Many adults once shied away from orthodontic treatment because they dreaded wearing metal brackets and wires. Today, people are thrilled to have Invisalign treatment as an effective alternative! In addition to being comfortable and discreet, Invisalign in Columbus offers many other advantages. However, it’s still helpful to take everything into consideration before deciding on the best way to straighten your teeth. Below, you’ll read about 6 factors to think about to help you choose the absolute best orthodontic treatment for your needs.
1. You’ll Have To Brush Even More Diligently
The clear aligner trays you wear “snap” into place and are anchored by small, tooth-colored attachments on your teeth. Made of clear composite material, these temporary attachments easily pick up stain from coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and turmeric (just to name a few).
That makes it extra important to brush after each meal. Most patients carry a soft, travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste to use on-the-go.
2. Snacking Is Discouraged
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that the aligner trays are removable. However, they must be worn a minimum of 22 hours per day to get the best results. Every minute counts, so taking out your trays to snack can disrupt the aligner tooth movement and extend your treatment time.
The easiest approach is to limit your eating windows to 3-4 times a day. The aligner trays fit snugly, so it’s often easier to avoid snacking altogether than to frequently take them out and put them back in.
3. Severe Problems Are Corrected More Easily With Other Options
The most important goal for your orthodontist is to make sure you get the best final result possible. Invisalign is a great option for certain malocclusions and may not be a great option for other malocclusions. Your orthodontist will determine which option is best for you. If aligner treatment with Invisalign is not a good option for you, the orthodontist may recommend clear or metal self-ligating braces. Braces have come a long way in recent years and there are options that are faster and more discreet than ever.
4. You Can’t Sip On Beverages
Again, your trays need to stay in at least 22 hours a day to get your results on time. Drinking anything other than water while wearing the Invisalign aligners is not recommended. Drinking liquids other than water while wearing the Invisalign trays can lead to decay and discoloration of your teeth.
5. You May Need Refinement Aligners After Your Initial Treatment
After you’re finished with your initial set of aligners and your teeth have mostly moved into their ideal positions, you may need additional “fine-tuning” to put the finishing touches on your smile.
This is just like the first part of your treatment and simply involves wearing another set of clear aligner trays until these small, incremental movements have been made.
6. It’s Worth It To See An Orthodontist For Treatment
A board-certified orthodontist has pursued years of additional training after dental school and has completed a residency in orthodontics and has fulfilled board requirements. This allows the orthodontist to handle even the most complicated cases with ease and diagnose problems that may be missed by other dental professionals. Orthodontic treatment requires careful diagnosis and monitoring of treatment with a trained orthodontist. At home, do-it-yourself aligner treatment and treatment with untrained individuals will lead to poor results and unsatisfied patients.
In addition, orthodontists are accustomed to coordinating treatment with a general dentist, so you can benefit from a team of professionals. Since orthodontic treatment is an investment that will pay off for life, it goes without saying that you want an expert handling your smile.
Today, you have more orthodontic options than ever before. By taking these 6 factors into account, you’ll be able to make the decision that’s right for you!
About the Author
Dr. Amin Mason is a board-certified orthodontist in Columbus with academic and professional excellence. He closely evaluates his patients’ needs and dental/bite problems, before proposing an orthodontic treatment plan. If you have any other questions about Invisalign treatment, you can reach Dr. Mason via his website.
