When you have crooked teeth, you usually want a permanent solution to correct them. Not only does it make you more comfortable with your smile, but you can avoid the potential oral health problems that crooked teeth can cause. At Claremont Dental Institute, we offer Invisalign treatment to straighten your smile. But is it a permanent solution for your smile?
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are one of the most popular methods of replacing missing teeth. Instead of metal brackets and wires like traditional braces, these clear plastic aligners are much more subtle. About once every two weeks, you switch to a new set of aligners. Each set is slightly different to move your teeth to the right place slowly.
One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. While you must wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day, you can remove them to eat and brush your teeth. You don’t have to give up any foods you love with Invisalign. Treatment is also usually shorter than that of braces, with an average of about 12-18 months
Many adults and teens choose this method because it’s not extremely noticeable. If you take good care of your aligners and they stay clear, people might not even be able to tell that you’re wearing them. You can treat your crooked teeth and don’t have to feel self-conscious when you’re wearing Invisalign.
Are The Results Permanent?
The short answer is yes. Invisalign treatment is designed to be permanent. However, that doesn’t automatically happen. During the length of your treatment, you have to take care of your aligners properly and ensure you’re following your dentist’s instructions. You also can’t skip appointments or follow-ups, as these help determine that you’re staying on track with treatment.
During Invisalign treatment, we’ll give you instructions for properly caring for your aligners. It’s important that they stay clean and you follow these instructions to not interfere with treatment. If you don’t take care of the aligners properly, they may not perform the duties that they’re supposed to be performing.
It’s crucial to understand that you can’t speed up your treatment. It’s tempting to change the aligners before your teeth are ready. Just because your teeth feel like they’ve adjusted to the new aligner doesn’t mean they’re set. Trying to force treatment to be quicker can lead to loose teeth and damage to your mouth.
At the end of Invisalign treatment, most people will get an Invisalign retainer. The amount of time you have to wear the retainer each day may vary. You may have to wear it most of the time in the beginning, and then it will taper off. Following the retainer instructions is one of the most crucial steps to keep your results. It helps to keep your teeth in the right place when treatment is over.
Is Invisalign Right For You?
If you have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, Invisalign can be a good treatment option for you. With every cosmetic treatment, we have a consultation first. The dentist will talk to you about your cosmetic goals and your budget. We’ll also do a full oral exam to determine if Invisalign is your best option. Call us or schedule an appointment online to get started.