Do you have crooked teeth, gapped teeth, or an incorrect bite? Have you wanted to get your teeth fixed, but couldn’t commit to treatment? The cosmetic benefit of correcting your teeth improves your appearance and boosts your self-confidence. But did you know orthodontic treatment helps more than the appearance of your teeth?
Crooked teeth are harder to clean, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Untreated orthodontic problems may cause chewing and digestion problems, interfere with speech, or cause abnormal wear of your teeth. At Magnolia Dental Care, we can restore the beauty and health of your smile with Invisalign®.
Invisalign® Basics
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. 3D imaging technology determines teeth movement during treatment. Patients get a preview of their new smile before treatment starts.
The custom-fitted aligners are designed based on the patient’s orthodontic needs. Generally, aligners are changed every two weeks. Each set in a sequence causes progressive movement of the teeth. We’ll schedule several visits throughout treatment to monitor progress. Sometimes it may be necessary to wear a set of aligners for more or less than two weeks.
Maintaining Invisalign®
A fantastic benefit of Invisalign® is its removability. When patients drink, eat, or brush their teeth, the aligners are removed. Oral hygiene is a breeze because there are no wires and brackets in the way.
- After each meal, brush and floss your teeth to maintain good oral hygiene. Also, keep the aligner case and a travel-size kit with toothpaste, a toothbrush, and floss handy at all times.
- Rinse the aligners every time they’re removed. Also, they can be cleaned with clear antibacterial soap. Soak the aligners in a denture cleaner or Invisalign® cleaning solution at least 20 minutes a day.
Success depends on how compliant you are during treatment. For the best results, wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Remember, only remove them to eat, drink, brush your teeth, or to clean the aligners.
The length of treatment time is based on the requirements of each case. Upon completion of Invisalign® treatment, patients must wear a retainer to maintain their new smile. Do you want to know if Invisalign® is right for you? If you live in Seattle, Washington, or the surrounding areas, call our office to schedule a consultation.
