We see lots of patients in our Merrivile and Munster clinics who are concerned about the alignment of their teeth. This is not entirely surprising, considering that the condition (technically known as malocclusion) affects 70 percent of the U.S. population. Most report embarrassment that comes with crooked or unusually spaced smiles, but misalignment goes beyond aesthetics. Teeth that are not properly aligned can cause larger dental issues like decay, disease, jaw pain, headaches, and even tooth loss.
Although teens might typically come to mind when you think about someone straightening out a smile, more and more adults are receiving treatment for misaligned teeth. This is most likely due to an increase in options that focus on working around the patient’s current life and needs. One of the more popular examples of this approach is Invisalign, a treatment system that employs lightweight, clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. Invisalign is popular for many reasons: it is effective, simple, and incredibly discrete. One of the biggest benefits is that, unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed anytime you want, including for special events like job interviews and weddings.
If you are thinking about getting Invisalign for yourself, you’ll want to have an understanding of what takes place during the alignment process. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
You’ll Be In The Loop The Whole Time
In some ways, Invisalign may seem too good to be true, and perhaps even a bit mysterious. However, your expected end results will not be a secret at all. Before starting the process, you can review a virtual plan which will predict how your teeth will look at the end of your treatment time.
Consistency Is Key
Invisalign aligners are easy to remove, which makes them ideal for eating your favorite foods without worry, but it’s still important that you keep them in your mouth as often as you can so that you do not delay the alignment that’s in the works. The good news is that your aligners will be fairly comfortable. With no pointy wires or painful brackets, you won’t feel as compelled to take them out to begin with.
Patience Is Important
Invisalign was created to be convenient. In fact, from time to time, you might actually forget that you are wearing your aligners. The drawback to not remembering they are there is that you might also forget their purpose. Don’t be in too big of a rush for your teeth to be straightened out. For most patients, it can take over a year to see complete results.
Checkups And Maintenance Are Essential
To make sure that your alignment is on track, you will need to have regular appointments in our office to evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed. It’s also important that you maintain a regular or even advanced dental routine as you wait for your results. This means at least twice-daily brushing with ADA-approved products and daily flossing. You might also consider investing in a water flosser to improve your dental hygiene.
Our patients love Invisalign, and we think you will, too. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about the process.
