Invisalign® Bolton
Invisalign clear aligners are a virtually invisible way of straightening misaligned teeth, filling in gaps, or repairing overbites. In other words, anything traditional braces can do, Invisalign clear aligners can do too, without scarring the insides of your lips and cheeks. Often, results are noticeable in a short period compared to metal braces as well.
By using a series of clear, removable aligners made from flexible medical grade plastic, Invisalign treatment can straighten your teeth with results you’ll notice sooner than you think. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into a straighter position step by step, until you have the straighter smile you’ve been dreaming of. And unlike metal braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat, drink and brush your teeth.
How Long Do I Need to Wear Invisalign Aligners?
An average Invisalign treatment course takes about 12 months, whereas traditional braces may typically take around 24 months. You’ll visit our dentist every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and to check progress. After adjustments, you may feel some discomfort as your teeth get used to the new feel, but this should subside after a few days, but the process is not painful.
During these intervals, you’ll receive a new set of custom-molded clear braces that will continue to straighten your teeth. The total number of clear aligners you wear is specific to each case and also determined by our dentist for your individualized course of treatment.
When it comes to daily wear, Invisalign clear aligners should worn for approximately 20-22 hours of the day. Failure to wear the aligners for the suggested time can result in more discomfort when wearing them and a longer treatment plan in total. And yes, you will need to wear retainers at night after your Invisalign treatment has completed. Not wearing the retainers can also result in discomfort when wearing them and even cause your teeth to shift again.
Why Is Invisalign Treatment So Popular?
Since Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, there’s no unwarranted attention to your mouth. Very few people will notice at all, unless you tell them of course! They’re comfortable to wear and you can remove them easily when you need to eat, drink brush, and floss.
You also don’t have to adjust your diet as you would with other treatments because it won’t get stuck in the brackets! It’s important to remember to clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in though as food debris left between your teeth can cause them to yellow over time. Don’t drink or eat with them in either as this can damage or bend them.
But the best part about Invisalign treatment is it’s for patients of all ages who want to enhance the appearance and function of their smile. It’s not just a popular request for teenagers, but also adults!
How To Clean Your Clear Aligners
Aligners are easily removable and also easy to clean! Before putting them back in, make sure you brush and floss your teeth to avoid discoloration.
When it comes to cleaning the series of clear aligners themselves, we’ll provide you with a few examples before you leave our office. You’ll want to have either denture cleaner or retainer cleaner on hand and soak the aligners in the solution mixed with cold water. It’s important to remember not to rinse them with hot water as this can bend the material. And, as surprising as it is, we don’t recommend cleaning them with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Toothpaste (especially whitening toothpaste) is abrasive and can scratch the aligners, so use an antibacterial soap instead!
YOUR HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL SMILE IS OUR PRIORITY
Every single day, our dedicated dental team speaks with our patients to answer any of the questions they may have regarding the health and maintenance of their oral health.
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.