Many people who want straighter smiles prefer to avoid the ache, hassle, and frustration of traditional braces. If you’re seeking a more comfortable and discreet solution, you might benefit from Invisalign.
This service relies on transparent plastic trays that fit over your arches to gently shift them and continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to standard orthodontics. However, it’s important to be well-informed before proceeding with this treatment so that you’re not taken by surprise by some of its pros and cons. Continue reading to learn 3 things to ask your provider during your consultation before proceeding with Invisalign!
Question #1: How Does Invisalign Work?
Are you wondering what to expect from your treatment? It might vary slightly based on your circumstances, but typically, you start your journey by consulting your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate. If you are, they’ll make impressions of your mouth that are used to design all the trays that will be required to shift your teeth to their ideal places.
You’ll be directed to wear each set for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep your pearly whites from reverting to their starting positions. Then, after a week or two, you’ll be given the next set in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your smile.
Question #2: How Long Does Treatment Last?
Another reason that many patients choose this service over standard braces is that it often has a shorter overall treatment timeline. Many patients complete Invisalign within 12 to 18 months, which is shorter than the average 24 to 36 months frequently needed for traditional orthodontics.
Generally speaking, the period it takes to finish wearing all your trays can depend significantly on factors unique to your situation. For instance, if you don’t comply with the allotted wear times, your teeth are likely to shift to their starting places, which can add weeks or months to your timeline. Meanwhile, if you have more minor concerns or are treating a single arch, you might finish in as few as 6 months.
Question #3: Does Invisalign Hurt?
This option is considered more comfortable than braces because the smooth plastic trays don’t gouge the tender tissues inside your mouth like sharp metallic brackets and wires. But any treatment that places enough pressure on your teeth to shift them has the potential to cause aches, and Invisalign is no exception.
It’s normal to feel tender when you start wearing the trays regularly; however, the sensation is usually temporary and resolves on its own within a few days. Then, you may experience additional discomfort when switching to the next set in your series until your teeth acclimate to their slightly altered dimensions. Thankfully, you can often mitigate symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If you have other pressing questions or concerns regarding Invisalign, you can get more detailed answers from your provider during your consultation appointment!
About the Practice
Patients at the Khoi Dental Group benefit from two dentists with 30+ years of combined experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Murray and Dr. Le collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of world-class services, including Invisalign, under one roof. Their caring approach is combined with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (904) 262-8409.