So, you have had enough of looking in the mirror and seeing a crooked smile looking back at you. Good for you! In 2022, there are a myriad of options available to help you get your smile back to where it needs to be, which will make you feel better about how you look. If you have a mild or moderate case of dental misalignment, then you may be suitable for treatment with an invisible aligner, like Invisalign in Parramatta.
Curious to learn a bit more? Read on for answers to commonly asked questions about this invisible aligner.
Does it really work?
Yes, it does!
Using an intraoral scan to start with, your dentist will then send these images to a laboratory, where using predicted vector forces, your teeth will be moved. This will usually be done in around 12-14 stages and, when your digital teeth have reached the finalised ideal shape, a set of aligners will be printed to represent each step.
How long will I need to wear the aligners?
Per day, you will need to wear your aligners for around 22 hours, or as dictated by your dental team. Be sure to skip to this schedule, as not doing so can cause your teeth to move out of alignment, or even back to their original positions. Relating to the length of treatment, on average, invisible aligners take between 3-6 months to realign teeth, depending on the severity of the misalignment being treated, and your adherence to the treatment outline.
Are they hard to look after?
Not at all! To clean your aligners, you simply take them out of your mouth and rinse them under a cold-water tap. Even if it is tempting, you should refrain from cleaning them using hot water, as they are made of plastic, and can warp easily.
If the aligner you are wearing is stained, then don’t worry. As, if all goes to plan, you will be changing it for the next one in the series in the next 2 weeks. Great!
Can I use invisible aligners if I am over 50?
Of course, you can! There is no upper age limit on wearing invisible aligners.
However, your dental team will need to assess the condition of your teeth and gums before giving the green light for you to straighten your teeth, as they would need to with a patient of any age. But, if you suffer from any conditions that may impact the density of your jaw, such as osteoporosis, you will need to alert your dentist to this fact before beginning to use invisible aligners.
Do the aligners hurt?
Sadly, even in 2022, there is no such thing as a completely pain-free orthodontic procedure. And, while invisible aligners have been heralded as being more comfortable than braces, they still need to move your teeth, which will require a bit of pressure to achieve. If you find that our aligners are causing excessive discomfort, then please seek the assistance of your dentist as they may not be fitted correctly.
DISCLAIMER OFFSITE
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.