What to Know Before Starting Invisalign® Treatment

Invisalign treatment is an investment in your smile. Whether you wish to correct a few crooked teeth or fix an overbite, you can count on our team to help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile. Our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, IN, and surrounding areas will make sure that you understand each step of your treatment plan so you can feel confident about starting Invisalign.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about wearing Invisalign aligners.

Aligners Must Be Worn 20 to 22 Hours Per Day

Invisalign aligners exert constant, gentle pressure on your teeth so they move toward their final desired positions. But your aligners can’t do this if you’re not wearing them consistently. Instead, you’ll lose the progress you’ve gained as your teeth revert back to their original positions.

Also, keep in mind that you won’t be able to move onto the next clear aligners in your series until your teeth have moved into their proper positions. Not wearing your aligners will only delay your treatment and cost you more money in the long run.

You need to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. This means you should only remove your clear aligners to eat, drink something besides water, brush your teeth, and floss.

We May Use SmartForce® Attachments for Complex Cases

If your case is more complex, our orthodontists may recommend that you also get SmartForce attachments. SmartForce attachments are discreet, tooth-colored bumps that are bonded to the fronts of certain teeth. These bumps then exert a little extra pressure against your aligners so your teeth move toward the desired direction.

While you can see SmartForce attachments up close, these tiny bumps blend into your teeth so you can still feel confident about your smile during treatment.

Invisalign Can Treat Most Orthodontic Issues

In the past, Invisalign was only capable of treating minor imperfections in the smile zone and bite misalignment. Today, Invisalign uses SmartForce attachments and other technology to achieve complex tooth movements. In addition to straightening crooked teeth, Invisalign can also correct common bite issues such as overbites and underbites.

To learn if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with one of our orthodontists.

You’ll Be Able to Continue Eating Your Favorite Foods

Patients with traditional metal braces have to avoid foods that are sticky and/or hard to chew. But you won’t have this problem with Invisalign. Since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you can continue to eat your favorite foods during treatment. This will also help you maintain a healthy, balanced diet as you straighten your teeth. Steak, caramel, raw apple slices... no food is off limits to you!

Clear Aligners Can Stain If You’re Not Careful

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, clear plastic. As a result, they can stain if you’re not careful. That’s why our orthodontists recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal. To make it easier, we recommend keeping a small travel toothbrush with you so you can clean your teeth at work, at school, or on the go.

Related: How to Take Care of Invisalign Aligners →

Brushing your teeth will also help remove dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky, invisible film of bacteria that lives inside your mouth. As you eat sugary foods, the bacteria consumes the particles left behind to produce an acid that erodes your teeth and attacks your gums.

The good news is that brushing your teeth and cleaning your aligners will help keep bacteria at bay. That way, you’ll be able to maintain good oral health during Invisalign treatment.

You’ll Be Able to Brush and Floss Normally

Nothing is more frustrating for orthodontic patients than having to thread floss underneath the archwire to clean between each individual tooth. Fortunately, you won’t have to deal with this hassle when you choose Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can continue to brush and floss your teeth normally. We recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal for at least two minutes at a time. You should also floss once a day to remove any plaque or food particles that could be hiding in between teeth.

If we still find a lot of plaque on your teeth during your next appointment with us, we may recommend adding a fluoride mouth rinse to your oral hygiene routine.

You’ll Need a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment

Your teeth will try to move back to their original positions after Invisalign treatment. That’s why it’s vital that you wear your retainer as directed by our orthodontists. For example, we may ask you to wear your retainer 3 to 5 times a week during the first few months. Later, you may only have to wear your retainer at night.

Each patient is different, which is why you’ll need to speak with one of our orthodontists to learn about the specific details of your case.

Schedule an Appointment with Us

Our Invisalign orthodontists in Fort Wayne, IN, and surrounding areas are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for Invisalign aligners, please call Parrish Orthodontics at (260) 447-2568. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.