Straightening Teeth
Invisalign is a type of treatment that helps straighten teeth without brackets, wires or metal braces. It’s a great alternative for patients bothered by the restrictive nature of metal braces. The treatment method involves the dentist mapping out a customized and exact digital model of what the teeth should look like, designing an aligner based on that. The patient then wears the series of aligners, which shifts his or her teeth, and fits it into proper position.
Though braces are the most common option for most people, Invisalign treatment has unique advantages over braces such as having a more appealing look and being able to remove the aligner when eating and brushing teeth. There are a number of things to consider, assess and consult before choosing Invisalign in Everett as a treatment option.
Assessing Needs
Before going for the procedure, it is advisable for a patient to assess if Invisalign is the best option for them. Invisalign is applicable in many scenarios that braces are, but not in all of them. For instance, Invisalign is recommended for patients in their teens or older. Moreover, if the patient has a serious problem, they are advised to opt for standard braces or a more advanced treatment option rather than the Invisalign.
One must study their teeth to know their condition and to determine if invisible aligners are a viable option or not. Although the dentist will later make an official diagnosis, one must have already made these considerations by themselves in order to streamline the process of treatment. The signs to look out for include crowding where the teeth are too closely aligned, gaps between teeth, an overbite problem, an underbite problem or a combination of both. Lastly, one has to consider the cost of the procedure and determine if their insurance covers Invisalign.
Consultations
Find a doctor with the appropriate accreditations and licenses to perform an Invisalign treatment. The health provider should be covered by the patient’s insurance company and should be licensed with the American Dental Association (ADA). Because the treatment might last for months or even years, it’s advisable to find a health provider close to where one lives.
During the consultations, one should ask as many questions as possible to understand how the treatment will affect their life. The impact of Invisalign on one’s life is great considering the cost, the number of visits, length of treatment and the daily life of a patient. The post-treatment plan should also be discussed. If the dentist agrees to perform the procedure, they will need an accurate image of the patient’s teeth in order to proceed.
Handling Aligners
The dentist will show the patient how to put the aligner in without causing any damage. It would be helpful to practice in front of a mirror the first few times. Initially, one might feel some slight discomfort, tightness and even pain but it will go away once they’re used to it. One will also be shown how to remove them gently and clean them.
While cleaning the aligner, chemicals or harsh cleaners should be avoided. Just use lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Teeth should be brushed before putting the Invisalign back in, in order to avoid trapping bacteria, food particles and other objects between the teeth and the aligner tray. One should schedule a visit to their dentist approximately every six weeks to make sure they are making progress.
