How Does Invisalign Work?
The complete Invisalign in belvidere il is a multi-step process that starts with a consultation. You will need to have an appointment with an Invisalign trained dentist. The dentist will review your specific needs, the way Invisalign can work on your smile, and the approximate cost for your treatment.
During your consultation or at an appointment after you determine that Invisalign is the best option for you, the dentist will need to take both x-rays as well as photographs. In order to get a complete understanding of your mouth’s current condition and the potential transformation for your teeth, the dentist will need to use multiple angles to form a detailed plan. Depending on the dentist and the circumstances of your case, the dentist may choose to use a lateral cephalometric x-ray. It is an x-ray that provides a more intricate view of the jaw and the cheekbone.
Just before the final stage of preparation, the dentist will need to take impressions of your teeth as they are now in your mouth to help form your personalized aligners. And the final stage of preparation ensures the aligners will stay in place on each tooth. Not everyone will need to have this step, but those who do will have a small amount of composite material patched on to teeth. This is the same material that is used for fillings so the dentist will be able to remove the patches after you no longer need the Invisalign trays. Other people may need to have the dentist make room in their mouth by creating larger gaps between the teeth that are crowded together. This process is called interproximal reduction and it involves removing a thin layer of enamel to allow the tooth to move unencumbered into the ideal position.
For most people, they will receive their first set of Invisalign braces after their mouths are fully prepared, during the same visit. The aligners will feel tight, but they are based on the impressions the dentist took so they should fit your teeth perfectly. The addition of your new braces may feel strange but they should not be painful. If you are finding that they are not fitting without pain, then be sure to talk to the dentist about the problem areas. The dentist will be able to make adjustments to ensure a snug fit without serious discomfort.
Just like people who are newly fit with traditional braces, wearing Invisalign braces requires some getting used to. Your mouth will start to change and some aching will come with it. Your teeth are being forced into a new position so this may happen every time you change your aligners. The aching should stop after a few days with your new aligners. Additionally, you may struggle to speak clearly with your new braces, but your tongue will get used to the reduced amount of space within a week or two. If you notice that your teeth are more sensitive than they used to be, that is also normal. The sensitivity usually goes away after a short while, but a sensitive tooth focused tooth paste can help with the adjustment.
You will need to wear your Invisalign trays for 20 to 22 hours a day and you will switch to a new tray every week to two weeks, depending on the dentist’s opinion of your progress. You will not need to go to the dentist every time you switch to a new set of aligners, but you will have regular check ups.