Being Fitted for Invisalign
Traditional metal braces and brackets are slowly becoming a thing of the past, thanks to the popularity of Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners. This orthodontic treatment option is especially popular among adults working in the professional world who need straight teeth but are self-conscious about wearing ostentatious braces.
If you’re thinking about undergoing Invisalign treatment, this is what you should expect when being fitted for the aligners.
During the initial consultation your dentist or orthodontist will probably want to take a series X-rays to get a clear understanding of the structure of your mouth. This is usually followed up by taking an impression of your bite pattern. All of this information is sent to the Invisalign lab where a series of clear plastic aligner trays are produced.
For the shortest duration of treatment you should wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. While you are wearing them you can drink normally. However the aligners should be removed before eating. Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products while the aligners are in your mouth.
Every two weeks you will switch new set plastic aligners that are slightly different than the previous one. The total time you’ll need to wear aligners will vary by your goals. In most cases the total treatment time lasts around six to eight weeks.
Be sure to maintain your typical oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing through the duration of the realignment process. Rinse the braces each day with an antiseptic mouthwash that has received the ADA Seal of Acceptance to help reduce any bacterial buildup.
Our team here at Ortho 360 wants to help you have a great experience with orthodontics. If you have any questions about Invisalign, or other orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to call us today at 512-270-0030. You can also schedule appointments online!