How Invisalign Works
Your initial appointment at our office will entail a comprehensive dental examination. We will evaluate your smile, bite and facial structure to determine if Invisalign is a viable treatment option for you or your family member. Orthodontic records will be taken in order to create a treatment plan that will generate the optimum results.
Keep in mind that orthodontics is much more than just straightening teeth. Facial structure is also affected by the position of your teeth. Your teeth act as the support structure for lips and other soft tissue features. The positions of the upper and lower jaws, both vertically and horizontally, are directly related to tooth position. We will discuss the options for care and provide you with a detailed recommendation based upon our findings.
You’ll be able to see a virtual representation of your teeth before, during and after completion of the Invisalign process. This will provide you with a representation of what your smile should look like once you have completed treatment.
Based upon our treatment plan. customized Aligners will be constructed for each individual situation. Full treatment averages 6-15 months.
Call today for your complimentary orthodontic evaluation and see how easy and convenient orthodontics at the any of our Premiere Dental Care locations can be from your Elite Invisalign Provider!
Using Your Invisalign Aligners Correctly
HOW TO ACHIEVE YOUR NEW SMILE
The following points are critical to success: Invisalign ONLY works while you are wearing the Aligners. We recommend that you wear your Aligners FULL-TIME, day and night, except to eat, brush and floss your teeth, a minimum of 22 hours a day.
Because the Aligners are designed to sequentially move your teeth, it is very important to wear each Aligner in the order prescribed. You’ll wear each Aligner in the series for two weeks (unless otherwise instructed) and then change to your new Aligner.
Keep your regularly scheduled appointments – this is the only way we can be sure the treatment is progressing as planned. Typically, you will be given 4 Aligners at each appointment. You change them every 2 week, so your appointments will be approximately every 8 weeks. Frequently, for patients coming long distances (out-of-town college students, etc) a greater number of Aligners may be given at each appointment and appointments can be extended beyond 8 weeks.
To Insert To help avoid confusion, each Aligner is engraved with a ‘U’ for upper or an ‘L’ for lower and the number of the Aligner.
When inserting, gently push the Aligner over your front teeth. Then, apply equal pressure. using your fingertips, to the tops of your left and right molars until the Aligner snaps into place.
DO NOT BITE your Aligners into position. This may damage them.
To Remove: Using your fingers, simultaneously apply equal downward pressure on the left and right side of the Aligner and lift it off your rear molars. Then using your fingers, gently lift the Aligner off your front teeth. Immediately rinse and store your Aligners in the protective case provided with your starter kit.
To help prevent damage, avoid unnecessary removal.
Storing Your Invisalign Aligners Two Aligner cases are included in your starter kit. We recommend that you store your Invisalign Aligners in your plastic case when not in your mouth. This will protect them from potential damage or getting lost.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Q: Will the treatment be painful?
A: No, occasionally there is some acclimating necessary, but this should only be for the first day or so.
Q: Are there restrictions on what I can eat‘?
A: No. Unlike traditional orthodontics, you can eat and drink whatever you desire, because you remove your Aligners for eating. Thus, there is no need to restrict the consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks.
Q: Can I chew gum while wearing Invisalign Aligners?
A: No, gum will stick to the Aligners. we recommend removing your Aligners for all meals and snacks.
Q: Will wearing the Invisalign Aligners affect my speech?
A: No, occasionally the first day or so may be an adjustment.
Q: What if I lose or break an Invisalign Aligner?
A: In the event that an Aligner is lost or broken, you should immediately inform our office and it can easily be replaced.
Oral Hygiene
Always remove your Aligners before meals.
Brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your Aligners.
Brush and floss according to your usual routine.
Regular checkups and cleanings are recommended for the continued health of your teeth and gums.
Home Care of Invisalign Aligners
Clean your Aligners prior to each insertion.
Rinse well after each cleaning.
DO NOT use denture cleaners to clean aligners or soak them in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the plastic, causing it to become dull and more visible.