The average Invisalign® patient achieves their dream smile in as little as 12 to 18 months! But it’s also important that you know what to expect on your journey to a straighter, more attractive smile. That’s why we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists in Ann Arbor, MI. From there they’ll be able to determine if you’re a candidate for .
7 Things to Know Before Getting Invisalign®
In the meantime, here are the top 7 things you should know about Invisalign treatment before getting started.
1. You’ll Need to Wear Aligners 20 to 22 Hours a Day
Invisalign clear aligners exert constant, gentle pressure on your teeth so they move toward their final desired positions. But your aligners can’t do this if you’re not wearing them consistently. Instead, you’ll lose the progress you’ve gained as your teeth revert back to their original positions.
Also, keep in mind that you won’t be able to move onto the next aligners in your series until your teeth have moved into their proper positions. Not wearing your Invisalign aligners will only delay your treatment and cost you more money in the long run.
You need to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. This means you should only remove your clear orthodontic aligners to eat, drink something besides water, brush your teeth, and floss.
2. You May Need SmartForce® Attachments
If your case is more complex, our dentists may recommend that you also get SmartForce attachments. SmartForce attachments are discreet, tooth-colored bumps that are bonded to the fronts of certain teeth. These bumps then exert a little extra pressure against your aligners so your teeth move toward the desired direction.
While you can see SmartForce attachments up close, these tiny bumps blend into your teeth so you can still feel confident about your smile during treatment.
3. Invisalign Can Treat Complex Cases
In the past, Invisalign was only capable of treating minor imperfections in the smile zone and bite misalignment. Today, Invisalign uses SmartForce attachments and other technology to achieve complex tooth movements. In addition to straightening crooked teeth, Invisalign can also correct common bite issues such as overbites and underbites.
To learn if you’re a , you’ll need to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.
4. You Can Still Eat Your Favorite Foods
Patients with traditional metal braces have to avoid foods that are sticky and/or hard to chew. But you won’t have this problem with Invisalign. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can continue to eat your favorite foods during treatment. This will also help you maintain a healthy, balanced diet as you straighten your teeth. Steak, caramel, raw apple slices… no food is off limits to you!
Related: 5 Myths About Orthodontic Treatment →
5. Your Clear Aligners Can Stain
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, clear plastic. As a result, they can stain if you’re not careful. That’s why our dentists recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal. To make it easier, we recommend keeping a small travel toothbrush with you so you can clean your teeth at work, at school, or on the go.
Brushing your teeth will also help remove dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky, invisible film of bacteria that lives inside your mouth. As you eat sugary foods, the bacteria consumes the particles left behind to produce an acid that erodes your teeth and attacks your gums.
The good news is that brushing your teeth and cleaning your aligners will help keep bacteria at bay. That way, you’ll be able to maintain good oral health during Invisalign treatment.
6. Your Oral Hygiene Routine Won’t Change
Nothing is more frustrating for orthodontic patients than having to thread floss underneath the archwire to clean between each individual tooth. Fortunately, you won’t have to deal with this hassle when you choose Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can continue to brush and floss your teeth normally. We recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal for at least two minutes at a time. You should also floss once a day to remove any plaque or food particles that could be hiding in between teeth.
If we still find a lot of plaque on your teeth during your next appointment with us, we may recommend adding a fluoride mouth rinse to your oral hygiene routine.
7. You’ll Need a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment
Your teeth will try to move back to their original positions after clear aligner treatment. That’s why it’s vital that you wear your orthodontic retainer as directed by our dentists. For example, we may ask you to wear your retainer 3 to 5 times a week during the first few months. Later, you may only have to wear your retainer at night.
Each patient is different, which is why you’ll need to speak with one of our dentists to learn about the specific details of your case.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation
Congratulations! If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign, you’re on the path toward achieving a beautiful healthy smile. To request an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, please call Enhance Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at (734) 821-7676. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
