Sciota, Pennsylvania
When you look in the mirror and see crooked teeth, it can make you feel disheartened. Braces are one of the go-to treatments for correcting tooth misalignment, although many adults cringe at the idea of wearing metal in their mouth. Fortunately, Invisalign® offers an ideal solution for patients that are self-conscious about their crooked teeth and are not fond of the idea of wearing conspicuous metal braces. Today on the blog, the team at Chestnuthill Dental wants to share insights on what you should expect during treatment with this complete Invisalign® guide.
How Invisalign® works
Your custom treatment plan begins with a consultation with one of our dentists in Sciota. During this appointment, we take oral scans to capture digital images of your teeth and bite. These images are used to make the aligners that you’ll wear during your treatment. After the aligners are fabricated at a dental lab, you return to our office to receive your first set of aligners. You will return for regular checkups throughout your treatment. During these appointments, we assess your progress, and occasionally provide a new set of trays until you reach the end of your treatment.
For optimal results and to remain on track with your treatment plan, Invisalign® aligners should be worn for approximately 22 hours daily, only removing them for dental hygiene, eating, or drinking anything other than water. Switching trays at night can alleviate daytime discomfort along with the use of an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Caring for Invisalign®
Maintaining your aligners is an easy process that is also key to helping you get the best results. Your aligner trays should be handled with care, even though they’re made from durable materials; a small crack or tear in the material could delay treatment. Therefore, it’s essential that you take care of your aligners.
Our Invisalign® providers in Sciota recommend that your maintenance should follow these steps:
Step 1: Always store your aligners in the case provided to you to prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
Step 2: Clean the aligners daily, but do not soak them in hot water or use toothpaste to scrub them because toothpaste is abrasive and could damage the trays or scratch them. The best way to clean your aligners is to clean them using the approved Invisalign cleaner. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them if you need to remove any buildup.
Step 3: Only drink water between meals unless you remove your aligners.
Step 4: Avoid leaving your aligners in the car or in direct sunlight as they could warp or become damaged by the heat.
Step 5: Set reminders on your calendar to ensure you do not miss any checkups with your Sciota Invisalign provider.
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
Every patient treated at Chestnuthill Dental has different oral health needs. Patients with slight tooth misalignment may see results within six months of treatment, while more severe cases may require 12 or even 18 months to achieve results. In most cases, the average course of treatment lasts about a year, as long as you remain on track with your treatment by wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day.
Invisalign Providers in Sciota, Pennsylvania
To learn more about Invisalign® or to schedule a consultation, call the office of Chestnuthill Dental today at (570) 402-4001 or contact us online. We look forward to helping you secretly create a straight smile and bring back your confidence!
