Today, Invisalign is one of the most popular options for straightening and correcting the spacing of crooked, misaligned and inconsistently spaced teeth. What makes it so popular and unique compared to old-school metal and wire braces? Here are five points that make Invisalign in Okotoks stand out and that are essential to understand if you’re considering straightening your teeth with this system.
Is Invisalign right for everyone?
Invisalign has been the right choice for millions of people all over North America, but that does not mean that it’s right for you. Only a dentist in Okotoks who is familiar with the condition of your teeth and experienced with Invisalign’s technology and processes can confirm that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. There are some situations that might mean that other options would be better ones for straightening your teeth: a history of periodontal disease; loose teeth; temporomandibular joint dysfunction; or insufficient maturity and commitment to comply with your treatment plan.
When it comes to the condition of your teeth as well, traditional braces may be a more effective means of accomplishing your goals. Seriously overcrowded teeth and extremely twisted teeth might, for example, be more amenable to straightening with braces than Invisalign.
Will you be treated by a dentist or an orthodontist?
Straightening your teeth with aligners is technically an orthodontic procedure, but not necessarily one that needs to be performed by an orthodontist. Depending on the complexity of your particular situation — and whether there are any underlying medical or dental issues affecting the alignment of your teeth — you may be able to receive Invisalign near you from your own general dentist. If the dentist believes treatment by an orthodontic specialist is preferred, they’ll refer you to an orthodontist who can develop and complete your treatment plan.
Before starting your Invisalign treatment plan, be sure your teeth are healthy
The aligners you will wear during your Invisalign treatment plan will be based precisely on the shape of your teeth. Changes to the shape of your teeth at any time during your treatment plan — including fillings you might get during your treatment plan — may affect the fit of your aligners. To avoid changes to the shape of your teeth during your treatment, you should have any necessary dental work completed before measurements and images are taken for your aligners. Go see your general dentist to find out if any work is required and, if so, have that work done before you start the Invisalign process.
You can remove your aligners, but not for too long
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign compared to traditional braces is the ability to remove your aligners when you eat, drink, brush and floss, and while you take selfies and enjoy intimate moments. There’s one really important thing to remember, though. Your aligners only work while you’re wearing them. Every hour you are not wearing your aligners is an hour where your treatment plan is on pause. To complete your treatment plan on schedule, you need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours daily and ideally 22 hours every day.
Sometimes you must remove them.
Don’t go overboard on leaving your aligners in, though. It is very important not to wear your aligners when you eat any food, and not to drink anything other than cool water while wearing your aligners. Whenever you eat anything or drink anything other than cool water, remove your aligner first. Leaving your aligners in while eating and drinking may twist and damage your aligners, stain your teeth, and trap food particles, sugars and acids between your aligners and your teeth where they may produce tooth decay.
If you think that Invisalign may be right for you and that you may be right for Invisalign, make an appointment with a dentist near you to find out if it’s the best approach to achieving your teeth straightening goals.