Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options, but what is it exactly? And why should you consider this treatment option?
If you’ve been considering braces but are having flashbacks to high school headgear, fear not. Invisalign is an excellent option for those who want to straighten their teeth without wearing metal braces.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear aligners to fit your teeth. The aligners are made of a soft, comfortable plastic that is strong enough to move your teeth gradually into their ideal position. Invisalign is completely invisible when you smile and doesn’t require wires or brackets like traditional braces. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next in the series.
Who is Invisalign for?
Do you have crooked teeth or front teeth that look crowded? Do you feel self-conscious about your smile? Maybe you breathe through your mouth a lot or grind your teeth. You might even have pain or clicking in your jaw joint, dry mouth, dark circles under your eyes, or always feel tired.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth booking an appointment with an orthodontist in Sydney to see if Invisalign could help you feel more comfortable and confident in your smile.
Remember, it’s also easier to clean straighter teeth, making you less likely to experience dental decay or gum disease in hard-to-clean areas.
How Does Invisalign Work?
To start your Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will take an impression of your mouth and use this to create 3D computer models of your teeth. The unique SMARTForce Technology creates a series of custom-made removable aligners for you. You’ll receive a series of aligners designed to move your teeth gradually into the desired position.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth but knowing what you can and cannot eat while wearing the aligners is important to avoid damaging them.
Eat:
- Soft fruits like bananas, berries and melons are safe to eat with Invisalign because they won’t damage or dislodge the aligners.
- Cooked vegetables are great because they won’t put pressure on your aligners like raw vegetables can.
- Go to town on dairy products, including milk, cheese and yoghurt, because they won’t stick to your aligners.
Avoid:
- Sticky or chewy foods like gum and caramel can stick to your aligners and damage them.
- Hard foods like lollies and nuts can break or dislodge your aligners.
- Sugary drinks, including sports drinks, can seep into your aligners and increase the risk of tooth decay.
It’s also worth avoiding foods that might stain your teeth or aligner, including coffee, tea and red wine. If you must drink these beverages (and we don’t blame you), make sure they’re clear or light-coloured.
Can You Chew Gum with Invisalign?
We don’t recommend chewing gum while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Gum can cause damage to the aligners and make them fall out of place. If you want to snack on something while wearing your aligners, stick with softer foods that don’t require as much chewing.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to eat something hard while wearing your aligners, try chewing slowly so as not to dislodge any brackets.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign?
The length of time you need to wear your aligners depends on the severity of your problem. The average person needs about 1–2 years, but it can take longer if you have more severe dental or orthodontic issues that need correcting.
You need to wear the aligners for 20–22 hours per day (including while sleeping) and get used to wearing them as much as possible once you start your treatment plan.
Your orthodontist will check your teeth every 3–6 months to ensure the aligners have not shifted or been damaged. They may also need to adjust the shape of your teeth depending on how well you’re wearing them.
When Do I Remove My Invisalign?
You should remove your Invisalign when eating, drinking (anything except water), brushing and flossing.
For sports, it is generally recommended to remove your Invisalign aligners and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and jaw during physical activity. While the aligners are strong and durable, they are not designed to withstand the impact and pressure of sports activities.
Can You Get Invisalign While Pregnant?
Great news for mums and mums-to-be! Invisalign is a safe, comfortable way to straighten your teeth even while pregnant and breastfeeding. In fact, it’s recommended by many dental professionals as an alternative to braces because it doesn’t require any adjustments in the mouth during this time.
Can You Just Wear Your Invisalign at Night?
Consistency is key with Invisalign. You need to wear the aligners for 20–22 hours per day for the treatment to be effective, so unfortunately, you cannot only wear them at night.
Wearing your aligners as prescribed will help ensure your treatment progresses on schedule and you achieve the best possible results. So, it’s essential to commit to wearing them throughout the day, as well as at night, to ensure the best possible outcome
Where to Get Invisalign in Sydney
At Tooth Sparkler, we offer Invisalign treatments tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experienced orthodontists in Sydney will guide you through the entire process and ensure you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
It’s important to research Invisalign before choosing this treatment and understand what type of results it can achieve so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for your needs. Visit Invisalign Australia for more information and give us call on (02) 9971 6134 or book an Invisalign consultation online.
