Planning on Invisalign Treatment? Prepare with these Facts!

By: Stephen Price DDS | Tuesday, May 30th, 2017 | Invisalign

Tuesday, May 30th, 2017

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening treatment that has carved out quite a niche for itself in the past decade. Touted as a clear alternative to braces, this system is ideal for the adult who prefers to keep orthodontic treatment under wraps. Many of the patients who visit our Burke Invisalign practice are teens who are interested in avoiding the pitfalls of traditional orthodontia. In any case, a qualified patient has a lot to gain by completing the protocol customized by their experienced Invisalign provider. If Invisalign is something you are considering, here’s what you need to know.

1. Treatment may not be what you imagine. There are certain aspects of Invisalign that are discussed more openly and frequently. Benefits like being able to eat whatever you’d like, for example. Another selling point of treatment has been that results may be achieved more quickly than with traditional braces. This isn’t always the case, though, and you need to know that. Also, once the active phase of your treatment is complete, you will need to wear “finishing aligners.” These retainers keep your teeth from negative shifting.
2. Make friends with your toothbrush. Brushing is extremely important throughout the course of treatment because the clear plastic aligners fully encase teeth almost 24/7. That’s a lot of time for bacteria to cause damage! Plan to brush after every meal, and to rinse your aligners every single time you insert them. This means you will probably have multiple toothbrushes to keep at home and wherever you happen to go, so you’re always prepared for hygiene.
3. Your drinking habits may have to change. Coffee drinkers may be surprised to realize that their morning habit of lingering over a steaming cup of coffee for hours on end will have to end. Coffee stains teeth, so it can stain the aligner. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that cup of Joe. It just means you’ll have to take out your aligner, drink, rinse, and get back under the cover of your straightening tray. The same thing goes for soda, red wine, and any other beverage that can stain teeth.

There are nuances to any type of orthodontic treatment. We provide patients with the details they need to know to maximize their experience. Learn more from your Invisalign Premier Provider in Burke. Call (703)750-9404.