So, you are thinking about invisalign, huh? That’s awesome! It’s totally normal to feel excited and a little nervous about what is to come. Don’t worry! Let’s understand what you can expect before, during, and after your invisalign journey.
Before Invisalign: The prep work
You have to do a little prep work, before wearing the aligners. The first step is to consult with your orthodontist. Reopelle Orthodontics has the top local orthodontist in Roanoke, just saying.
They will check your teeth and make sure you are a good candidate for invisalign. It means take some X-rays, photos and teeth impressions. No biggie!
Once confirmed you are a good candidate, the dentist will tailor a treatment plan using 3D imaging technology. The orthodontist will show you a digital image of how your teeth will look after they straighten up.
They will also create a treatment plan including the number of clear aligners you will need and how long you will wear each one.
The entire process usually takes six months to one and a half year. Everyone’s teeth differ, so the time it takes will depend on your smile situation.
During invisalign: The journey
The aligners will feel strange as they fix snuggly to your teeth….it is normal! It will take a few days to get used to them.
When the teeth start shifting you may experience some mild discomfort but it can be handled with over the counter pain reliever.
Invisalign Aligners are like magic! They are super clear, so no one will even know you are wearing them. Plus, you can take them out to eat and drink, which is awesome.
But here is the big deal – to really work their magic, wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours. Never get carried away with those occasional ‘cheat times’.
You will have regular checkup at the dental clinic every 6 to 8 weeks. The orthodontist will check and if the progress is as planned, you will be given the next set of aligners.
In some cases, tiny tooth colored attachments are bonded to your teeth for extra support to the aligners and guide teeth more efficiently in the right direction.
After invisalign: The new smile
When you near the end of your orthodontic treatment, you cannot wait to see the new smile. You have done with aligners but there is a crucial step – wearing retainers.
These help to maintain your results and prevent teeth from shifting back to their old positions.
Your orthodontist will provide you with custom retainers and give instruction on how to wear them. Usually, they are worn full-time for a while and then you can wear them only at night.
Following the treatment, you may notice your bite adjusting as your mouth settles into its new arrangement. It is normal and part of the process. Maintain regular checkup and cleaning to ensure oral health and hygiene.
Invisalign is a popular option for teeth straightening. Because you can still live life without anyone noticing you are fixing your smile.
Understanding what to expect at different stage of the process, you can confidently navigate your invisalign journey.
Keep smiling, your hard work paid off!
