Do you want a straighter smile? Getting an Invisalign* treatment is a much simpler alternative to braces. These clear aligners work to straighten teeth more comfortably and deliver quicker results than traditional braces. If you want straighter teeth but don’t want to deal with the limitations of having braces, talk to a specialist about Invisalign in West Palm Beach!

How Does Invisalign Work?

Getting an Invisalign treatment is simple. First, you’ll speak with an Invisalign specialist to see if this treatment option is best for you. They’ll take a 3D digital scan of your teeth to determine your custom treatment plan and will make your aligners. After ensuring they properly fit, all you have to do is wear them for at least 22 hours a day for the most effective results.

When you wear your Invisalign aligners, they work by gradually shifting your teeth into the correct place. Each tray is created to move your teeth about .25 mm, leaving your teeth slightly straighter than the previous tray. The best part about Invisalign is not dealing with the pain of metal brackets!

Every few weeks, you’ll receive a new set of aligners as your teeth progressively become straighter.

When Can I See Results?

Once you begin your Invisalign treatment, you should start seeing results in a matter of weeks. Complete treatment should take as little as six months, but that depends on how severe your case is. The average treatment time should take around 12 months.

What Can Invisalign Treat?

Invisalign can treat minor issues like simple straightening and significant concerns like teeth crowding. If you’re worried about the appearance of your teeth, Invisalign treatment can help! Depending on the severity of your problem, Invisalign should treat the following orthodontic concerns:

Overbite

Overbites happen when your upper teeth are not properly aligned with your lower teeth. These orthodontic issues can cause problems like jaw pain and worn-down teeth. Overbites of about 3 to 5 mm are normal and shouldn’t be a concern.

Underbite

When your lower teeth stick out farther than your upper teeth, you have an underbite.  Having this issue can make it difficult to chew properly or speak clearly. Underbites typically are a result of your lower jaw being too far forward. Your teeth could also wear down more quickly with this condition.

Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth occur when the space in your mouth is too small, resulting in overlapping, bunched, and twisted teeth. It can be difficult to floss and brush properly with crowded teeth, so you’re more at risk of developing dental diseases. You could either be born with a misaligned jaw, or habits such as thumb-sucking could have caused your crowded teeth.

Gap Teeth

Gap teeth are extra spaces between two teeth. Most people get gaps in their two front teeth, but they can appear anywhere. Gaps are more than just a cosmetic concern. Food can get stuck between the extra space in your teeth and gums, resulting in gum disease or tender gums.

Crossbite

Crossbites happen when your top and bottom teeth don’t come together when your mouth is closed. Your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when you have a crossbite, which can cause wearing or chipping. You’re also at risk of receding gums if you have this condition.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the teeth aren’t properly aligned when your jaw is closed. If you close your mouth and your teeth don’t touch, you have an open bite. This orthodontic issue makes chewing and eating certain food more difficult. People with open bites often have lisps.

Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth can occur for a variety of reasons. Whether they come from genetics or bad habits, they can damage a person’s self-esteem. Sometimes, crooked teeth can only be a cosmetic concern. Getting them straightened should make you feel better about your appearance.

How to Take Care of your Aligners

Getting an Invisalign treatment is the first step to getting straighter teeth. Continuing to care for your aligners is how you ensure their effectiveness. If you want yours to do their job, here’s how you can take good care of them:

Soak Your Aligners Daily

Don’t skip on soaking your aligners every day. Not doing this will lead to all sorts of issues, such as odors and tough stains. Many choose to keep Invisalign cleaning crystals to drop in a small cup of warm water for soaking their aligners.

Don’t Eat with Your Aligners

These aligners are removable for a reason! You should never eat while Invisalign is still in your mouth. You could accidentally stain or damage them, which will end up costing you. Food particles will get stuck in between the trays, similar to how they get stuck in your natural teeth. Over time, they’ll get stuck to your teeth and ultimately create plaque.

Clean Your Aligners After Removing Them

If you need to remove your Invisalign aligners for any reason, always thoroughly clean them before putting them back in your mouth. This prevents bacteria buildup caused by the lingering saliva and plaque sitting in there.

Brush and Floss Before Putting Your Aligners in

Without brushing and flossing, you risk trapping food debris from your teeth in your Invisalign tray. This can cause bacteria to build up over time and result in oral diseases.

Keep Your Aligners in Their Case While not Using

Your Invisalign case is there to protect your aligners from bacteria and possible damage. When you aren’t using them, make it a habit to keep them in the case. You might also risk accidentally throwing them away, so it never hurts!

Avoid Abrasive Materials

When cleaning your Invisalign trays, avoid using abrasive materials like soap, mouthwash, or denture cleaner. Over time, these materials will make your aligners appear duller and easier to notice when you’re wearing them. The best way to clean them is by soaking them in the cleaning crystals and gently scrub lingering food particles with a toothbrush.

Which Dentists Offer Invisalign in West Palm Beach?

Are you ready to achieve a beautiful smile with an Invisalign treatment? Shapiro Family Dentistry offers Invisalign for both teens and adults. If you want to find out if this is the best treatment for you, give us a call today!

*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.