Your dental health is just as important as your overall physical health. However, one of the reasons many people state for putting off seeing their dentist for tooth realignment is their wish to avoid having to wear metal braces. But there is some good news. Technological advancements in dental correction have resulted in the development of devices like Invisalign. Thus the prospect of alternative treatment options leads to one question:
Is 2022 the year you start Invisalign treatment?
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that dentists use to help correct jaw and tooth alignment. Its use is primarily as an alternative to the traditional metal braces.
Invisalign’s signature property is the use of nearly invisible- hence the name- removable aligners to straighten the teeth. Invisalign was developed to perform the same function as metal braces; therefore, each aligner is custom-made for your teeth. Once your dentist fits you with the correct aligners, you must maintain a 22-hour daily wear routine until your teeth attain the desired outcome. However, unlike the metal iteration, you can temporarily remove Invisalign aligners to allow tooth brushing, eating and cleaning.
Benefits of Invisalign
- Fast and efficient
While treatment periods vary from person to person, most patients report observing noticeable results in as little as 2 to 3 months after the start of treatment.
- Discreet
As the device’s name suggests, Invisalign is designed to be mostly invisible. Hence opting for this treatment device allows you to use a superior orthodontic repair solution that helps you maintain some discretion throughout treatment. This benefit makes Invisalign a popular choice among adults who want to correct their teeth.
- Removable
Unlike metal braces that dentists fasten tothe teeth, Invisalign aligners are removable. This property allows you the freedom to eat a wider variety of foods while making it easier to clean your teeth and gums.
When Is The Best Time For Treatment to Begin?
The best time to start your Invisalign treatment is generally in your early teen years. However, on the other side of this starting point lies the lower age limit of seven. In the case of a younger patient, the dentist must carry out a few steps before authorising the treatment. Primarily, they have to consider the child’s maturity, physical development, specific orthodontic needs, and ability to manage their treatment plan.
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On the other hand, there’s no set upper age limit restricting the use of Invisalign for older patients. Therefore, you can discuss this option with your dental care provider, no matter your age.
As you consider embarking on a course of treatment using Invisalign, you can rely on your dentist to provide all the necessary advice and guidance regarding the appropriate time to commence the process and what you must do throughout.
What Can You Expect?
Invisalign’s primary function is to realign the teeth by manipulating them into a new position. Consequently, wearing the aligners may cause you some degree of discomfort, despite their smoother and more discreet nature. Additionally, some patients also experience slight alterations in their speech patterns when they first start wearing the aligners. However, this condition is temporary and will improve or resolve itself as you grow more accustomed to them.
Additionally, using Invisalign doesn’t preclude you from regular visits to your dentist or orthodontist. The custom-made aligners still require periodic replacement that facilitates necessary adjustments and improvement of tooth placement.
Finally, as with the tail end of dental treatment using metal braces, the end of your time wearing Invisalign aligners will be marked by a switch to a retainer. This requirement is a maintenance measure that helps you preserve the satisfactory outcomes you gained.
