Enhance Your Smile With Invisalign in Preston

Age Factor in Invisalign Treatment

While there is no upper age limit for Invisalign, it's generally not recommended for younger children whose teeth and jaws are still developing. Most dentists agree that Invisalign is suitable for older teenagers and adults who can responsibly handle and care for removable aligners.

Type and Severity of Dental Issues

Invisalign can correct many orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, the severity of these issues plays a significant role in determining suitability.

• Mild to Moderate Cases: Invisalign is excellent for treating mild to moderate dental misalignments. It's ideal for those with minor crowding, gaps, or slightly crooked teeth.
• Severe Cases: For individuals with severe crowding, large gaps, extreme overbites or underbites, or complex malocclusions, traditional braces or more intensive orthodontic treatment may be necessary.

Patient Commitment and Lifestyle

A successful Invisalign treatment requires a significant commitment from the patient.

• Wearing the Aligners: To achieve optimal results, patients need to be diligent in wearing the aligners as advised, maintaining them for 20-22 hours per day. Failure to do so could delay the treatment process and impact the final results.
• Maintaining Oral Hygiene: With the ability to remove the aligners for brushing and flossing, patients need to ensure that they maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and other oral issues.

Additionally, one's lifestyle can also influence the suitability of Invisalign. For example, those who frequently speak in public or work in jobs where appearance matters may prefer Invisalign due to its discreet nature.

Oral Health Status

Good overall oral health is vital for anyone considering Invisalign. Those with untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues must address these problems before starting the treatment. Your dentist will carry out a thorough oral examination to make sure your mouth is healthy and ready for orthodontic treatment.

The success of Invisalign treatment doesn't only depend on the professional handling your case but also on how you take care of your aligners. Here's how to keep your Invisalign aligners clean, clear, and working effectively.

Proper Handling and Storage 

The delicate nature of Invisalign aligners requires gentle handling and secure storage.

• Handling: Always ensure your hands are clean before handling your aligners to avoid transferring germs. Use your fingertips to carefully remove them from your mouth, avoiding unnecessary force that might cause them to crack or break.
• Storage: To safeguard your aligners from harm and contamination when not in use, such as during meals, store them in their dedicated case. Avoid wrapping them in tissues or napkins, as they could be easily discarded by mistake.

Cleanliness Is Key 

Maintaining the cleanliness of your aligners is essential not only for your oral health but also for keeping them invisible and odour-free.

• Rinse Regularly: Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them to cleanse away saliva and plaque, preventing the accumulation of dried debris that can foster bacterial growth.
• Clean Daily: Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently clean your aligners. Avoid using toothpaste or harsh cleaning agents as they could cause discolouration or leave a residue on the aligners.
• Soak for Deep Cleaning: For more thorough cleaning, soak your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner. After soaking, use a soft toothbrush to brush away any lingering plaque or food particles.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene 

Since aligners sit directly on your teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent decay or other dental problems.

• Brush and Floss: Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal before reinserting your aligners to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria against your teeth.
• Routine Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings will ensure your teeth remain healthy during the Invisalign treatment.

Avoiding Staining and Damage 

While the aligners are designed to be durable, certain habits can discolour or damage them.

• No Eating or Drinking: Aside from water, do not eat or drink with aligners in your mouth. The heat from hot beverages can warp the plastic, and food or coloured drinks can stain them.
• Avoid Smoking: Tobacco can stain your aligners and leave an unpleasant smell. It's best to remove your aligners if you must smoke.
• Avoid Strong Cleaners: Strong cleaning agents or coloured, scented soaps can discolour or leave residues on your aligners, affecting their clarity and potentially causing irritation.

Follow the Invisalign Schedule 

Finally, it's crucial to follow the Invisalign treatment schedule provided by your dentist. Make sure you switch to a new set of aligners as directed to keep your treatment on track.

Invisalign Full

Invisalign Full, often referred to as just 'Invisalign,' is the most comprehensive treatment option and is typically used for treating complex orthodontic issues. It includes unlimited aligners throughout the treatment and typically takes between 12 to 18 months, but the duration varies based on individual needs.

Invisalign Teen

Designed specifically for teenagers, Invisalign Teen considers the unique needs of growing individuals. It includes extra features like eruption tabs to accommodate the growth of molars and replacement aligners in case of loss or damage, which are common issues among younger patients.

Invisalign Lite

For less complex cases or minor corrections, Invisalign Lite is an ideal option. This type usually involves using 14 aligners or less and typically completes in around six months. It's an excellent option for individuals who have had braces in the past and experienced slight shifting of their teeth thereafter.

Invisalign Express

For those with minor cosmetic concerns such as slight crowding or small gaps, Invisalign Express can be the perfect fit. It's the quickest option, often completed in less than six months and uses a limited number of aligners.

Invisalign i7

The newest addition to the Invisalign family, the i7, is designed to treat minor orthodontic issues in as little as three months. It uses only seven aligners, making it the most efficient option for straightforward cases.

One of the great advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is the flexibility it offers when it comes to eating. However, there are still some considerations to keep in mind to maintain the quality of your aligners and ensure successful treatment.

Freedom in Food Choices

Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you have the freedom to eat whatever you like without worrying about food getting stuck in wires or brackets, unlike traditional braces. Whether you crave crunchy apples, chewy caramels, or corn on the cob, you can indulge in your favourite foods as long as you remember to remove your aligners first.

Stay Hydrated with Water

Drinking plenty of water while wearing your aligners can help keep your mouth fresh, your aligners clean, and your body hydrated. Water is the only drink you can consume without removing your aligners. It doesn't stain or cause any damage to your aligners.

Avoid Certain Beverages

While you can enjoy most foods with Invisalign, the same doesn't apply to all beverages. Drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and soda can stain your aligners, making them more visible. Always remove your aligners before drinking these beverages.

Mindful Snacking

Frequent snacking requires you to remove your aligners more often and can reduce the hours you wear your aligners each day. Consider sticking to three main meals daily or combining your snacks with your meals.

Oral Hygiene Post Meals

After every meal or snack, it's important to clean your teeth before reinserting your aligners. Food particles left behind can lead to plaque build-up, cavities, or gum disease. If you're unable to brush your teeth immediately after eating, rinse your mouth with water to help remove any leftover food particles.

The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary significantly based on several factors. The complexity of your case, the duration of your treatment, and the specific details of your individual plan all play a role in determining the final cost. Generally, more complex cases that require a longer treatment period may be more expensive. Furthermore, the region where you live and the level of experience of your dentist can also influence the price. Certain dental insurance plans may offer partial coverage for Invisalign, similar to their coverage for traditional braces.

Before commencing your Invisalign treatment, it's advisable to have a comprehensive discussion with your provider regarding potential costs. Additionally, our dental practice provides payment plans and financing alternatives to enhance the affordability of the treatment.

Yes, it's possible to switch from traditional metal braces to Invisalign. In fact, many people make the switch for various reasons, including discomfort from braces, appearance preferences, or treatment time frames. The transition will need to be managed by a dentist who can oversee the process and ensure that it goes smoothly. There may be a period of adjustment as your mouth gets used to the new treatment method, but with patience and regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider, it can be a straightforward process.