Summary

Did you know? 

Nearly 1.4 million adults consult a dentist to fix their smile every year. 

Gone are the days when adult orthodontic treatment would be uncommon! Thanks to Invisalign, you now have the key to straightening your smile without the hassle of wired metal braces.

Therefore, if you’re considering opting for Invisalign, this blog is for you. In the following sections, we take a closer look at what to expect during your Invisalign treatment via topics like:

• What Is Invisalign? An Insight into Discreet Teeth Straightening
• The Invisalign Process in 5 Steps
• An Insight into Different Weeks Post Invisalign Treatment
• Tips to Care for Your Retainers

So continue reading in the following sections as we learn more about Invisalign in Frisco. 

What Is Invisalign? An Insight into Discreet Teeth Straightening

Invisalign transparent aligners are a unique teeth-straightening alternative to metal braces. These aligners help you straighten your teeth without the discomfort of metal wires or visibility. 

Metal braces are visually unappealing and require a lot of upkeep. These clear aligners address these issues: clear detachable trays help correct teeth without exposing metal brackets with sharp edges in your mouth.

During treatment, you must wear a series of trays to get your teeth back in alignment. The trays are customized to your mouth shape, making them comfortable for daily use.

Let’s learn more about the process in the following section. 

The Invisalign Process in 5 Steps

Knowing what to expect when you choose Invisalign can help you determine whether it’s the correct option. With just five steps and some time, you’ll have an amazing smile!

1. Your Initial Appointment

During your initial appointment, your Invisalign dentist will evaluate your mouth and talk with you about your cosmetic dental goals. They will let you know whether Invisalign is a suitable treatment option for you.

Some people may not be ideal candidates for this alignment method. If so, your dentist will explain alternative treatments. If you are eligible, they will outline the treatment process and provide an estimated timeline for your care.

2. Molding Process

Once you’re through with the molding process, you must undergo the digital molding process. Depending on your schedule, this might occur separately at your initial dental appointment.

At this stage, your dentist will take digital scans, pictures, and X-rays to produce an accurate model of your mouth and teeth. The model is then transferred to the Invisalign laboratory, where experts craft your personalized aligner trays.

3. Fitting the First Tray

After your Invisalign trays are ready, it’s time to pick them up! On your third visit, your dentist may implant tiny attachments on your teeth to secure the trays. These buttons are transitory, practically unnoticeable, translucent, and simple to install. 

Following this, your dentist will then verify that your aligners fit correctly. Now that your trays are installed and you know the aftercare procedure, it’s time to flaunt your flawless smile!

4. Follow-Up Appointments

The fourth visit generally occurs a few weeks after installing your initial tray. Your dentist will evaluate your tooth mobility and tray fit during this appointment.

The entire treatment consists of a succession of Invisalign trays. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign does not require frequent visits. Instead, you can return at regular intervals to monitor your progress. 

Remember, you will not need to visit the dentist when replacing your aligners. Besides, you may require a fresh digital scan to order more aligners if your treatment is not developing as expected, 

5. Straighter Teeth!

Now that you’ve completed the treatment, it’s time to allow your teeth to straighten naturally. 

However, at this phase, you must understand that the severity of the misalignment always determines the ultimate outcomes. Still, if worn as directed, you will surely have straighter teeth over time.

An Insight into Different Weeks Post Invisalign Treatment

Weeks One and Two with Invisalign Treatment

You should expect extremely tight aligners for the first week of Invisalign therapy. Your dentist can guide you on how to take them in and out, although it could initially be challenging. 

As the aligners loosen, taking them out will become easier. As the aligners are made to start shifting your teeth, you may probably experience some discomfort during the first few days. However, after the first week, most patients find the stiffness lessening.

Also, during the first week of wearing your aligners, you can notice a slight lisp in your speech. This might continue for a week or two until you become used to having them in your mouth.

Some people develop painful tongues when unintentionally sliding their tongues over their aligners. If you find yourself doing this, make a deliberate effort to avoid this.

Weeks Three and Four

Most people will start using new aligners every two weeks. You will most likely wear your second set of aligners in the third week of your Invisalign treatment. 

Again, within the first day or two, you may experience discomfort while adjusting to the new aligner trays. They will be tight again, but you should be able to pop them in and out without issue.

Remember, it is crucial to wear your Invisalign aligners for around 22 hours daily. They should only be removed briefly when you need to eat, wash your teeth, or perform other tasks. 

You must only keep brushing after you eat (or drink anything other than water) before changing your trays, even if it takes a little longer. You won’t need to alter your diet.

Tips to Care for Your Retainers

Retainers require proper care to stay in excellent condition. This will also save you money on replacement retainers. 

1. Keep it Clean: One of the most important things you can do to maintain your retainer is to keep it clean and track its location at all times. Bacteria may easily sneak inside your retainers and infect your teeth.
2. Ditch Toothpaste: Instead of using toothpaste (which might harm your retainer), you could switch to more neutral cleaning alternatives like soap and water. Additionally, you could switch to buying pills formulated to clean retainers.
3. Be Conscious of What You Eat: Take additional precautions while eating and drinking. When you eat, remove your retainer so food does not get caught inside. After eating, clean your teeth, rinse your retainer, and replace it. 
4. Cut Off A Few Things: Do not indulge in any act that might harm your retainer or teeth. If you smoke, discontinue as soon as possible. If you cannot quit, you should avoid wearing transparent plastic retainers, which can become yellow when exposed to smoke. 

What’s more? The best dentist in Frisco, TX, suggests avoiding chewing gum and consuming sticky confectionery when wearing a retainer. Those participating in sports should wear a classic wire retainer since it is more durable.

Note: If you wear a plastic retainer, avoid drinking hot liquids while they are in your mouth. The heat might cause it to melt and alter form.

Takeaway

• Thanks to Invisalign, you now have the key to straightening your smile without the hassle of wired metal braces. 
• On your third visit, your dentist may implant tiny attachments on your teeth to secure the trays. 
• Don’t let your doubts prevent you from getting a perfect smile. Visit our experts at Dental Arts of Frisco today to get answers!