Many of us have different questions on Invisalign and are curious to know the answers from an experienced dentist who has worked on many patients and given them Invisalign. So what exactly is Invisalign and how does it work? Here are some frequently asked questions on Invisalign and we have the answers for them.
What are the differences between Invisalign and conventional braces?
Conventional braces employ a series of wires, brackets and rubber bands that are affixed to each individual tooth but Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner that is molded to your teeth. While Invisalign can be conveniently removed when necessary, traditional braces cannot be removed. Though conventional braces and Invisalign have the same goal of straightening and aligning the teeth and close the gaps, their way of working are different.
Can Invisalign address bite problems? If yes, what bite problems are addressed by Invisalign?
Of course yes. Invisalign are great for treating bite problems too. The bite problems they can address include underbite, overbite, teeth with gap, crowded teeth and crooked teeth.
Who can get Invisalign? Are they recommended for adults too?
Invisalign is recommended for both teenagers and adults. They are more suited for adults who have been wearing braces as a teenager and are now experiencing teeth shift. As a matter of fact, more and more adults are wearing Invisalign these days because of the convenience and aesthetic nature it offers. Some patients with complex bite problems may not be a suitable candidate for Invisalign. Your dentist would let you know about this after checking your teeth.
Is getting Invisalign a painless procedure?
Invisalign shifts the teeth to where they are intended to be like the conventional braces. You will expect an odd sensation for the first few hours after wearing Invisalign. You can also get soreness along with this odd feeling. But it is just a short-lived ordeal as you are getting adjusted to your new Invisalign. But you do not have the sharp wires or brackets pinching and poking your inner cheek area like in conventional braces.
How often are the aligners changed?
Normally, every 2-3 weeks you will have a new set of aligners in Invisalign treatment. This depends on how successful was the previous aligner in doing the job which can be ascertained only by your dentist. The job of each aligner is to gradually shift your teeth. It should be noted that changing the aligner in intervals can be compared to tightening in traditional braces.
Can I remove the aligners as and when I wish? If so, when can I remove the aligners?
Yes, Invisalign aligners are completely removable by our bare hands. That is the biggest advantage it offers as they can be removed to brush, floss and clean your teeth normally. However, it is recommended that they be continuously worn for a minimum of 22 hours daily to get the intended results.
Should the aligners be cleaned? How to clean the aligners? In what intervals should the aligners be cleaned?
Yes, you need to clean your aligners regularly. Clean the aligners every morning after you wake up and at night before going to bed. Clean them gently with water and soap only. As they are very flimsy, they should not be brushed with any brush at all, be it soft or medium. Make sure that you thoroughly rinse them before wearing them back.
What are the additional benefits of Invisalign?
Faster treatment time in a majority of cases, better comfort and lesser number of dental check-ups are some of the additional benefits of Invisalign.
At Expert Dental Care, we customize each aligner for your teeth during your Invisalign treatment. Call us at our Kilpauk branch or Porur branch for your appointments.
