INVISALIGN PLASTIC ALIGNERS
The FDA approved Invisalign in 2000. Since getting approved by the FDA in 2000, invisible plastic aligners, Invisalign, have become a game changer in the way kids and adults alike choose to straighten their teeth. Although traditional metal braces are still recommended for those who have significant problems with jaw alignment, Invisalign is a great option for those who want to transform crooked, crowded teeth into an amazing smile.
HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
If your orthodontist decides you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, you’ll go through a quick and painless process to obtain your aligners. First, your orthodontist will take photos and impressions of your teeth that they analyze and send off to the company to make your custom aligners.
Within two weeks, you’ll receive your first box of aligners that your orthodontist will insert and examine to ensure they fit correctly. Depending on your unique case, you’ll wear one set of aligners for one or two weeks, discard them, and repeat the process with the remaining aligners in your box. You’ll see your orthodontist regularly to track your process and make necessary changes. You’ll continue this process (about a year for teens and two years for adults on average) until your treatment is complete.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH INVISALIGN?
One of the biggest advantages of wearing Invisalign is that you don’t have to alter your lifestyle as much as you would with traditional braces. While using Invisalign, you should do the following:
Eat What You Want
Since you can take out your aligners at any time, no food is off limits during treatment. Chew gum, eat caramels, and enjoy popcorn, apples, and other crunchy or gooey snacks that are off limits with traditional braces.
Smile A Lot
Invisalign aligners are completely clear. You shouldn’t be self-conscious when wearing them because nobody will be the wiser.
Clean Your Aligners
Because you’ll wear each set of aligners for 22 hours a day, you’ll need to put in the effort to take good care of them. That means brushing them with water and a soft toothbrush, soaking them in denture or retainer solution, or soaking them in a homemade water and vinegar solution. These cleaning methods remove food and bacterial buildup that can stain or damage your aligners.
What Can’t I Do with Invisalign?
Wear Them While Eating
Eating or drinking anything but water while wearing your aligners is off limits. Biting into food could break your aligners while drinking coffee or dyed sodas can permanently stain them. For best results, put your aligners in your carrying case, eat or drink what you want, then brush your teeth thoroughly before re-inserting them.
Forget to Clean Them
Invisalign are designed to be invisible. Don’t defeat the purpose by forgetting to clean them regularly. Neglected aligners become cloudy, stained, and can trap bacteria that is harmful to your mouth. Clean your aligners regularly as directed by your orthodontist.
Treat Them Gently
Invisalign is strong enough to move your teeth, but carelessly grabbing or pulling them off can cause them to bend or break. Brushing your aligners with regular toothpaste can also damage them. Treat your aligners with care so they can do the job right.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Invisalign, make an appointment today with the skilled team of orthodontists at Amazing Smiles Orthodontics of Forest Hills, Brooklyn, and Long Island. We offer Invisalign treatment in addition to all kinds of orthodontic services.