With 12+ million patients around the world, you probably already know quite a bit about Invisalign. Although the discreet trays and shorter average treatment times are certainly a draw, it’s important to also know what life with clear aligners is like, what happens after you’ve worked through your series of trays, and more. With this in mind, read on to learn the answers to five popular questions about Invisalign!
- Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?
Since your tongue makes a series of distinct movements against the back of your teeth to create sound, it’s natural for the presence of your aligners to create a minor change. However, it’s important to remember that the large majority of patients don’t experience any alterations to their speaking patterns. Furthermore, any changes that do arise are both mild and temporary. In short, Invisalign wouldn’t be one of the most popular teeth-straightening solutions if it had noticeable, long-term effects on your speech. So, don’t let that misconception stop you from discreetly achieving the smile of your dreams.
- How Many Hours a Day Do I Have to Wear My Trays?
Since your aligners only work while you’re wearing them, it’s important to wear them as often as possible. The general guideline is 20-22 hours a day. Although that might initially seem like a near-impossible goal, it’s much more manageable if you plan ahead. For example, giving yourself 30 minutes for each meal still leaves you with plenty of time for snacks, dessert, and your oral hygiene regimen!
- How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Of course, no two smiles are the same. As a result, no two treatment plans are identical. The answer to this question really comes down to factors like how severe your misalignment is. If it’s minor, you may be able to work through your trays in just six months. If it’s more significant, then 18 months may be more realistic. With all of that said, the average treatment timeline is 12-18 months, which is much shorter than traditional braces.
- How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Fortunately, cleaning your Invisalign aligners is simple. After rinsing them with room-temperature water, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each surface. That’s it! If stubborn stains start to surface or your aligners are beginning to smell, you can also use the cleaning crystals provided in your welcome kit.
- What Happens After Invisalign?
Once you’ve worked through each aligner, you’ll be given a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Although it may seem like a minor annoyance to have to wear another orthodontic appliance, it’s important that you do. After all, upwards of 50% of patients experience orthodontic relapse within 10 years of completing their treatment!
About the Practice
With Dr. Ejaz Lakhani leading the way, our team at Fresh Dental is proud to offer a wide range of treatments, including Invisalign. In addition to providing personalized treatment plans, we utilize an iTero scanner for mess-free impressions, offer complimentary Zoom! teeth whitening following treatments, and are here to answer any questions you have along the way. If you would like to learn more about the treatment process or you want to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (513) 697-1211.