Dental misalignments can make a person nervous about showing their smile and may lead to a host of oral and overall health issues like hygiene difficulties, tooth injuries, uneven enamel wear, and pain in the neck, head, back, or jaw. Thankfully, Invisalign has allowed many patients to discreetly and comfortably address these problems with inconspicuous clear aligners that are removable and virtually invisible when worn. Here’s a quick guide to how the process works and why you’ll probably need to have both arches realigned during treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic solution that realigns teeth using customized clear aligners designed to fit snugly over either arch of the patient’s smile so they can exert the constant pressure necessary to shift the teeth into healthier positions. For the treatment to be successful, the patient will need to wear their appliances for at least twenty hours each day while adhering to a list of hygiene and maintenance instructions. Most patients report that the process is much more comfortable and convenient than traditional braces.
How Can I Keep My Invisalign Treatment on Track?
To keep your Invisalign treatment progressing as planned, you’ll need to stick to a few important rules like:
- Wearing your aligners at least twenty hours a day. It’s best to only remove them for meals and oral hygiene sessions.
- Removing your aligners before eating or drinking anything but water.
- Carefully brushing and flossing each time before reinserting your aligners.
- Thoroughly cleaning your aligners at least once a day.
- Switching to the next set of aligners in your program every two weeks or so as instructed by your dentist.
- Keeping up with regular checkups with your oral healthcare provider.
Can Invisalign Straighten Only One Arch of Teeth?
Some people have more pronounced misalignments in their top rows of teeth than their bottom ones, and it is sometimes possible for Invisalign to straighten only a single dental arch. However, it is usually necessary to treat both arches at once so they can be coordinated into a well-aligned bite. Your dentist will be able to help you understand the best way to achieve a straighter and healthier smile.
Don’t let dental misalignments make chewing, speaking, and smiling difficult. Consulting with your dentist can set you on the path to better oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Hui Zhang earned her dental degree at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and keeps her skills sharp by regularly participating in continuing education coursework. Her office in Justin offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To schedule your consultation for Invisalign, contact her practice online or dial (940) 946-0055.