When people think about teeth straightening, they tend to picture chunky metallic braces, bulky plates and painful visits to the orthodontist.
But did you know that there’s now an easier option? Cue the introduction of Invisalign.
What are Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are custom-made, clear, removable trays that you wear to straighten your teeth.
What Invisalign Does
An Invisalign aligner functions similarly to braces or an orthodontic plate but is less visible and less invasive. You’ll change aligner trays every 2 weeks, and each aligner has a slightly different shape, guiding you closer to your perfect smile.
During your initial Invisalign consultation, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and use these to generate a virtual 3D treatment plan. This is how we create your series of aligners.
You’ll need to wear your aligners more or less 24/7, except when eating food, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning the Invisalign tray.
The entire treatment process takes 6 to 24 months, depending on the condition of your teeth at the start. You’ll need to visit your dentist for a review appointment every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure your progress is on track and to make any necessary adjustments.
Who Invisalign Suits
Invisalign aligners are popular with older teens and adults because they give you more control over your appearance and lifestyle.
Unlike braces or an orthodontic plate, Invisalign is virtually invisible, meaning you don’t have to be self-conscious about your smile. They’re also more comfortable to wear because they don’t have any hard or sharp components that could scratch your lips, gums or tongue.
At the same time, braces can be quite restrictive on your lifestyle. Sure, you could get a purpose-built mouthguard to fit around your braces when playing sports, but these are often uncomfortable and distracting. In contrast, you can easily take out your Invisalign when you’re doing an activity like football or basketball and put it back in when you’re done.
Learn more about Invisalign treatment at Phoenix Road Dental.
How to Properly Wash and Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
Compared to braces, Invisalign aligners are much easier to maintain, but washing and cleaning them correctly is still essential. Doing so helps to avoid discolouration and bacterial build-ups.
Any time you remove your Invisalign, rinse it under lukewarm water – not hot water, as this can warp the design – and store it in its protective case to avoid damage and germs.
You’ll need to brush your aligners twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Most users do this at the same time as brushing their teeth. However, regular toothpaste is too abrasive for your Invisalign – instead, you’ll need to use non-abrasive toothpaste or a mild antibacterial soap.
You’ll also need to soak your aligner daily in Cleaning Crystals. We outline the process in more detail below.
Using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals: Step-by-Step Instructions
Cleaning your Invisalign isn’t difficult, but it’s crucial to get the process right to ensure you get the maximum benefit out of your aligners:
- Step 1: Before you start, you’ll need Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, a clean container big enough for your aligners to be submerged entirely, warm water and your aligners.
- Step 2: Fill the container with warm water and dissolve a packet of Cleaning Crystals.
- Step 3: Place your aligners in the solution to soak for 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
- Step 4: After soaking, remove the aligners and rinse them under warm water, ensuring you remove any traces of the solution.
- Step 5: To dry your aligners, you can either use a cloth or let them air-dry, before returning them to their case.
Invisalign Aligners at Phoenix Road Dental
In addition to giving you a better smile, straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing your risk of gum disease and cavities. Improved dental alignment also helps you avoid tooth chipping and jaw pain.
Invisalign aligners help you access these benefits without the discomfort of braces.
At Phoenix Road Dental Surgery, our dentists are trained and certified by Align Technology, the creators of Invisalign. During your initial consultation, we can assess your dental condition and develop an Invisalign plan that suits your needs.
Contact our friendly team today or book your appointment online.