Commonly Asked Questions About Invisalign

For those who may be self-conscious about misaligned or crooked teeth, the Invisalign® gradual aligner tray system can be a good alternative to wearing braces. The aligners work well for people who do not want to wear the more obvious metal braces or who want the flexibility to remove them for brief periods. Learning more about them can help a person understand whether the aligners are a good choice.

How does Invisalign® work?

The dentist will send copies of the results of an exam, X-rays and a series of photos to the Invisalign® labs, where the custom of aligner trays are built. In about six weeks, the trays are mailed back to the dentist for a patient fitting and use and care instruction. Approximately every four to six weeks a new set of aligners will arrive. For those who have additional questions, here are some things to consider

Is wearing the aligners painful?

A person may experience some degree of discomfort when adjusting to each updated set of aligners. This discomfort should be alleviated with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. If a person suffers genuine pain the doctor should be consulted. The adjustments from tray to tray is gradual and should only cause discomfort for a few days when adjusting to the new set.

Is speech affected when wearing the aligners?

Speech may not feel as natural at first, but with continued wearing and the passage of time, one can adjust to the “full-mouth” feeling. Some people suggest singing for a few minutes in the shower, when driving down the road or at other times can make the adjustment process go faster. In any case, speech seems to resolve itself in most cases within one to two weeks.

Do the trays need to be worn continuously?

Correction only occurs while the trays are being worn. They can be removed to brush and floss, and while eating, but should be left in as much as can be tolerated, including during sleep.

How often does a patient need to visit the doctor?

The patient will need to visit the office every four to six weeks to receive the next set of aligners if a person is good about wearing the trays consistently. If the treatment is very extensive, or the patient is not compliant in wearing the trays, that time may need to be evaluated. 

Can someone wear Invisalign® if braces were worn previously?

That will depend on the nature of the correction that braces were used for and how completely the teeth were straightened. In most cases, however, the aligners can be used. A consultation can confirm that.

Do certain foods need to be avoided with the aligners?

There are no foods that need to be avoided at all. In fact, the aligners are removed while eating so there are no restrictions as to what can be eaten. They are also removed while cleaning the teeth.

Conclusion

Invisalign® trays are nearly unnoticeable and can be very effective. With relatively brief adjustment periods and the flexibility to remove them periodically, it is no wonder so many people have chosen this option over traditional braces.

Are you considering Invisalign® in the Chester area? Get more information at https://thechesterfielddentist.com/.

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