The Perfect Alternative To Traditional Braces in Raleigh, North Carolina
It’s no secret that a beautiful smile full of straight teeth can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Unfortunately, the discomfort and time associated with traditional metal and wire braces dissuade some people from wanting them. VP Dental in Raleigh, North Carolina, offers Invisalign aligners. Invisalign is virtually invisible, includes no metal, and is custom-made for your unique teeth.
What is Invisalign?
The California company, Align Technology, created Invisalign. It is a teeth-straightening treatment that uses clear, removable plastic trays we call “aligners.” These aligners are made of smooth, flexible plastic and are sturdy and far more comfortable than traditional bracket and wire braces.
Invisalign helps straighten your teeth into alignment and improve your smile. It is very effective and far less restrictive than traditional braces.
How does Invisalign Work?
Dr. Preston, your Invisalign dentist, will take a digital imprint of your teeth. This imprint allows her to use computer technology to design your aligners. You can see your virtual treatment plan and get a preview of what your smile will look like even before treatment begins!
Your digital file is sent to Align Technology to create the aligners. Once you have your aligner, you’ll wear it 22 hours each day, taking it out only to eat or brush and floss your teeth.
The aligners fit comfortably over your teeth to slowly correct your smile. The series of trays are changed every few weeks and gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. You’ll need to see Dr. Preston regularly until treatment is complete to ensure your aligners are working correctly.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
Apart from stealthily correcting misaligned teeth, Invisalign in Raleigh, NC, has numerous advantages over traditional braces. First, you can feel more confident in your smile while you are receiving treatment. Your aligners are practically invisible, so you can smile as usual without worrying about someone spotting your hardware.
Because they are removable, your aligners also don’t keep you from using your teeth as usual. When you wear metal braces, you may have to avoid certain foods, and you would need to clean your braces after every meal.
With Invisalign, you remove them, eat as usual, then replace them (read more here). You can brush and floss normally and be free to enjoy all your favorite treats without worrying about compromising your orthodontic treatment.
Your treatment is also uncomplicated and more comfortable. Instead of frequent appointments to replace wires or add rubber bands, you’ll see Dr. Preston for quick check-ins. She can give you advice on caring for your aligners or make minor adjustments to your next set to keep up with your progress.
How do I care for my Invisalign?
Though you don’t wear aligner trays while you eat, they still need to be cleaned. It is best to clean your aligners twice per day by brushing them like you would your teeth. It only takes a couple of minutes by gently brushing with a toothbrush and water.
It is best to rinse the aligners each time you take them out to reduce bacteria buildup. And please avoid running them under hot water, as extreme temperatures can warp the plastic.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
In general, each treatment time varies from 12 to 18 months. The length of your treatment depends entirely on the complexity of the alignment problems. It also depends on the patient’s diligence in wearing their aligners as directed. Some patients can complete their treatment in less than a year.
As long as you wear your aligners as directed, you can start seeing results in only a few weeks. So, make sure you’re wearing yours!
Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?
Most patients experience a very slight lisp right at the beginning of treatment that disappears within a couple of days. If you continue to wear the aligners while talking, you will adjust your speech more quickly.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
The first few days, each time you are given a new set of aligners, you may feel a bit sore. This soreness is perfectly normal and a sign that the aligners are doing their job.
Why Invisalign Over Other Products?
There are many clear aligner options, but Invisalign is the gold standard. Invisalign has treated 9 million smiles and counting! It is the most trusted brand in invisible aligners.
Can I Smoke With Invisalign?
Ask any dentist, and they will warn you of the dangers smoking has on tooth decay and gum disease. All dentists discourage smoking. During Invisalign treatment, it can stain and discolor the aligners, which doesn’t make them so invisible anymore.