Do you have crooked teeth but don’t want metal braces? Dr. Morgan Chambers is an Invisalign® provider in Lexington, KY at Complete Dentistry for All Ages. She provides orthodontic Invisalign treatment for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Available for both teens and adults, our dentists often recommend Invisalign as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners can fix a range of dental health or cosmetic dentistry concerns. Invisalign provides several benefits to oral health as well as the convenience of comfortable and removable retainers.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The first step is a consultation with Dr. Chambers in her Lexington dental office. Once she determines that Invisalign is right for you, Dr. Chambers will create a customized treatment plan, and take an impression of your teeth. After you approve the plan, she will send the impression to the Invisalign laboratory. There, they will make a series of custom clear aligner trays for your teeth.
The patient will receive several sets of trays throughout their treatment plan. The patient will wear a set for about two weeks before moving on to the next set to gradually reposition the teeth. The length of treatment depends on your condition as well as your goals. Generally speaking, treatment takes 11 to 13 months, but some patients may achieve the results they want in as few as 8 months.
Special retainers and follow-up visits with Dr. Chambers will help ensure that you maintain your new straighter smile for years.
Invisalign Benefits
There are several advantages to choosing Invisalign over traditional braces, which make it a great option for many people.
Aesthetics
One of the main benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear, making them nearly invisible. This means you can straighten your teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces. Many people, especially teenagers and adults, prefer Invisalign because it allows them to maintain a more natural look while undergoing treatment. This aesthetic advantage can greatly affect how confident you feel during teeth straightening.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, making them more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Metal braces have brackets and wires that can poke or irritate the inside of your mouth, causing sores or discomfort. With Invisalign, the aligners are custom-fitted to your teeth, which means there are no sharp edges or wires to cause irritation. While you may feel some pressure when you first start wearing a new set of aligners, most people find that Invisalign is gentler on their mouths.
Removability
Another big advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Unlike traditional braces, fixed in place, you can take out your Invisalign aligners when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. This makes it much easier to maintain your oral hygiene during treatment. With traditional braces, food can get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it harder to clean your teeth properly. Invisalign eliminates this problem by allowing you to remove the aligners whenever you need to clean your teeth.
No Food Restrictions
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces. With traditional metal braces, you must avoid certain foods, like popcorn, nuts, or sticky candy, which can damage the brackets and wires. With Invisalign, you can continue eating all your favorite foods without restriction. Simply remove the aligners before eating and put them back in after you’re finished.
Shorter Treatment Time
For many people, Invisalign treatment can be faster than traditional braces. The exact time will depend on your specific dental needs, but many patients find that their treatment lasts about 12 to 18 months, shorter than the typical 2 years or more required for metal braces. The aligners are designed to move your teeth gradually but efficiently, so treatment may be completed in a shorter time frame, depending on the complexity of your case.
Fewer Dental Visits
Invisalign typically requires fewer visits to the dentist or orthodontist compared to traditional braces. With metal braces, you may need to visit your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks to adjust the wires and brackets. With Invisalign, you usually visit your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks, but you won’t need adjustments. Instead, you will be given multiple sets of aligners to use at home, which means fewer in-office appointments.
Easier to Maintain Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment, and Invisalign makes this much easier. Since the aligners are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth as usual. There are no brackets or wires to work around, so keeping your teeth and gums healthy is easier. Good oral hygiene is important throughout your treatment to avoid issues like cavities or gum disease, and Invisalign helps make that possible.
Caring for Invisalign
Caring for your Invisalign aligners is important to ensure they stay clean, comfortable, and effective throughout your treatment. Proper care will help you maintain good oral hygiene and prevent any issues with your aligners.
Clean Your Aligners Regularly
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is essential to avoid bacteria or plaque buildup. To clean them, rinse them with lukewarm water each time you remove them. You should also clean them with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a special Invisalign cleaning solution. Avoid using toothpaste because it can be abrasive and may scratch the aligners. Clean your aligners at least once daily to keep them clear and free from residue or bacteria.
Avoid Hot Water
Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic, and hot water can cause them to warp or lose shape. Always use lukewarm or cool water to rinse or clean your aligners. Hot water could cause the plastic to soften or change, affecting its fit and effectiveness.
Keep Your Aligners in Their Case
When you’re not wearing your Invisalign aligners, always store them in their protective case. This will prevent them from getting lost, damaged, or contaminated. Never wrap your aligners in a napkin or leave them out in the open, as this can easily lead to accidental damage or contamination. The case protects your aligners from dirt and bacteria while keeping them safe from being crushed or lost.
Wear Your Aligners as Directed
To achieve the best results, wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day, usually around 20 to 22 hours, is important. This includes wearing them while you sleep and only removing them to eat, drink (except water), and clean your teeth. If you don’t wear your aligners as directed, your teeth may not shift as intended, and your treatment could take longer.
Brush Your Teeth After Eating or Drinking
Because you need to remove your aligners to eat or drink anything other than water, brushing your teeth before putting them back in is important. This helps prevent food particles and sugary substances from being trapped between your teeth and aligners, which could lead to plaque buildup, cavities, or bad breath. If brushing isn’t possible, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to reduce buildup before putting your aligners back in.
Avoid Eating or Drinking with Aligners In
Always remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking (except water). Eating with your aligners in could cause them to become stained or damaged. Additionally, food particles can get trapped between your teeth and aligners, leading to potential oral health issues. Drinking sugary or acidic beverages while wearing your aligners can also increase the risk of cavities and plaque buildup, as the aligners create a warm environment for bacteria to grow.
