Want to understand how you can get a straighter smile with clear braces?
Interested in getting Invisalign, the clear solution for a straighter smile? If so, you may have questions about the treatment process or even your candidacy for getting Invisalign. Here at Lakemoor Dental in Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights, Lakemoor, and Hainesville, IL, our dentists can help. Here are answers to some of the top questions regarding this popular alternative orthodontic treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Okay, so chances are fairly good that you have heard of Invisalign before but maybe you aren’t quite sure what it is or how it works. It’s a good thing you’re here! Invisalign treatment helps straighten teeth by using transparent aligners. Unlike traditional braces, there are no brackets or wires needed and no metal. The aligners are custom-made to fit over your upper or lower teeth to gradually move them around.
How does Invisalign actually straighten teeth?
This is a multi-step plan that involves having our dentist create your very own unique treatment plan that includes taking digital impressions of your mouth and creating a computerized plan of which teeth need to move and exactly how much they need to move to give you the smile you want. Then a dental lab will create your aligners, which will apply the proper amount of pressure to move teeth along, according to our dentist’s treatment plan.
Do I need to avoid certain foods?
There are certain foods that patients wearing traditional braces need to avoid to prevent damage to brackets and wires, but since Invisalign aligners are completely removable there are no foods that you will need to stay away from. Just make sure to remove your aligners prior to eating or drinking (except water).
Do I need to do anything special to keep my teeth and gums clean?
This is another benefit to having Invisalign—you don’t have to follow any unique or special oral care regimen. As long as you floss daily and brush twice a day you are doing what you need to, to keep your teeth clean. Just pop your aligners out and don’t forget to brush your aligners to prevent stains from forming.
How long will I need to wear my aligners?
While it might be tempting to take your aligners off whenever you feel like it, you do need to wear them regularly in order to see results. It’s highly recommended that you try and aim to wear your aligners around 22 hours each day. The average length of treatment for adults with Invisalign is about one year, but this can fluctuate anywhere from 6 months to 18 months depending on the severity of your dental issues.
Lakemoor Dental provides comprehensive dental care to the Arlington Heights, Lakemoor, Hainesville and Elk Grove Village, IL, areas. If you are interested in getting Invisalign or have questions about the other treatment options we offer call one of our offices today. Call (815) 363-8888 for Lakemoor, (847) 986-6300 for Hainesville, and 847-744-6240 for Elk Grove Village/Downtown Arlington Heights.