Invisalign is a highly desired and innovative orthodontic technique and tool that was created to imitate the results achieved with metal braces. The difference is that Invisalign uses clear aligners rather than metals, wires, glue, and brackets; therefore giving a much more desirable appeal aesthetically as well as in regard to comfort.

Invisalign is highly beneficial to those who desire a straight smile but are concerned with the aesthetics of the technique used to straighten their smile. Invisalign has many benefits, that are recognizable as a choice over metal braces, but that doesn’t mean they are for every person. To learn if clear aligners are for you, continue reading and make an appointment with your family dentist in Keller.

1. Your clear aligners need to be worn pretty much 24/7 (that is, about 22 hours every day)

You do have the option to remove your clear aligners and are of course supposed to whenever you eat or drink anything besides water, however, if you think you will be tempted to take them out for longer periods than that, then Invisalign may not be for you. Not wearing your clear aligners for the recommended time periods will likely lead to you not getting the results you desire. If you do not wear your clear aligners as prescribed, it will only end up costing you more time and money down the line.

2. Ensure you will be able to keep track of your clear aligners

When you have Invisalign, it is your responsibility to ensure you keep track of them (as well as take care of them). This means always storing them in their case when they are not in your mouth. This also means cleaning them daily. If you are taking them out more than you are supposed to, you will find that misplacing them is even easier. Not storing them in their proper case when you take them out often leads to lost or damaged aligners.

3. You need to up your oral care

Regular oral care involves brushing your teeth twice a day as well as flossing once a day. This changes when you have Invisalign, as it is best to brush your teeth after every meal. The reason for this is that when you put your aligners back in after a meal, if there is any food leftover or stuck in between your teeth, the aligners will shield your teeth from your saliva. This puts your teeth at higher risk for decay as saliva aids in naturally dissolving or removing some of the left-over food particles.

4. Invisalign isn’t always the best option for children or teenagers

When considering Invisalign in Keller, often parents decide against clear aligners for their children over traditional metal braces for the reasons above. Kids and young adults are more prone to losing dental ware as well as not taking as good of care of their dental ware as they should. You know your child best, consider their level of responsibility to make the decision whether they should have traditional metal braces or Invisalign in Keller.

5. You have to keep your aligners clean

Keeping your clear aligners clean is very important. You need to ensure you soak them in the prescribed solution. You also need to brush them gently with a toothbrush every morning and at night before you go to sleep. It is often recommended to avoid using toothpaste to clean your aligners but rather a prescribed solution or a gentle dishwashing soap.

6. Similar to traditional metal braces, Invisalign will produce slight discomfort from time to time

Although clear aligners appear sleeker and less intense, they are still working to do the same job and produce the same result as traditional metal braces.

In order for your teeth to be straightened, you will need to be prepared for slight discomfort for a couple of days whenever you first put in a new aligner. You will become more accustomed to this over time.

7. You need to keep regular dental appointments

While keeping up with regular dental appointments is always important, it is even more important when you have Invisalign. Ensure you are visiting your family dentist in Keller every 3 to 6 months for cleanings and checkups. You will need to come in to have a new aligner fitted every 1 to 2 weeks or as specified by your Keller dentist.

Taking the next step
If you are considering getting Invisalign in Keller but have more questions about these clear aligners and if they are right for you, give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our caring doctors.