In the last few years, more and more people have been going to the dentist to get their teeth straightened. In fact, in 2018, over 1.6 million adults in the United States decided to start orthodontic treatment, which is a bit more than the 1.55 million who did so in 2016. It turns out that many adults, as well as kids and teens, could use some help with their teeth alignment. Actually, about 70% of adults could benefit from orthodontic treatment, and nowadays, about 32% of people getting their teeth fixed are adults.
This trend is growing for a few reasons. People are learning more about how important it is to take care of their teeth, they want to feel better about their smiles, and there are now cooler and less noticeable ways to get treatment. One of the coolest new methods is using invisible teeth aligners instead of the traditional metal braces that we’re all used to seeing.
Invisalign 101: What Are Invisible Teeth Aligners?
Think of invisible teeth aligners as the modern way to straighten your teeth without anyone really noticing. They’re made from a clear plastic or acrylic that you can hardly see, and they fit right over your teeth. These aligners gently push your teeth into the right spot over time. The best part? You can take them out whenever you want, which makes them super comfy and convenient. This is why both grown-ups and teenagers who want a better smile without metal braces love them.
How Are They Different From Regular Braces?
The main thing that sets invisible aligners apart from old-school metal braces is that you can barely see them, and they’re flexible. Metal braces use those shiny brackets and wires that everyone can spot a mile away. But clear aligners are different. They’re made from transparent plastic trays that fit over your teeth, so most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. Plus, you can pop them out for meals, brushing, and flossing, something you can’t do with metal braces stuck to your teeth.
Why Go For Invisible Aligners?
There are plenty of reasons why someone might pick invisible aligners over the usual braces:
- They’re Practically Invisible: The clear plastic means your teeth-straightening journey is your little secret.
- Take Them Out Anytime: Want to eat your favorite snack or brush your teeth? Just remove the aligners. It’s that easy.
- No More Ouch: Say goodbye to the mouth pokes and prods from metal brackets and wires. These aligners are smooth and comfortable.
- See the Future: Thanks to some cool technology, you can actually get a sneak peek of how your teeth will move and look at the end.
- Keep Your Teeth Clean: Since you can take these aligners out, brushing and flossing are a breeze, helping you keep your smile healthy.
How Invisalign Straightens Your Smile
Thinking about getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign? Great choice! But first, let’s break down how it all works in simple steps. Invisalign is like the invisible magic trick for a perfect smile, without the hassle of metal braces.
- Meet the Dentist: First things first, you’ll chat with a dentist who knows all about Invisalign. They’ll check out your teeth and see if Invisalign is a good fit for you.
- Seeing the Future: If you’re all set to go, your dentist will use some cool 3D technology to take pictures of your teeth. This isn’t just any photo session; it helps them map out a custom plan that shows how your teeth will move step by step and even what your smile will look like at the end.
- Getting Your Aligners: Based on your smile plan, your very own aligners are made. These aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re crafted just for you, making them super comfy to wear.
- Wear & Switch: You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set. They gently nudge your teeth into place, little by little.
- Check-ins With Your Dentist: Every once in a while, you’ll visit your dentist to make sure everything’s moving along as planned. They might tweak things a bit to keep your smile journey on track.
- Keep Them On: For the best results, wear your aligners most of the day and night. Aim for about 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat or brush your teeth.
- See the Magic Happen: Before you know it, you’ll start seeing changes. And by the end of your treatment, you’ll have the smile you’ve always wanted.
After Your Invisalign Journey: What’s Next?
You did it! You’ve gone through the whole Invisalign process and now you’ve got that awesome smile you were working towards. But you might be wondering, “What comes after all this?” Let’s go over what you can expect once your Invisalign treatment is wrapped up, and some important tips to keep those teeth looking great.
Post-Invisalign: What Happens After Invisalign?
- Show Off That Smile: First things first, enjoy your new look! Once you take out that last set of aligners, you’ll see just how much your smile has changed.
- Time for a Retainer: To make sure your teeth stay put in their new spots, you’re probably going to need a retainer. At the start, it’s a lot like wearing your aligners—you keep it on almost all the time. After about six months, you might only need to wear it at night. You will receive precise instructions from your dentist..
- A Few More Dentist Visits: Even after the aligners are done, you’ll have a couple more visits to the dentist. They want to make sure everything’s staying right and your teeth aren’t trying to move back to where they used to be.
- Keep Those Teeth Clean: Just like when you had your aligners, brushing and flossing are super important. It keeps your new smile shining and healthy.
- Sometimes, A Little More Work: Occasionally, you might need a few extra tweaks with a few more aligners, just to get everything perfect. If so, it’s usually a pretty quick phase.
Tips for Keeping That Perfect Smile
- Wear Your Aligners and Retainers Right: Patience is key. Make sure you’re wearing those aligners and retainers as much as you should to get and keep the best results.
- Cleanliness is Key: Keep both your teeth and your aligners or retainers clean. This means less chance of bad breath, cavities, or stained aligners.
- Stick to the Plan: Change your aligners when you’re supposed to and follow any schedules your dentist gives you. It keeps things moving smoothly.
- Talk to Your Dentist: If something feels off or you’re not sure about your progress, call your dentist. They’re there to help you out.
Keep Smiling After Invisalign: Making Your Results Last
You’ve made it through your Invisalign journey and now you’ve got that awesome smile you worked so hard for. But remember, keeping that smile perfect doesn’t end when the last aligner comes out. The best way to make sure your new smile sticks around is by following a few key steps after your treatment is done.
Wearing your retainer as your dentist tells you, keeping up with regular dentist visits, and staying on top of brushing and flossing are super important. These steps help make sure your teeth don’t move back to where they started.
Think of your time with Invisalign as a long race. You are not done with something just because you have reached the finish line. There’s still a bit more to do to keep that win. You’ve come this far, and with a little more care, you can keep that winning smile bright and beautiful for years to come.
So, wear that retainer, keep those dentist appointments, and brush and floss regularly. It’s the best way to make sure your smile stays just as amazing as the day your Invisalign treatment ended.