Invisalign Insights: What You Should Be Aware Of

Invisible aligners are now the most popular option for people who want to correct their smile or simply enhance it. The really appealing aspect about them is that now even adults can have a charming new smile, after years of feeling shy or awkward.

What are Invisible Aligners?

Invisible Aligners are basically removable devices for the teeth that are used to correct a host of orthodontic issues. Similar to traditional metal braces, they restructure the teeth positions over a period of time, and since they appear almost transparent, they are called invisible aligners. 

They are customised to fit an individual's jaw and the shape of their teeth, and need to be adjusted every few weeks in order to achieve the desired result.

If you are about to have these fitted, here are a few things you should understand and be aware of.

Invisible Aligners can create a more aesthetic and pleasing appearance, and are particularly suggested by orthodontists for those who have:

- Overlapping teeth - when some teeth cover a portion of adjacent teeth

- Teeth with gaps - when there are open spaces between teeth, either naturally or due to a missing tooth

- Crowded teeth - when there is not enough space in the jaw to fit all the teeth, and so they overlap or push each other in and out

- Overbite - when the upper teeth are covering the lower teeth, more than normal

- Underbite - when the lower teeth protrude over the upper teeth

- Crossbite - when just some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, rather than outside

In all of the above scenarios, the person has difficulties while speaking, as the speech may have a lisp or slur. They also face issues while biting and chewing their food. There are always chances of food getting stuck between the teeth, unless there is proper brushing and regular flossing. In a few cases, the misaligned teeth may affect the gums and lead to irritation or infection.

Aside from these issues, they also feel embarrassed smiling wholeheartedly, and so they hold themselves back as much as possible. 

By opting for aligners, not only is the calibration of the teeth achieved, but several oral health risks are averted and the person's self-confidence is restored.

The first few weeks:

Once the aligners are fitted, the initial days take some adjustment and getting used to. The wearer may feel mild discomfort, but with a little care and attention this phase passes by easily.

When you start using aligners, it is important to know that:

- There may be some difference felt while speaking, which is natural as there is a foreign object in the mouth

- They need to be removed each time before eating anything

- They need to be cleaned thoroughly before and after every use with lukewarm water, a dentist-recommended soap and a soft bristled toothbrush

- Oral hygiene routines should also be more thorough on a day to day basis

- They need to be worn for at least 18 to 20 hours a day (including while sleeping), to make a visible difference

- Mild irritation or inflammation may occur the first few days, and can be controlled with some ice compresses and a prescribed dental gel / wax.

The corrective process differs for individuals, and can take anywhere between 6 months to about 2 years, depending on the degree of alignment and repositioning required.

Like with any corrective dental procedure, a trusted expert's advice makes all the difference.

To know more about invisible aligners from one of our specialists at Apollo, please contact: 18001020288