Invisalign clear aligners are specially-crafted to fix gapped, misaligned, crowded or crooked teeth. Made from BPA-free plastic, they provide a discreet alternative to traditional braces. Before you settle on Invisalign in Dublin to upgrade your smile and correct your bite, a local dentist lists 5 questions you should be sure to ask about the process. Read on to learn what queries to make so you can move forward with achieving the smile you’ve always wanted!
#1 – How long do I have to wear Invisalign aligners?
For the Invisalign process to be effective, the plastic aligners must be worn at least 22 hours a day. That’s because without the constant tension they provide, any progress made can easily be lost.
#2 – Can I eat while wearing my aligners?
One of the reasons that Invisalign aligners are only required to be worn 22 hours a day is that you’ll need to remove them before you eat or drink any type of beverage other than water. Therefore, you can prevent the aligners from breaking or becoming warped. An added perk is that you’ll be able to eat all the foods you love.
#3 – How can I clean my teeth with Invisalign?
For patients fitted with traditional braces, there are some strict guidelines that have to be followed when performing dental hygiene. Different from the normal protocol for cleaning teeth, they require some careful steps that will prevent a bracket or wire from breaking.
This is not the case with Invisalign. Just as the aligners need to be removed to eat, they also must be taken out before you perform dental hygiene. Thus, you can brush and floss as you usually would.
#4 – How should I clean my aligners?
A big part of having a successful treatment process is to keep your teeth healthy. Thus, along with practicing excellent dental hygiene, it’s equally important to clean your aligners properly.
Here are some simple steps to keep in mind:
- Rinse the aligners under cool water whenever you remove them.
- Soak the aligners using specially-designed cleaning crystals or denture cleaner.
- Brush and floss your teeth.
- Before reinserting the aligners, carefully brush and rinse them.
#5 – How do I know Invisalign is right for me?
Because the Invisalign process is highly customized, the only way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure is to visit your dentist for an initial smile assessment. At that time, he or she will let you know whether you’re eligible and all the other pertinent details you need before moving forward.
To get more answers to your Invisalign questions and to have a plan of action developed to upgrade your smile, contact your local dentist today!
About the Author
For nearly two decades, Dr. Eric Buck has been providing effective and compassionate dental care. The Ohio State University College of Dentistry graduate boosts his patients’ confidence by fixing their smiles with Invisalign clear aligners at Distinctive Smiles of Dublin, and he can be reached for more information through his website.