Invisalign is a discreet, completely metal-free orthodontic solution to straighten teeth. Gentle, effective, and virtually invisible, it’s no wonder people all over the world have opted for the clear aligners to straighten their smile. Invisalign are also a popular choice with celebrities, with the likes of Justin Bieber, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams opting for the clear path to a straight smile. Whilst you may have heard how amazing they are, it’s always good to do your research before making such a big decision. Here are the things you need to know before taking the plunge.
1. They fix more misalignments than you think
A common thing we hear from patients is they’re pleasantly surprised at how effective Invisalign can be. People with severe misalignment often jump straight into thinking that traditional braces are they only way forward, without speaking to their orthodontist first. The good news, Smile Team base the route of all orthodontic journeys on a case-by-case basis. Whilst Invisalign isn’t suitable for everyone, it has shown amazing results on all types of malocclusions, even with patients who had written the treatment off! Our advice? Have a chat with an orthodontist or treatment consultant at Smile Team to learn more about how Invisalign works!
2. Treatment time isn’t the same for everyone
People always ask us how long their Invisalign treatment could take, and the answer is always an indefinite ‘it depends.’ Orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient, making it difficult to make a call. Generally speaking, treatment time with Invisalign aligners in simple cases can be as short as six months. However, a far more typical timeframe is 12 months to 18 months. In more complex cases, such as crowded teeth, the treatment time could be 24 months or slightly longer. The short answer is treatment requirements vary case by case, as no two mouths are the same.
3. They’re VIRTUALLY invisible
One of the key things that has made Invisalign so popular is how discreet they are. The claims of them being virtually invisible are true! However, ‘virtually’ is not the same as ‘entirely.’ Put it this way, at a glance it will probably look as though there isn’t anything in your mouth, but if you’re in a long conversation, or standing quite close to people, they may be slightly noticeable. That being said, they are far less obvious that traditional metal braces, and truly innovative for those feeling self-conscious about having orthodontic work.
4. They’re a custom-made solution
Okay, so technically all braces are custom-made, but Invisalign takes the traditional customisation model to the next level. No one else will have the same aligners or treatment plan as you do. Your Invisalign journey will start with a digital 3D scan of your teeth, which is far more precise and measures your teeth as they are naturally. This information is what we base your treatment plan and Invisalign trays on. These movements are systematically integrated into each aligner which you will change yourself at home every two weeks, keeping them customised and comfortable.
5. Oral hygiene is still important
Whilst it might feel as though Invisalign is protecting your teeth, it’s really important that patients don’t start seeing them as a get out of jail free card that allows them to get with slack with their oral hygiene. Consistent flossing, brushing twice a day and after every time you eat are the keys to protecting your mouth and aligners from bacteria, cavities and tooth decay. Want to up your oral health game even more? Rinse with mouthwash twice a day will perfect your oral hygiene even more, making your Invisalign journey as smooth as possible!
6. Your Invisalign aligners require some care
Keeping your aligners clean is just as important as keeping your teeth clean. They are going to be spending 22 hours a day in your mouth, and the last thing you want is germs or bacteria sitting there for that long. Whilst some may think brushing them with toothpaste is the logical option, doing so can actually damage your aligners, which nobody wants! There are several specialist Invisalign cleaners that will help keep them as clean as possible, that just require a simple soak to do the job properly. You can also use products around the house, we recommend equal parts of white vinegar and water to keep the aligners squeaky clean.
7. There is less discomfort than with traditional braces
A lot of people experience significantly less discomfort than traditional metal braces. Whilst they may be the more comfortable route, it’s important to remember that they are designed to realign your teeth – you’re going to feel something! Going in with your eyes open means the discomfort won’t catch you off guard, which in turn could make you panic and remove the aligners thinking something is wrong. Making an informed decision is what it’s all about – fail to prepare, prepare to fail. If you do experience a little discomfort some panadol or nurofen can be taken.
8. You’ll need to adjust your schedule
Who doesn’t love a long lunch? If you’re someone who really takes their time when it comes to enjoying your food, you may need to make a few small changes. For Invisalign to work its magic, you need to be wearing them for at least 22 hours a day. That doesn’t mean you have to totally re-adjust your meal times, you just need to start watching the clock. Your smile will thank you! Your H20 intake doesn’t need to change though, sipping water through a straw totally fine.
If you’re interested in Invisalign braces, come to us. At Smile Team, our specialist orthodontists provide Invisalign using flexible payment plans. To arrange an appointment, call 1800 7 6453 8326.
