Have you ever thought about improving your smile with Orthodontics? Have you seen commercials about Invisalign on television and wondered…could this really work for me? We sat down with Dr. Bakhtyari to get our top 10 questions about Invisalign treatment answered. Here’s what we uncovered….
- Q: What is Invisalign?
A: Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires. - Q: How does Invisalign work?
A: Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear “aligners” are produced. Each “aligner” moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved. - Q: What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
A: Invisalign is clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene. Invisalign is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the doctor’s chair getting adjustments. Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start—so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. - What do aligners look like?
A: Aligners are clear and look similar to tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. One way to look at it is contact lenses for the teeth! - Will the treatment be painful?
A: Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that Invisalign is working—sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series. - Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
A: Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect your speech and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. As your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear. - Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
A: No. Unlike traditional wires and brackets, you can eat whatever you want while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink so there’s no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks. Also, it’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene. - How often must I wear my aligners?
A: Your aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing. - How often must I see you?
A: With typical cases you’ll need to see me about once every 4-6 weeks. This is the only way the I can be sure that your treatment is progressing as planned. - What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
A: This depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign makes. We can discuss these possibilities together. Every patient is different and outcomes vary.
If you would like to learn more about Invisalign offered in Reston, Herndon and Northern Virginia or would like to have a one-on-one consultation with Dr. B. that shouldn’t take longer than about 15-20 minutes, please contact us! We’d be happy to answer any of your questions about Invisalign treatment.