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What to Know Before Getting Invisalign in Hollywood, FL
Are you wondering if Invisalign is right for your dental needs? Find out what you need to know before getting Invisalign in Hollywood, FL.
Take a look at your smile in a mirror. Are there gaps between your teeth? Perhaps your smile isn't as straight as it once was.
If you don't have straight teeth, your risk of issues like tooth decay and gum disease could increase. Talk to your dentist about Invisalign in Hollywood, FL. Treatment can bring your jaws and teeth into alignment, protecting your oral health in the process.
Not sure if Invisalign is right for you? Read on to learn everything you need to know before treatment!
Consider Orthodontic Treatment Options
Invisalign treatment can improve crowding and spacing issues to produce straight teeth. However, Invisalign is ideal for mild and moderate issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Gaps between teeth
- Open bites
To determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment, schedule an appointment with your Hollywood, FL dentist. They can assess your smile to determine if Invisalign is right for you.
During your consultation appointment, your dentist will create a 3D image of your jaw and mouth. They can use these scans to show you how your smile will appear after treatment.
If the results don't suit your needs, talk to your dentist about other orthodontic treatment options. They may recommend traditional metal braces if you have more severe orthodontic issues.
You'll Need Attachments
When you're ready to begin Invisalign treatment, your dentist will add attachments to your teeth. The attachments will give you more leverage. They're glued to your teeth for the duration of your treatment.
Your attachments can get stained, especially if you consume a lot of red wine, coffee, or tea. Try drinking these beverages using a straw (when you're not wearing your aligners).
Your attachments and aligners may cause you to develop a lisp when you first begin treatment. It should disappear within a month. Keep wearing your aligners to adapt sooner.
Remain Vigilant
Pay attention to your orthodontist's instructions when you first receive your Invisalign aligners. You'll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth may not move into the desired alignment.
If you don't wear your aligners throughout the day, your orthodontic issues may get worse. You could delay your treatment plan.
With traditional metal braces, your orthodontic work will remain in place 24 hours a day. One of the benefits of Invisalign treatment is you can remove your aligners. You should remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
After brushing and flossing your teeth, you should put their aligners back on immediately. Some patients struggle to remain disciplined and vigilant about their Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign treatment isn't ideal for younger patients who may forget to put their aligners on. Treatment requires a commitment. If you don't wear your aligners, you won't see results.
Discomfort is Normal
You may experience some discomfort when you first begin treatment. Your Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit around your teeth. They'll apply pressure to your teeth to bring your smile into alignment.
The pain associated with treatment is minimal. Treatment doesn't require shots or drilling.
Discomfort can last a few days. You can reduce any discomfort you experience by:
- Applying a cold compress
- Taking over-the-counter medication
- Rinsing your mouth with saltwater
- Using Orajel
- Avoiding hard foods
- Drinking cold water
- Sucking (not biting!) on ice cubes
You'll grow more accustomed to your aligners over time. Try to remain patient as you and your teeth adjust to this new norm.
Try to stay on schedule. Don't rush to put in new Invisalign aligners too soon.
When it's time to switch to a new pair of Invisalign aligners, do so right before bedtime. Inserting your new aligners before bed will allow you to get accustomed to their new position while you sleep. You could experience less pain during the day.
Avoid taking your aligners out too often. Wearing your aligners longer can minimize how much pain you experience.
If you take the aligners out for too long, they'll fit more snugly than before. Your teeth will need time to readjust.
Dietary Adjustments
One of the benefits of Invisalign is retaining the ability to eat anything you want. With traditional treatment options, you'll need to avoid sticky or crunchy foods. These foods can get stuck on your braces and affect your oral health.
However, you shouldn't eat while wearing your aligners.
You shouldn't eat or drink anything besides water while wearing your aligners. Hot foods and beverages can warp or damage the plastic.
Chewing with your aligners in can cause them to break.
If you damage your aligners, it could delay your treatment plan while you wait for a replacement. Always remove your aligners before meals.
If you're experiencing discomfort, remove hard foods from your diet. Consume soft foods while your teeth adjust to treatment.
Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you'll switch between different pairs of Invisalign aligners. Each pair will bring your teeth closer into alignment.
You'll likely switch pairs every two weeks. Orthodontic work with Invisalign usually involves 64.1 pairs of aligners.
Talk to your Hollywood, FL dentist for tips on keeping your aligners clean. You should wash and brush your aligners daily to remove bacteria and plaque.
Don't use soap or mouthwash when cleaning your aligners. These products can cause discoloration, making your aligners less discrete. You could also damage the trays.
Use Invisalign cleaning crystals. Soak your aligners while you eat to avoid delays.
Retaining Results
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you'll wear aligners to retain your beautiful new smile. You should wear your retainers for three months, then to bed.
Retainers are a lifelong commitment. You may need to wear them periodically for the rest of your life.
Seek Invisalign in Hollywood, FL
Invisalign treatment can produce straight teeth and a stunning smile. Consider getting Invisalign in Hollywood, FL. Otherwise, talk to your dentist about other orthodontic treatment options to improve your smile and oral health.
Our team at Smile on Us has over 15 years of experience in specialized dentistry. We can help you achieve a smile you're proud of. Contact us today and mention our Invisalign special!