Handle Aligners Carefully
Be careful when handling your aligners. Since they are made of thin plastic, they can crack or warp if dropped or handled roughly. When you remove or insert your aligners, use your fingers to gently pull them out or push them into place, making sure not to apply too much force. Avoid using sharp objects to remove or adjust the aligners.
Keep Your Aligners Away from Pets
Pets, especially dogs, may find Invisalign aligners interesting and chew on them if left out. To avoid damage or the need for a replacement set, always store your aligners in their protective case when not in use and keep them out of reach of pets.
Stay on Schedule with Your Aligners
As part of your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will provide you with a series of aligners to be worn over time. Each set is designed to gradually move your teeth into their desired positions. Make sure to follow the schedule provided by your dentist and switch to a new set of aligners when instructed. Delaying or skipping aligner changes can slow your treatment process and affect your final results.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular checkups with your dentist are essential during your Invisalign treatment. These visits allow your dentist to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. They will also ensure that your aligners are fitting properly and that your teeth are moving as expected. If you encounter any issues, such as discomfort or ill-fitting aligners, your dentist can address them quickly.
Invisalign FAQs
If you have any worries regarding orthodontic treatment using Invisalign, we’ve got your back! We hope the following list of FAQs will clear all doubts and anxieties that you might have.
How many hours a day do you really need to wear Invisalign?
Patients should wear Invisalign for 22 hours per day. The only times that patients should remove their Invisalign aligners is when they eat, and drink anything other than water. Patients should also remove them to brush their teeth, and to clean the aligners. Wearing the aligners in this way can decrease overall treatment time.
Does Invisalign stain?
Invisalign aligners can pick up stains over time, depending on the diet and oral habits of the patient wearing them. Some foods and drinks can stain aligners much more easily than others. Red wine, grape juice, coffee, and other strongly colored drinks can stain your Invisalign.
Even if you remove your Invisalign while drinking them, any dye and residue left on the surface of teeth can stain your clear aligner. Avoiding drinking deeply colored drinks is a good way to keep your Invisalign aligners clear.
How do you clean Invisalign aligners?
Cleaning Invisalign aligners is an important part of maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Our dental care team recommends that you clean your aligners every day to keep them free from bacteria and plaque.
Fortunately, cleaning Invisalign aligners is a simple process that only requires a few steps. First, remove them before brushing your teeth. Next, use a little bit of hand soap and your fingers to scrub them gently. Then, rinse them with cold or lukewarm water.
NEVER use hot water to rinse Invisalign aligners because this can warp their shape and make them unusable. Be sure to brush your teeth before putting your clear aligners back on! Also rinse your aligners every time you remove them. With regular cleaning, you can ensure that your Invisalign clear aligners will remain in top shape and help you achieve the straight teeth you desire.
How quickly do teeth move with Invisalign?
Most patients begin to see changes in the alignment of their teeth after two-to-three months of starting treatment. Patients need to keep in mind that their entire tooth structure and jawbone alignment is shifting into a straighter position, which is a slow process. Your mouth and jaw must gradually move and adjust throughout the realigning process so that progress is not too abrupt for your body.
If teeth shift too quickly, they may not remain in their new place for long. Also be sure to wear a retainer after treatment for at least double the time it took to straighten your teeth. This will also help you avoid orthodontic relapse, or your teeth going back to their crooked position.
Does Invisalign treatment hurt?
Invisalign treatment shouldn’t hurt. However, you may feel some discomfort at times. When you first put in a new set of aligners, your teeth might feel tight. This is normal and means the aligners are working to move your teeth.
You might feel some mild soreness in your teeth for a day or two after switching to a new aligner. This will fade as your teeth get used to your new aligners.
Most people find that Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. We don’t have to tighten any brackets or replace wires, which can poke the gums.
Is Invisalign noticeable?
Invisalign aligners are made from a clear plastic, which makes them blend in with your teeth. Because they are made just for your mouth, they fit snugly and look natural when you wear them. Some people might notice the aligners when you talk, but many find that they get used to them quickly. In fact, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them unless they look very closely.
What happens if I damage my Invisalign aligners?
Look at the aligners to see how badly they are damaged. If they’re just cracked or have a small chip, you might still be able to use them for a little while.
Call our Lexington office, and we will advise you on what to do next. If the damage is minor and you can still comfortably wear the aligners, continue to use them until you get new ones.
However, if the damage is too great and you have an old set of aligners, wear them until you get a replacement. Please call us if you damage your aligners as soon as possible so you can keep on track with treatment.
How much does Invisalign cost?
After a thorough exam and discussion of your dental health and cosmetic goals, Dr. Chambers will create a personalized plan of treatment. Invisalign treatment cost depends on the number of aligners you will need to achieve the desired result. The cost will also depend on the severity of your case, the length of treatment, and other additional services you may need. Everyone’s smile is unique.
Invisalign can be cost-effective versus traditional orthodontics. Dr. Chambers can help you find the monthly payment that fits your budget. Calculate your Invisalign treatment cost at: Invisalign.com/cost
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation Today
Dr. Chambers has extensive experience correcting smiles with Invisalign in the Lexington-Fayette area. Request an appointment online or give Complete Dentistry for All Ages a call at 859-251-3809 today. Let Dr. Chambers or a member of our team know if you have any remaining questions about Invisalign. We are more than happy to help.