This treatment is customized to every patient at ImpressionsDental in Chandler, AZ, but some elements are common across the board for every wearer. This page provides all the details you need to know about how it works to decide whether you’re interested in pursuing this orthodontic alternative.
The Timeline
Committing to aligners means you are taking on a big responsibility, but it isn’t as demanding on your time as you might think. Here are some of the major calendar markers you’ll want to know:
- 1 year: The average treatment takes about 12 months to complete. Some patients with complex cases, however, might require a little more time, while people with only a few gaps to close or teeth to tweak could require far less treatment time.
- 6 to 8 weeks: You’ll need to visit your Chandler provider every six weeks or so for two things: a checkup of your teeth to see how things are progressing and to pick up your next sets of trays to carry you through the next several weeks.
- 2 weeks: Every set of Invisalign Chandler trays is usually worn for about two weeks. Some aligners may need to be worn a little longer depending on how your plan has been designed, what your dentist sees during a checkup, and how well you’re complying with instructions.
- 21-23 hours: The clear aligners should be continuously worn for most of the day. That allows three to four hours for meals and cleanings. You have the freedom to remove them, which is a privilege wearers of metal braces do not have, but you are also responsible for putting them back in and wearing them as much as possible for the best results.
What It’s Really Like to Wear Them
- Mostly comfortable: These super-thin, smooth trays latch onto teeth so your lips glide easily over them (unlike conventional braces with brackets and wires that poke and scratch). There will be some discomfort as the teeth shift. Every time you change to a fresh set of trays, new teeth will begin to move, and that means some pressure. Overall, the treatment is gentle and comfortable.
- Plenty of freedom: Even though you must wear the trays for the bulk of every day, it is removable. If nothing else, you’re getting a break from your treatment every time you have a meal, and that’s something no other braces-wearer can boast.
- Zero food restrictions: If you want to eat a steak, go ahead. If you want a crunchy apple, have at it. You eat without the trays, so there is no chance of damaging hardware. The only drawback is that your teeth may feel sensitive occasionally and you would rather have soft smoothies, pastas, and ice creams. That’s okay too.
- Easy to clean: Clear aligners are easily brushed clean after meals, but your dentist may also recommend a daily soaking. The goal is to keep the trays clean, stain-free, and odor-free so they are always clear and discreet.
101 Helps You Adapt to New Routine
This is a commitment, and it will take time to adapt to a new routine of how to brush, floss, wear your trays, and eat. Most patients adjust more quickly than they anticipated because this treatment fits so easily into their lifestyle. You might have to push pause on the all-day coffee drinking or cut out the snacking, but all the while your teeth will thank you for this dedication.
Straighten your smile, gain new confidence, and change your life with customized treatment from us in Chandler, AZ. Contact us to find out if you’re a good candidate.
