Invisalign is another alternative treatment that straightens teeth aside from the traditional braces. It covers your teeth with a series of custom-made clear braces aligning them in their proper position over time, thus a healthy smile is acquired.
In Singapore, Invisalign is an invisible and convenient way to treat a range of teeth conditions and imperfections including crooked teeth, gaps, crossbite, among others. Before you give it a go, here are the ten essential things you need to know.
Check your eligibility for Invisalign
Invisalign is not suitable for everyone, nor all teeth conditions. Although it is adored by the many due to its convenience and speed, it may not be appropriate for severe teeth problems. Consult your orthodontist to know if Invisalign is right for you.
Keep your aligners in as long as possible
It is important to wear your aligners all the time, even while you’re sleeping. You may only remove them when you’re eating or brushing your teeth. This means that your aligner should be in for at least 22 hours per day to get the best result.
In Singapore, your orthodontist creates an array of aligners, enough for you to change your Invisalign every two weeks for the entire period of your treatment.
You’ll need to adjust how you speak
Wearing Invisalign in the first few days or weeks may cause some speech changes. Some patients are reported to have a small lisp. But do not fret, this is temporary until you get used to your Invisalign. Other patients do not notice having this at all. Anyways, your orthodontist will check the condition of your teeth for at least twice a month or more if necessary.
You’ll need to remove them before eating
Do not forget to take your Invisalign off whenever food enters your mouth. You can drink clear, cold water with your Invisalign but never drink hot beverages with it in your mouth. The heat can distort the shape of your plastic aligners, which may no longer align your teeth.
Apart from that, since you have to wear your Invisalign for at least 22 hours a day, you have to maximize your eating schedule, you may have to sacrifice your frequent snacking or coffee sessions.
Ensure to brush after every meal
You have to strictly brush and floss your teeth after every meal. Make sure that no amount of food or sugar is left within your teeth before wearing your Invisalign back. This may lead to tooth decay or plaque since the aligner prevents the saliva from reaching your teeth. Always carry your toothbrush and toothpaste wherever you go.
It will take some time to adjust
You can expect a little discomfort since your mouth is still adjusting from your Invisalign. Your teeth may feel loose or extra sensitive but this is normal. Adjusting period may take for about one to two weeks. Talk to your dentist if you feel like something is off.
It’s virtually painless
You may feel a slight discomfort while your mouth is still adjusting with Invisalign. A little uncomfortable sensation can also be felt while your teeth are gently shifting within your gums, but this just means that the aligners are working. Overall, Invisalign is virtually painless compared to metal braces.
Set aside some extra time for daily dental care
You would normally need a couple of minutes only to accomplish your dental care. However, with Invisalign, you need to have extra minutes to fully clean every angle of your every tooth after every meal.
This is to avoid foods from being trapped in your teeth once you put your aligners back. You have to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth to ensure that this will not happen, otherwise, you may develop plaque or cavities.
Remember to clean your aligners
Cleaning your Invisalign is as important as cleaning your teeth. Besides, it is easy, you just need to gently brush your aligners with soft toothbrush and toothpaste then rinse it. You can also wash them with soap and water or use a special Invisalign cleaning solution. You may buy a cleaning tablet tailored to for Invisalign, in which you just have to put it in water with your aligners.
There’s no age limit for Invisalign
Invisalign is for all ages. Young children can have them under the vigilant eye of an orthodontist. For this age, the treatment is called Phase 1. Teens can also be a good candidate as long as they have the majority of their permanent teeth. Invisalign for adults of any age is viable, especially for people in their 20s, and even in their 80s, they can still get a satisfactory result.
Takeaway
Invisalign is a more convenient solution to solve certain teeth imperfections and conditions. With your full compliance, achieving the healthy smile you always wanted is within reach. Consult an orthodontist for professional guidance.
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