Your smile tells your story before you even say a word and can give others insight into how you view yourself. For example, if you cover your mouth when laughing or almost always smile with your mouth closed, this might indicate that you feel insecure about your teeth. Our Grand Rapids Invisalign® orthodontists are here to change that.
Here’s how Invisalign aligners can help boost your self-esteem by giving you a straighter smile.
What Is Invisalign?
treatment uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth over time. To get started, our orthodontists scan your mouth and use 3D modeling to develop a plan to move your teeth from their current position into a more aligned smile. We then send the digital impressions of your teeth to the Invisalign lab where technicians there make a series of custom aligners for you.
Once they return, you’ll need to wear your aligners 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every few weeks as your teeth gradually move to their new positions. On average, it takes about 12-18 months to achieve your new smile though every patient is different. After treatment, we encourage you to continue wearing a retainer at night to retain the smile created.
Ways to Keep Your Aligners Clean
Just like your natural teeth, you should clean clear aligners at least twice daily to ensure they do not stain or accumulate bacteria. It is also encouraged that you run the aligners under lukewarm water every time you take them out. Many patients find it easiest to clean them at the same time they brush their teeth.
Read More → How to Care for Invisalign® Clear Aligners
We recommend always having a handy care kit with you that includes a separate toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, and a case. This way, you’re prepared when you’re at work or school and want to do more than simply rinse the trays off after a meal. Your teeth will also be much cleaner as well!
Overall, be sure to do the following when wearing Invisalign:
- Brush and floss after meals or beverages that aren’t water
- Tread carefully with staining drinks (hint: take your aligners out and brush your teeth before putting them back in when you’re done)
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Store your aligners properly when you’re not wearing them
Invisalign Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Maybe you’ve wanted a straighter smile in the past, but you didn’t want to deal with the process of braces. Invisalign clear aligners offer a great while still achieving the same results.
Learn More → Should You Choose Braces or Invisalign®?
In fact, despite looking obviously different, ceramic or metal braces and Invisalign generally work in a similar way. Both orthodontic treatment options apply controlled force to teeth so they are moved into the proper position. While braces use metal brackets and wires to do this, clear aligners are custom-fit and tight enough to accomplish this effect.
Appealing to Adult Patients
The most obvious benefit of using Invisalign instead of traditional braces is that your aligners are clear. Unless they’re viewed up close, Invisalign aligners do not stand out like metal braces do and most people won’t notice them.
Our culture tends to view braces as something only young people wear. Once you reach your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond, many adult orthodontic patients shy away from the possibility of metal braces as they don’t always exude a polished, professional look. Invisalign can straighten your smile without making you feel like you’re back in middle school.
Easier to Clean Teeth
The number one complaint of people wearing braces is that they cannot clean their teeth properly. They must work around metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands when brushing. Food often gets caught in hard-to-reach areas covered by metal braces.
With Invisalign, you can simply remove your aligners so you can brush your teeth like you normally would. Being able to remove your aligners also allows you to clean those hard-to-reach spots.
Which Is Faster?
Every patient is unique and requires a personalized approach. Because of this, the length of treatment may vary from person to person. For the easiest comparison, let’s look at averages.
Most patients with Invisalign finished treatment in 12-18 months whereas those with braces had them on for 1-3 years. These numbers can change and may not reflect your exact situation. The more there is to correct, the longer it will take.
Reclaim Your Confidence with Invisalign
Your smile shouldn’t stand in the way of your self esteem — it should enhance it. Our Invisalign orthodontists in Grand Rapids, MI, can introduce you to clear aligners so you get the smile (and confidence boost) you deserve. Call Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics at (616) 455-4800, or contact us online to learn more.
This blog post has been updated.