Five things you need to know before you get Invisalign®

Invisalign is a clear aligner and an alternative to traditional metal braces. The aligner is designed to be discreet while functioning to straighten teeth like traditional braces. Dr. Gibbs offers Invisalign treatment for common problems like teeth crowding, correcting spacing issues, and overbites. Even though they are becoming a popular treatment option, you may be unaware of some of their benefits or have other questions. Here are five things you need to know before getting Invisalign.

What Happens with Invisalign Before and After Treatment

Dr. Jessica Gibbs will discuss all your options with you before Invisalign treatment. She will explain how the clear aligners work and what to expect afterward. When you have finished wearing all the aligners, you will shift into more of a maintenance mode. You may have to wear a retainer some of the time to help your teeth maintain their proper positions.

Eating While Wearing Aligners

One of the benefits of wearing aligners is that you can remove them for daily hygiene and eating. Simply take them out, eat the foods you enjoy, then brush your teeth before putting them back in. Under no circumstances can you eat or drink with the aligners in your mouth. The only exception is drinking water. Colored liquids may become trapped and cause staining or cavities.

Invisalign Lets You Live Your Life

Dr. Gibbs often recommends Invisalign because they fit into your life without causing a major disruption. You won’t need to change what you are eating or adjust any of your favorite activities during the treatment. The aligners are removable for photos, eating, and life events as desired. You will need to wear them for at least 22 hours each day to get the desired benefit. You will also need to see Dr. Jessica Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn every six to eight weeks.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Some patients experience some mild discomfort when they first start wearing Invisalign aligners. Some also have some pain when changing to a new set of aligners. However, this is short-lived and usually goes away in just a day or two. Pain can be managed using over-the-counter pain relievers in most cases. It is normal to experience some discomfort or pressure when you first start wearing aligners and when you change to new ones. If you don’t feel pressure or discomfort, they may not be working as needed.

Taking Care of Invisalign Before and After Use

Taking care of aligners is an easy task to incorporate into your daily routine. The main thing to remember is that they need to be kept safe and clean. Your aligners are removable so it’s convenient to clean them when you brush your teeth twice each day. When the aligners are not being used, they should be kept in their convenient storage case. This keeps them from getting lost or from being accidentally thrown away.

Contact Dr. Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn

If you are ready to discuss how Dr. Jessica Gibbs can help you achieve the smile of your dreams using Invisalign, contact us! We will be happy to help you improve your smile! Do you still have more questions about Invisalign before or after treatment? Call us today and let us answer your questions or schedule an exam. Invisalign is a teeth straightening treatment option that is discreet, versatile, and easy! Find out if you are a good candidate for it today.