Invisalign: Your Questions Answered
15 January 2023As Invisalign is becoming more and more popular, it is only natural that you will have questions surrounding what Invisalign treatment actually is, how it works, who it’s for. You may also be curious about the treatment time and process, the hours per day you need to wear the trays and more importantly how it will affect your life and eating habits. We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions for your convenience, here it is.
What is Invisalign?
What is Invisalign?In short, Invisalign is a new, discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is given its name by the trays that are used being almost invisible, so you can improve your smile without anyone knowing that you are receiving orthodontic treatment.
How is it different from normal braces?
There are a number of differences between Invisalign and traditional braces. These include:
- The amount of time you need to wear them, which is 22 to 24 hours per day whereas traditional braces are permanently attached to your teeth.
- Traditional braces are more forceful, which can cause pain and discomfort whereas Invisalign trays are custom moulded to your teeth.
- Traditional braces involve having brackets cemented to each tooth with a metal wire attaching them. Invisalign trays are plastic, and can be clipped onto your teeth meaning if there is an issue with a tray these can be removed ahead of seeing your dentist.
- Invisalign trays are clear and invisible, removing any need to feel self-conscious when wearing them.
- Typically, the treatment time for Invisalign is a lot shorter than traditional braces too.
Who is it for?
Invisalign can help people who suffer from crowded teeth, an under, over or cross bite, teeth with gaps, open bites, baby and adult teeth, or generally if you are wishing for naturally straighter teeth. It is available for children, teenagers, and adults.
How long does it take?
Between 6-12 months on average, but this will depend on the amount of treatment needed which will be calculated based on your specific teeth.
What’s the treatment process?
The first step for the Invisalign process is visiting your dentist. The dentist will take a fast and precise 3D digital model of your teeth to design trays custom made for you. From here, your trays will be made available for collection or delivered. You will then need to alternate the trays every two weeks following the schedule that your dentist will outline for you until your treatment is complete. You will also need to visit your dentist regularly to check on the progress and to take new moulds for new trays, but you should start noticing results within weeks.
How many hours per day do I have to wear the trays?
Approximately 22 to 24 hours per day, to allow time for eating and cleaning your Invisalign trays.
How will it affect my life?
You will hardly notice they are there until it becomes time to eat or to clean. They attach to your teeth using clip in trays that are invisible and comfortable.
Can I eat with the trays in?
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that they can be removed for mealtimes and for cleaning. As such, we do not recommend that you eat with the trays in because they are not built to withstand the pressure of chewing. This also makes cleaning the trays significantly easier.
When the treatment is finished, what stops my teeth from going back to how they were?
You will be provided with a retainer after the treatment is complete. You should wear this at least a couple of nights per week to prevent your teeth from reverting back to the condition they were in before.
How do I clean my Invisalign trays?
Cleaning your Invisalign trays is as easy as rinsing them once per night to ensure any food particles collected through the day are washed off. You will also need to scrub them with a soft bristled toothbrush gently with toothpaste as you would your normal teeth.
How quickly will I see results?
As soon as a few weeks in some cases! This will however depend on the level of treatment needed but as the average is one tray per two weeks, you should notice the progress after the first couple of trays have completed their work.