Your smile is an integral part of who you are; it’s one of the first things someone notices when you see them, and it makes a lasting impression on friends, relatives, and business associates. It’s only natural to want it to look as beautiful as possible.
If you thought traditional braces with bulky brackets and wires were your only option for straightening your teeth, think again. Many teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns are turning to Invisalign® clear aligners as a more discreet, comfortable treatment option.
In this week-by-week guide, we’ll explore what it’s like to take the Invisalign journey and how you can achieve straighter teeth and a healthier smile.
What to Expect Before You Start Invisalign
Your Invisalign journey begins with a consultation. When you visit our Watkinsville dental office, we’ll examine your mouth and take 3-D digital scans to determine whether you’re eligible for clear aligner therapy.
If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, we’ll create a digital model of your teeth and send it to the Invisalign lab so they can make your series of custom aligners.
Before you leave, we’ll be sure to discuss your treatment plan, including all costs and your estimated treatment timeline, making sure to answer all your questions along the way.
Invisalign may be a viable option if you are a teen or adult with good oral hygiene habits and mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
Week 1: Getting Used to Your Aligners
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll come in for the initial fitting and begin your treatment. We’ll ensure your aligners are comfortable and properly positioned, showing you how to put them in and take them out correctly.
Here are some other things you’ll need to know about getting used to your aligners:
- Initial discomfort — It’s normal to experience some slight discomfort as you adjust to wearing clear aligners. When this happens, try taking over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft foods until your symptoms improve.
- Wear time — We’ll instruct you to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours daily. You’ll remove them only to eat, brush, and floss your teeth.
- Speech adjustments — You may notice your speech is altered when you’re wearing your aligners. With practice and time, you’ll be able to speak clearly.
- Cleaning and storage — When you remove your aligners, it’s important to rinse them with warm water (not hot) and store them in their case so they don’t get lost or damaged. You can also soak them in Invisalign crystals or denture cleaner to remove any buildup.
- Addressing concerns — We’ll schedule your next appointment and answer your questions before you leave.
Week 2: Settling Into Your New Routine
After the first week, you should be getting used to your Invisalign clear aligners. Hopefully, they feel more comfortable, and you are adjusting to your new routine.
A few reminders during this time:
- Be sure you’re removing your aligners when you eat or drink anything other than water.
- Don’t forget to keep your aligners clean to avoid bacteria buildup.
- It’s essential to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth every day to maintain your oral health.
Week 3: Your First Aligner Change
Although every treatment plan varies, most patients change to a new set of aligners every two weeks or so. Each set of aligners is designed to shift your teeth further into the desired position.
Here’s what you can expect when you make the switch:
- Mild pressure and soreness — It’s normal for your new set of aligners to cause some discomfort. You can apply a cold compress to your face or take over-the-counter pain medication to combat this issue. If the issue persists, contact our dental office for further information.
- Possible lisp — Just like your first set of aligners, you may experience some minor speech issues as you adjust the new set.
Weeks 4-5: Starting to See Small Changes
During the fourth and fifth weeks, you may begin to see your teeth shifting. Although this early progress is exciting, it’s important to stay motivated. Make sure you’re wearing your aligners as directed and taking good care of your teeth and gums.
Weeks 6-8: Visiting Your Dentist
Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll visit our dental office approximately every six weeks for a checkup so we can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
These visits also allow you to ask questions and get important reminders about your dental hygiene.
These visits will continue until your treatment is complete.
Life After Invisalign: Retainers and Smile Maintenance
Once you’ve completed your clear aligner therapy, we’ll fit you with a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting and give you valuable tips on how to maintain your beautiful new smile.
Some of these tips include the following:
- Brush and floss your teeth each day.
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups every six months.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks to reduce the chance of decay.
- Rinse and soak your retainer to keep it clean and free from bacteria.
Questions About Invisalign in Watkinsville, GA?
To learn more about what clear aligner therapy can do for your smile, please reach out to our experienced dental team! At Athens Oconee Dentistry, we’ll do whatever we can to help you make confident, informed decisions about your oral health.
If you’d like to schedule an orthodontic consultation or appointment, contact our dental office at (706) 549-2440.
We look forward to hearing from you!