Here at Lozman Orthodontics, we truly value the trust you have placed in our talented team. We’ll listen to your goals and develop a treatment plan to address your needs. We want you to feel confident in every aspect of the treatment process! If you’ve recently decided to explore Invisalign clear aligner therapy for yourself or your child, it’s important to be fully prepared. Let’s take a closer look at what the Invisalign system is, how it works to straighten smiles, and how you can get the most out of your clear aligners!
What are Invisalign clear aligners?
To better understand what Invisalign is and how it works, it helps to know more about the differences between fixed and removable orthodontic appliances. Traditional braces are a fixed appliance, so Dr. Robin or Dr. Michael Lozman attaches them to your teeth and won’t remove them until you finish treatment. While the underlying function of Invisalign is the same, it uses a series of clear removable aligners to align your teeth.
When you look at the aligners, you may think the design seems simple. However, they are made of a special thermoplastic resin molded to fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth. Because they’re removable and nearly invisible, Invisalign aligners offer more freedom and flexibility than traditional braces allow. This makes them an excellent alternative if you want a more discreet treatment option that won’t interfere with your day-to-day life.
How do Invisalign aligners work?
Once we determine that Invisalign is a good fit for you, we’ll custom-design your aligners using a 3D scan of your teeth and gums to map out a precise treatment plan. Your plan will include the movements we want your teeth to make and what we want to see from the final results.
The total number of aligners worn throughout treatment varies by case, so some patients may need as few as 12, while others might need up to 48 or more. Treatment times will also vary, although the average is between 5 and 15 months. Your 3D scan will give us an indication of how long treatment is likely to take in your specific case.
Compliance is key
Invisalign treatment works on the same principle as braces, but there is one significant difference. Since the aligners are removable, their effectiveness greatly depends on your compliance. Once you receive your first set of aligners, you’ll wear them for 20-22 hours daily. You’ll also need to switch them out every 1-2 based on the type of movement your teeth require.
Although you won’t need to be seen as often as a braces patient, regular check-ups are still an essential part of your treatment process with Invisalign. You can expect to see us for follow-up appointments at our Latham office every 6-12 weeks for your orthodontist to check on the progress of your treatment. This is determined based on the type of movement that is required. Some appointments may be done virtually, so you don’t need to visit the office. This is great for our patients in after-school sports or who live far from the practice. We know how busy your schedule is, and we want to make your treatment as efficient and flexible as possible.
Keep your teeth and gums healthy
Invisalign’s removable aligners make it easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy while straightening your smile! Simply remove your aligner, then brush and floss just like you normally would. It’s important to pay close attention to your oral health while you’re an orthodontic patient, so brush at least twice daily for two minutes each time and floss every night before bed.
Keep your Invisalign aligners clean
There are several effective methods for cleaning your aligners, and some that definitely don’t work as well! To keep your trays in good shape, follow these DO’s and DON’Ts.
DO:
- Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligner back in to keep harmful particles from getting trapped.
- Rinse your aligners when you remove them since dry saliva and plaque can breed bacteria.
- Soak your aligners using denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals to keep your trays clear and sanitized.
- Clean your aligners with a clear antibacterial soap to keep them fresh and bacteria-free.
- Brush your aligners gently and carefully. Brushing too hard can scratch your aligners and leave visible marks.
DON’T:
- Eat or drink anything but water while you’re wearing your aligners. Many foods and drinks can stain or discolor your aligners, and some may even cause odors.
- Use toothpaste to clean your aligners. The abrasive agents that can make your teeth sparkle will have the opposite effect on your aligner and can create small traps for bacteria.
- Leave your aligners unprotected when they’re not in your mouth, as this can expose them to harmful germs and bacteria. Rinse them, soak them, and then rinse them again before returning them to your mouth.
- Soak your aligners in any sort of mouthwash.
- Put them in a heated liquid of any kind!
Wear a retainer after treatment
Whatever orthodontic treatment you have, your teeth will always remember their previous positions in your mouth and begin drifting that way naturally when there’s nothing there to hold them in place. This is why we always talk about the importance of retainers. Once your treatment is complete, we’ll provide you with a retainer and instructions on when to wear it. In most cases, you will wear your retainer when you sleep at night after your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete. Sometimes, we ask that you wear them during the day as well for a short time. This all depends on what the original malocclusion looked like. We will always give you specific instructions.
Enjoy freedom while you straighten your smile with Lozman Orthodontics
Like any new experience, Invisalign aligners can take a little getting used to. However, they’ll be just one more part of your daily routine before you know it! If you have questions about Invisalign or your treatment plan, our team is always here to help. We want your orthodontic experience to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible!
If you’re in Latham, NY, or the Capital District area and want more information on how Invisalign can improve your smile, call us today and schedule a free consultation with Dr. Robin or Dr. Michael Lozman. We’re excited to help you find your best smile!