There’s a reason you hear so much about Invisalign—it works beautifully and has created incredible results for thousands of patients around the world. However, there’s still a learning curve, which is why Johnson Orthodontics wants you to know some tips for Invisalign treatment.
Understanding Invisalign
In our offices, Dr. Johnson is very proud to offer Invisalign as a specialized treatment option for teen and adult patients. It’s a fascinating process, completely custom-made for every individual.
- Initial Consultation: During your initial appointment, Dr. Johnson will take a close look and examine the state of your smile to determine if Invisalign is a good treatment option for you. You can also discuss any special goals you may have.
- Digital Scanning: We use special software to create an ultra-detailed 3D model of your mouth.
- Treatment Plan: Our team will draw up a custom treatment plan to shift your smile into place, which will include details about your treatment duration and the number of trays you’ll wear.
- Fabrication: A series of custom plastic aligners is then manufactured in a lab. These are all slightly different, guiding your teeth into place.
- Fitting: Dr. Johnson will give you your first set of aligner trays. We’ll make sure everything is fitting the way it’s meant to, and provide you with detailed wear instructions.
- Progress Checkups: Each set lasts about 1-2 weeks before you proceed to the next one. You’ll come into the office periodically so we can assess your progress and make any adjustments you may need in the meantime.
- Retention: Once your active treatment is finished, you’ll transition to wearing retainers to keep your results in place.
Proper Usage
Our Johnson Orthodontics team wants to share some additional tips and tricks that will make your experience with Invisalign a success. Please remember that all questions are good questions; if you ever need additional advice, we’re more than happy to help out!
- Stick to the Script: Take every aspect of Dr. Johnson’s treatment plan as a rule, not a suggestion. Compliance is probably the most fundamental aspect of clear aligner treatment. Make sure you stay on track, and don’t try to create a new wear schedule for yourself!
- Wear Them Consistently: 20-22 hours away is the sweet spot for wearing Invisalign. It’s okay to struggle with this now and then—but be as diligent as you can about sticking to this timeline for the sake of your smile.
- Attend All Visits: Our follow-up appointments with you are also a big part of your overall treatment. Skipping these might cause us to miss signs that something is wrong or to delay necessary repairs or replacements to your aligners.
- Clean Your Aligners Daily: The mouth is a source of bacteria buildup when it isn’t cleaned properly, and the same goes for your aligner trays. They should be cleaned each day with a mild soap. Plaque and bacteria buildup can develop into tooth decay.
- Store Them Safely: Like a pair of glasses, you always want to safely store and keep up with your aligners when they aren’t in. Store them in a nice plastic case so that you won’t misplace them.
- Avoid Eating with Aligners In: Never eat with your aligners in. They can trap food particles which can turn into bacteria. Beverages other than water can also cause stains and discoloration of the plastic.
- Be Patient: Straight smiles don’t happen overnight, no matter how much we wish they could! This is a gradual process and a big commitment, so stay strong!
Words of Warning!
With these best practices in mind, here are a few cautionary statements for using Invisalign.
- Don’t Ignore Pain: It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit of discomfort with a new set of aligners. They’re tight on purpose and cause a shift to happen. However, acute, persistent, or severe pain isn’t normal. This could indicate a fit issue, but also potentially a dental problem. Either way, make sure you contact Dr. Johnson so he can address it promptly.
- Practice Great Oral Hygiene: Having excellent oral hygiene is always important, but it’s a make-or-break quality of Invisalign. To ensure you have the best results possible, be sure to brush and floss after every meal.
- Keep Track of Your Aligners: Replacement aligners can be provided, but not always right away. This is why it’s so important to keep up with your trays. If you lose a set, please give us a call as soon as possible.
One of a Kind
While any manner of orthodontic treatment can present some challenges for patients, it is always worth it for the amazing results. Our team is here to guide you through every step, providing tips, support, and encouragement so you get the best possible outcome. At Johnson Orthodontics, we are so proud to help out families in Huntsville and Hampton Cove!
Ready to start your Invisalign treatment? We hope to see you in one of our offices soon!
