Clear aligners have revolutionized the way people think about orthodontics. Unlike traditional metal braces, often associated with teenagers, Invisalign in Nashville offers a discreet and effective solution for adults who want to straighten their teeth without altering their daily routine or drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.
For that reason, Invisalign® has become a convenient and flexible option for adults who wish to enhance their smiles. This guide helps you understand clear aligners and the procedure for getting them as an adult.
What Is Invisalign and What Benefits Does It Have to Offer?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used to straighten teeth. It uses transparent, specially designed trays to move your teeth into the ideal position gradually. Each set of aligners needs to be used for one to two weeks before being replaced with the next one, and so on.
The aligners are a popular option for adults who require orthodontic treatment but prefer a more discrete option. They are made of smooth, comfortable plastic and are nearly invisible.
Moreover, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual. For this reason, adults with busy lifestyles tend to find them more convenient.
Step-by-Step Process for Using Invisalign as an Adult
Invisalign can treat various dental issues, such as crooked teeth, gaps, overbite, underbite, and crossbite, depending on the severity of the case. The process of getting this orthodontic treatment involves the following:
1. Consultation with an Orthodontist
The first step to getting Invisalign is scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist. During your consultation, we will evaluate your teeth, gums, and bites to determine if Invisalign is the right solution for your needs.
We will also take pictures, X-rays, and digital scans of your teeth to design a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
2. Treatment Plan and Custom Aligners
We’ll start creating a customized treatment plan using the scans and images. A digital model of your teeth will be generated, and the orthodontist will map out the precise movements your teeth need to make to achieve your desired results.
This model will also give you a preview of how your teeth will look after treatment, giving you an idea of the final result.
After your treatment plan is established, your custom aligners will be manufactured. You will receive a set of aligners, each designed for a specific stage of your treatment.
3. Wearing Your Aligners
To achieve the best results with Invisalign, it is crucial to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours per day. You should only remove them when eating, drinking (other than water), brushing, or flossing your teeth.
The longer you wear your aligners daily, the faster you’ll achieve your desired results. Since the aligners are removable, you can eat your favorite foods without worrying about brackets or wires getting in the way.
However, it’s essential to remove your aligners before meals to avoid damaging them, as they’re not made to withstand your teeth's chewing force. Don’t drink anything except water with them on, either. While Invisalign aligners are clear, they can stain if you drink coffee, tea, wine, or sugary drinks with them in, so always remove them before consuming them.
Before putting them back in, you must also clean your teeth thoroughly. If not, food particles and bacteria can get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, increasing the chances of tooth decay and issues like gum disease.
4. Switching to New Aligners
You will switch to the next set of aligners in your treatment plan every one to two weeks. Each set exerts pressure on your teeth, gradually moving them to the desired position. As you progress through the aligner series, you’ll notice subtle changes in the fit and feel of the aligners, which is a sign that treatment is going as planned.
It is crucial to wear each aligner for the recommended duration and adhere to your orthodontist's instructions regarding when to switch to a new set. Skipping days may delay or even hamper your treatment.
5. Regular Check-ups and Monitoring
While Invisalign treatment does not require as many visits to the orthodontist as traditional braces, regular check-ups are still essential. You’ll need to visit your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress and ensure your teeth are shifting correctly.
If not, we may need to adjust your treatment plan by providing additional aligners if your teeth are not moving as expected. These check-ups also provide an opportunity for you to share any concerns you may have about your Invisalign treatment.
6. Clean Your Aligners
While aligners make teeth cleaning easier than braces, you must still take some precautions to maintain oral hygiene. One of them is cleaning your aligners regularly.
Aligners can accumulate bacteria that remain on your teeth after eating; you must clean the trays once a day. When it comes time to clean your Invisalign trays, use either lukewarm or slightly chilled water. Hot water can cause the material to warp.
A soft or extra-soft toothbrush is ideal for removing food buildup or plaque from your trays. When brushing your aligners, try using a different brush than you do for your teeth. After cleaning the aligners inside and out, rinse them well. You can either use tap water or an antimicrobial solution.
7. Wear Retainers
After successfully archiving a straight smile, the retention phase begins. Teeth can shift back to their previous positions if not supported immediately after orthodontic treatment, so retainer wear is fundamental to avoid losing the results of your hard work.
For the first 12 to 24 months following treatment, you will need to wear a removable retainer for at least 22 hours every day. When your teeth appear to be firmly in place, your orthodontist or dentist will advise you to stop wearing your retainers during the day and only wear them at night.
Get the Orthodontic Treatment You Need with Invisalign in Nashville
Clear aligners are a popular option for people who wish to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional braces because they are comfortable, detachable, and almost invisible.
The key to success with Invisalign is consistency. By wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time and visiting our Happy Harpeth dental office regularly, Invisalign can help you achieve your ideal smile at any age. If you’re interested in learning more, reach out!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
