Straightening your teeth will benefit your oral health and boost your confidence, which is an investment well worth making. No matter what your age is, nobody wants to be bogged down by cumbersome looking and feeling metal brackets and wires, which is why so many people gravitate towards getting Invisalign aligners instead of traditional braces. This modern orthodontic treatment offers countless benefits. Read on for the answers to three common questions about the treatment process.
Can I Just Get Invisalign on the Top Teeth?
Every patient’s mouth is different, which makes sense why some people would only want to straighten their top or bottom arch of teeth. While this is possible, most dentists recommend that patients wear Invisalign aligners on both arches of their teeth throughout their treatment to prevent bite problems from developing. If you have a minor bite problem and opt to only straighten half of your teeth, your bite will most likely get worse.
Getting a healthy and even bite requires the shifting of both arches of your teeth, so for the best results, dentists recommend not getting aligners for just half of your smile. The best way to find out whether you’re the exception to this recommendation is to schedule a consultation.
Are Aligners Difficult to Keep Clean?
Many people wonder just how difficult it will be to keep their aligners clean and their oral health in good shape while undergoing treatment. Unlike with traditional braces, in order to brush and floss, all you have to do is take out your trays. Then you’ll have full access to remove the plaque from every nook and cranny in your mouth.
To keep your aligners sanitized and clear, you’ll also need to clean them every day and take them out when you eat or drink anything besides water. To do this, you can soak them in a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar for 15 minutes, rinsing them afterward. You can also use special Invisalign cleaning kits. Another way to remove plaque and germs from your aligners is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and antibacterial clear soap each day.
Can I Get Invisalign If I’ve Already Had Braces?
Plenty of people are guilty of getting braces and not wearing their retainer afterward. If you’ve completed an orthodontic treatment and your teeth moved back into their original, misaligned positions, you can still be a good candidate for Invisalign. This treatment can fix a variety of imperfections and even minor bite problems.
Invisalign is a great solution for people who have an active and social lifestyle. Wanting to straighten your smile shouldn’t mean that you have to give up your comfort and image. With clear aligners, you won’t have to do either of those. No matter your age or the orthodontic issues you face, it’s never too late or early to improve your oral health, so schedule a consultation for Invisalign today with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Asra Javeed is passionate about providing each of her patients with high-quality dental care that improves their oral health. She keeps up to date with the latest advancements in her field by taking annual continuing education courses. She also has equipped her office with advanced technology such as digital imaging and intraoral cameras so she can give her patients exceptional results. For questions or to schedule a consultation for Invisalign treatment, visit Smile Care Family Dentistry’s website or call 757-498-6420.