment.
The dentist will order sets of Invisalign trays that are custom designed just for you. The Invisalign trays apply a gentle force in the right direction to create complex tooth movements without the use of metal braces and wires.
Proper Care of Smart Force Attachments
The success of the Invisalign system depends on patient compliance. The dentist will place smart force attachments on the teeth when the first trays arrive. Smart force attachments are small tooth-colored shapes that are attached to the teeth, which bring the tray aligners into contact with pressure points that gently move the teeth into position.
Tooth attachments are an essential part of the movement process, and patients must comply with caring for them properly. For best results, avoid eating sticky candy and foods that will jeopardize the stability of the smart force attachments.
Remove Trays to Eat and Drink
Wearing the Invisalign clear aligners provides patients with the freedom to enjoy a huge variety of different foods, like popcorn during a movie night with friends. But, you must brush your teeth and place the aligners back in your mouth after eating and drinking anything but water.
Wear Clear Aligners 22-24 Hours Each Day
Patients must be in full compliance with wearing the aligners for 22-24 hours a day to get good results. Compliance indicators confirm to parents, adults, and teens that they are wearing their aligners correctly and for the number of hours needed.
A tiny blue dot on the aligners gradually fades when the trays are worn full time; this is a great motivational tool for teens that some parents call “lie detectors.” Adult patients also appreciate the blue dot system because it allows them to be aware of and accountable for their own compliance.
Wear Each Set of Aligners
The dentist will provide you with a new set of Invisalign aligners at each visit. Most aligners are worn for two weeks, but less complicated movements may require only ten days of use and complex adjustments may require three weeks.
Patients must wear each set of aligners as directed during the treatment period. They must continue to wear the aligners for an additional week or two when their teeth are not adjusting to the treatment plan due to a lack of compliance.
Properly Remove and Position the Aligners
Patients should place the aligners into position using finger pressure to minimize distortion or damage. Broken aligners indicate that the patient is repeatedly removing the tray with their tongue or inserting the Invisalign tray using their teeth, which distorts the aligners, reduces their effectiveness, and leads to fatigue and breakage of the plastic.
Invisalign Success
The Invisalign treatment process begins showing results in a matter of weeks. Depending on the complexity of your dental concerns, the process may be complete in as little as six months.
Every case is different, but retainers are recommended after the orthodontic treatment to prevent the teeth from gradually shifting towards their initial position. Invisalign retainers are discreet, invisible, and long-lasting; they are two times more durable and 30% stronger than other retainers. A highly-recommended option is a retainer positioned on the back of the teeth for permanently straight teeth.
To learn more about Invisalign, contact Gallardo in Miami, FL, at 305-547-8687 to schedule an appointment.
