Do you have crooked teeth but don’t want braces? Try Invisalign, a modern alternative to metal braces that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth over time. Invisalign is a cosmetic dental treatment that can create more even, balanced smiles.
Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign can also prevent bite problems, discomfort eating, and even tooth decay or gum disease. Dr. Anthony Yaldo provides Invisalign for patients with misaligned and crooked teeth in our Keego Harbor, MI, dental office.
Invisalign in Keego Harbor, MI
Before Invisalign treatment, Dr. Yaldo will take dental X-rays to evaluate the bite and tooth position. He will also ensure that patients do not have any other dental problems like cavities or gum disease that will affect treatment. Then, we will take images of the smile to send to a dental laboratory, where a custom set of aligners will be made for your unique treatment needs.
Once the aligners are complete, we will place the first set and discuss how to change and care for them during treatment. The aligners work by applying pressure on the teeth over time. Each pair of aligners is different and will gradually shift the teeth into a straighter position. Invisalign only requires office visits every once in a while for our team to keep track of treatment progress.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners and Maintaining Results
We recommend that patients wear their Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. Remember to keep your aligners and aligner case with you at all times to ensure that you wear them for enough hours a day. Not wearing the aligners for hours or days can lead to longer treatment times. The aligners are meant to be switched out for a new pair every couple of weeks; not wearing them long enough can potentially slow down treatment.
It’s important to clean Invisalign aligners every day. You will remove your aligners to eat and drink and clean your teeth and aligners before placing them back in your mouth. Mouthguard soaks, Invisalign crystals, liquid soap, and water effectively clean the aligners. After removing them for eating and daily oral hygiene, you can place your Invisalign aligners in their case. Keeping the aligners in their case will ensure you don’t drop, lose, or damage them.
After completing the Invisalign treatment, you must wear a retainer. At first, you will wear the retainer constantly. After three to six months, you only wear your retainer at night. Retainers prevent problems like orthodontic relapse, which occurs when the teeth begin to shift back to their original positions. Like Invisalign aligners, you can clean your retainers with mouthguard soaks.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is often the top choice for patients wanting to straighten crooked teeth. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case. Most patients complete treatment within 12 to 18 months, but some cases may be shorter or longer. After evaluating your teeth, Dr. Yaldo will give you a customized estimate. Consistently wearing your aligners as instructed plays a key role in staying on track with your treatment timeline.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign is generally not painful, but you may experience discomfort or pressure when switching to a new set of aligners. This sensation indicates that the aligners are working to move your teeth. The discomfort is usually mild and temporary, often lasting just a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if needed.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
For the best results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. They should only be removed when eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, and flossing. Consistently wearing them ensures your teeth move according to schedule. Skipping wear time can delay progress and lengthen the overall treatment time.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
You should remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything besides plain water. Eating with them on can damage the aligners or cause staining, and beverages like coffee, tea, or soda can warp the plastic. After eating or drinking, brushing your teeth before putting the aligners back in is important. This helps keep both your teeth and aligners clean and odor-free.
What happens if I lose or break an aligner?
If you lose or break an aligner, contact your dentist immediately. They will advise whether to move on to the next aligner or wear the previous one while a replacement is made. Wearing an ill-fitting or damaged aligner can affect your treatment outcome. It’s important to handle aligners carefully and store them in their case when not in use.
Will I need retainers after Invisalign treatment?
Yes, retainers are typically required after completing Invisalign to maintain your new tooth positions. Teeth naturally try to shift back to their original places without retention. Your dentist will provide custom retainers and let you know how often to wear them. Wearing your retainers as instructed is crucial to preserving your results.
Straighten Your Smile Today
Are you interested in Invisalign treatment and want to know more? Call our Keego Harbor office for an Invisalign consultation or (248) 682-0922 or request a dental appointment with Dr. Yaldo on our website. Please let us know if you have questions about Invisalign treatment; we will gladly help.