All Your Tooth Replacement Options Explained
Are you missing a tooth — or two or more? Replacing lost teeth is more than a cosmetic issue. Here’s why you need to fill the gap and an overview of all your choices as soon as possible.
What to Expect with Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign® can give you the straighter, more attractive smile you desire. Having straighter teeth can boost your confidence and improve your oral health. In fact, according to a survey on the cosmetic surgery site RealSelf, 91% of people said going through Invisalign treatment was “worth it.”
Invisalign is a system that uses clear, removable plastic aligners. Every two weeks or so, you switch out one set for a new, slightly adjusted set. And by the time you take out your last set, you have the smile of your dreams. In this blog, Dana Samet, DDS, of Dental Art of South Bay explains what you can expect from a treatment with Invisalign.
Starting Invisalign
First, you’ll have a consultation with Dr. Samet about whether or not you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Many dental issues can be successfully corrected with Invisalign, including crooked teeth and crowded teeth. However, Invisalign may not be able to treat some dental issues, such large gaps between teeth.
Once you and Dr. Samet decide to go with Invisalign, Dr. Samet will make a mold of your mouth to create the Invisalign aligner trays that you’ll wear. You’ll get a number of aligner sets, and each set will be slightly different. Every new set you put on will further correct the alignment of your teeth
Wearing Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you’ll be able to take them out while you eat. This means you’ll be able to eat food like normal. You won’t have to avoid certain foods — such as popcorn or nuts — like you’d have to with traditional braces.
However, you’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for about 22 hours a day, including at night. If you keep them out any longer than that, this could delay your treatment.
And since you take out your aligners, you’ll be able to brush and floss like normal. You’ll need to floss daily and brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you can, you should brush after every meal.
If you can’t brush after a meal, you should rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in. This will help keep your aligners clean and will help prevent bacteria from getting trapped in teeth and gums. You should also make sure to get your teeth cleaned by a dentist once or twice a year.
Results of Invisalign
Treatment times can vary depending on the issues that need to be corrected. Treatment times generally take 6-18 months for most people.
As with any orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer after using the Invisalign system. The retainer is designed to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
To learn more about Invisalign and to see if it could help you, book an appointment over the phone with Dental Art of South Bay today.
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