How Do I Care For My Invisalign Aligners?
Thankfully, caring for your Invisalign aligners is as easy as it is straightforward. All you have to do is remove the aligners whenever you sit down for a meal, and make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly before putting them back on. Likewise, the Invisalign Cleaning System is available that uses a series of specialized cleaning crystals to help make things even easier.
How Long Will My Treatment Take?
Unfortunately, this is a complex question to answer because it’s really different for each person. It will all depend on the specific type of bite or other orthodontic issues that you’re trying to correct. Obviously more severe problems will take longer to fix than those that aren’t.
Usually, people go through Invisalign treatment for a period of between one and two years.
You will, however, want to make sure that you wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours per day, every day, without question. You can still take them out before you eat a meal and you can obviously take them out and replace them with a mouth guard for safety if you participate in any type of sports. But making sure that you’re actively wearing your aligners as directed by your orthodontist will help make sure your treatment finishes exactly when it should.
How Do I Get Invisalign?
This, too, is very straightforward. A comprehensive exam will be performed, during which 3D photos of your mouth will be taken. This has a number of advantages: not only does it really help to highlight your problem areas and what treatment needs to focus on, but you’ll also be able to see the exact smile you’ll have when your treatment is finished!
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
This will largely depend on not only how long your treatment is, but what orthodontic issues you’re trying to correct. Don’t worry, however – in the vast majority of all cases, Invisalign costs just about the same as traditional braces.
How is Invisalign Different From Braces?
Think of these techniques as two sides of the same coin. You’re arriving at the same result, you’re just using two totally different methods to get there.
Braces work via a stainless steel wire that is connected to brackets on your teeth. Over time, that wire slowly corrects your bite.
Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are almost like a second skin for your teeth. They’re very comfortable and you swap out aligners every few weeks to continue to move your teeth into position. Each set of aligners is a bit different from the one before it, essentially moving your teeth a little bit farther down the line towards completion. This is also why many people consider them to be more comfortable than regular braces.
Does Invisalign Fit an Active Lifestyle?
Invisalign is absolutely a good fit for an active lifestyle, regardless of what that happens to mean in your particular situation.
If you’re an athlete, for example, you don’t have a thing to worry about – just pop out your aligners before a game and go about your business. You should continue to wear your mouth guard, however, to protect your teeth from any type of trauma.