Traditional metal braces have not been the cutting-edge invention that people rave about. Mostly because of how uncomfortable it can become and its seemingly permanent nature.
Apart from its stylish and comfortable feel, Invisalign is also a substitute for metal braces when it comes to teeth straightening. I believe you know all this already though, but there seems to always be just this one detail that could have helped you make a better decision, so here are five very vital things you should know about Invisalign.
1. Invisalign is a very personal product
There are instances of a general rule of thumb in medicine, for example, a vaccine is a vaccine; it prevents the infection it was made to prevent and it does that in everyone who takes it. However, Invisalign doesn't work that way.
It is a product that works and functions on custom-based procedures. While all Invisalign achieves the same purpose; to make your smile brighter, one is not made to serve two, not even identical twins. In addition, the purpose for using Invisalign may differ between individuals; one might be to align the teeth together, while the other might be to cover up stains on the tooth.
The treatment plan is adapted to the precise patient it’s made for because they’re all custom-made. There isn’t a general procedure for the treatment but generally, expect the treatment to last about 12 to 18 months.
2. Invisalign is not an entirely painless process
Now the treatment is not as painful as with metal braces but patients might experience some mild pain with Invisalign. As the treatment proceeds, a fresh set of aligners will be given based on doctors' discretion. In cases where patients report pain, most say it only hurts when they change to a new set. A common occurrence is for the discomfort to remain a day or two before it stops on its own. These pains can very well be managed by regular pain relievers.
3. Treat it like your regular teeth
Invisalign in SW Calgary is specially designed to fit your life, it was made to suit you and your needs, not make life harder. The aligners are hardly noticeable to others and they do not need you to transform your diet or alter the activities you participate in.
However, you do need to brush and floss before you use your aligners again when you remove them and you will have to see your Invisalign specialist continuously, about every six to eight weeks, for as long as your treatment lasts.
4. The treatment is not the end
Invisalign near you is a long-term treatment but it doesn't even end when the treatment is over. Although your teeth will already be in the proper shape by the time you are done with your aligners, you will then need to start the maintenance mode. The aligners will be off but the retainers will have to be worn for a while, based on the advice offered by your dentist in SW Calgary.
5. Invisalign is not for everyone
Just before you get your hopes up, you should know that Invisalign might not be for you. Certain health conditions that traditional metal braces will amend can not be treated with Invisalign, some of which include: severe overbite; too-short or pegged teeth; large gaps; patients with prior dental works; etc.
Although there is no age limit for it, it is expected that all the teeth have emerged for children, and the individuals should be matured and ready enough to keep the braces on for at least 22 hours a day.
Please visit Bow Trail Dental to speak to our dentist near you about if Invisalign is right for you.