Invisalign has helped millions of people get a straight, beautiful smile they can be proud of. If you’re thinking about getting clear aligners, like Invisalign, from Dr. Joseph Smillie at Smillie Dental, there are a few things you to keep in mind about this transformational treatment process.
1. Your Treatment Will Probably Take About A Year
Invisalign aligners are usually worn for about 2 weeks each, and then swapped out for a new pair. Throughout treatment, you’ll need to come into Smillie Dental every 6 weeks or so for an exam. During your regular check-ups with Dr. Smillie, he will ensure that your treatment is progressing properly.
Most people require somewhere between 20-24 sets of aligners to complete their treatment, which puts the average treatment time at just under a year. This means that Invisalign is usually quite a bit faster than traditional braces, which can take 2 years or longer.
2. Invisalign Isn’t Right For Everyone
If you have serious gaps in your smile or extremely crooked and misaligned teeth, traditional braces may be a better option for your needs. Similarly, if you have significant bite misalignment issues, a different orthodontic treatment may be necessary.
In general, Invisalign is only right for people who have minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues. If you have severely crooked teeth, metal braces are likely the best option for you. During your consultation, Dr. Smillie will assess your teeth and determine which options will work for you, then work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
3. You’re Responsible For Wearing Your Aligners Properly
Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are easily removed, and this has a number of advantages. The removable aligners can be taken out to can eat and drink, and you can also remove them for contact sports, or to brush and floss your teeth.
However, this also means that you’re responsible for remembering to wear your aligners properly. You should be wearing them for at least 22 hours per day. If you do not wear your aligners for enough hours each day, your treatment will take a much longer time and the results will not be as good.
4. You’ll Need To Stop Smoking
There are dozens of reasons to stop smoking. Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health, especially if you’re wearing Invisalign. Smoking will stain your aligners, yellowing them and making them obvious against your teeth.
Smoking can also impair the natural healing process of the teeth, and make your treatment last much longer. We recommend never smoking while using Invisalign. There’s nothing like looking forward to a beautiful, straight smile to help kick the habit!
5. Avoid Drinking Coffee Or Other Colored Beverages While Wearing Invisalign
You should only drink water while wearing your aligners, because this ensures that they won’t get stained. Acidic and dark beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda can miscolor your aligners.
If you must have your morning coffee while wearing Invisalign, take your aligners out before drinking it, and brush your teeth immediately after finishing your beverage. This will prevent staining, and also help you maintain healthy teeth.
Get An Invisalign Consultation At Smillie Dental Now!
Dr. Joseph Smillie has experience treating Invisalign patients of all ages. Whether you’re a teenager or a young adult, or you’re an older professional looking to straighten your teeth while avoiding the stigma of “adult braces”, we’re here to help at Smillie Dental.
Get the smile you’ve always wanted in Port Orange! Contact us at (386) 317-4754 for an appointment, or stop by our office at 5537 South Williamson Blvd, #675, Port Orange, Florida 32128.
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