Teeth Talk: How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Are you considering Invisalign to create the smile you’ve always dreamed of? Are you searching for a comparison between braces and Invisalign? 

In this article, we’ll explore why many are choosing Invisalign for a discreet and easy method. Read on to discover how you can have straight teeth, and still eat all of the foods you love with Invisalign!

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is where you wear removable and clear aligners that straighten your teeth over time. You won’t have wires or brackets on your teeth. 

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

You might be asking yourself, how long does Invisalign take to straighten your teeth? Good news! Results can start to show after just a few weeks.

From start to finish, the entire Invisalign treatment normally takes about a year, depending on the treatment that you require.

Factors That Determine the Length of Time

While most people see initial results in the first couple of months, each person’s length of treatment varies based on the complexity of their needs. Different factors, such as the alignment of your teeth and gaps, will play a factor in the length of time you wear them. 

How Does Invisalign Work?

Your Invisalign specialist will create a digital plan that will show how each aligner will move your teeth into place over the course of your treatment. While every person (and mouth) is different, most patients wear between 16-22-XX different Invisalign aligners, with each setting your teeth that much closer to straight! Aligners are designed to gently and gradually place pressure on your teeth to ensure they become straight overtime. In your Invisalign consultation, you and Dr. Wilmer will go over each step of your personalized process.

Why Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?

Invisalign offers the same outcome as traditional braces without the inconvenient growing pains so, if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, they’re a much more attractive way to beautify your smile.

Eat What You Want

With traditional braces, foods like popcorn, gum, and steak can be downright unbearable. Anything too hard, too chewy, or too sticky is on the do-not-eat list. This is due to the risk of these foods bending or breaking wires or brackets. And even if you take a chance, you’re almost sure to get some kind of chunk or kernel lodged between a wire and your tooth.  But thanks to removable aligners, you don’t have to worry about this with Invisalign. Just take them out, eat, brush your teeth and pop the aligner back in and you’re good to go!

No Poking

With traditional braces, you might experience wires or brackets poking or /rubbing against your mouth. It’s uncomfortable, to say the least, and it can lead to painful cuts, sores, or irritation.

Easier To Clean

It’s easier to brush your teeth when you don’t have brackets and wires to go around. Brushing and flossing with traditional braces takes much longer, and is harder to obtain proper oral hygiene. The good news is that with Invisalign you remove the aligners when you eat, drink, and brush your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on a thorough brushing.

Discreet

If you don’t want others to notice metal on your teeth, you don’t have to worry about that with Invisalign. The aligners are clear so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them!

Removable

Unlike traditional braces, where brackets are glued to your teeth until the very end, Invisalign trays are removable. That comes in handy when you’re eating, playing sports, or brushing your teeth! 

Quicker

Invisalign tends to work faster than traditional braces when it comes to straightening teeth. You’ll receive new trays every few weeks as your teeth move into their proper place. 

Play the Sports You Like

Those who are serious about their sports avoid traditional braces since they’re more afraid they’ll break. The blow to your mouth can cause damage to your brackets or wiring. With Invisalign, all you have to do is pop them out at game time and pop them back in when you’re done.

Keeping Your Aligners Clean

Whenever you take your aligners out make sure you clean them before putting them back on in order to prevent bacteria or other buildup. First, rinse your aligners, then clean them with anti-bacterial soap with a soft toothbrush. Rinsing your aligners whenever you take them out can also help you to remove any plaque or saliva that can build up. 

Maintain proper oral hygiene for your teeth as well. Before putting on your aligners, you’ll want to ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. 

Wear Them

If you want your teeth to be straight as fast as possible, you’ll need to wear your aligners as often as Dr. Wilmer says. Failure to do so can mean you’ll have to spend more time wearing them. Get into the habit of brushing your teeth and aligners immediately after eating. Once you’re doing brushing, put them back in.

Will I Need a Retainer After Treatment?

Most will agree that you’ll need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving. Each case is different, so it’s best to speak with Dr. Wilmer to know your options. Also, if you need to wear a retainer, it’s usually only at night when you’re sleeping.

Find Out if You Are a Candidate for Invisalign in Richmond, VA

Many people are able to use Invisalign In some circumstances, like for those with a severe underbite, or unfilled cavities, Invisalign may not be an appropriate course of treatment. If you have active gum disease you’ll need to get it under control before being considered for aligners. To learn more about which options are best for you, contact Dr. Wilmer today!

 

Schedule Consultation

 

 

/1 Comment/by

How Do You Replace a Missing Tooth?

Tooth loss is a common problem in America. About 178 million Americans have at least one tooth missing, and 40 million have lost all of their teeth. A missing tooth or teeth can affect a person’s self-confidence and other aspects of his life. Fortunately, there are ways to replace your missing teeth and finally restore that beautiful smile. Below are the best solutions available for you.

Flipper or Temporary Dentures

Temporary dentures are an inexpensive way to replace one or more missing teeth. Its purpose is to fill any gaps, so you are more confident about smiling and talking. It’s easy to get temporary dentures. In fact, you can have temporary dentures fitted right after tooth extraction. Keep in mind though, that they can feel bulky and uncomfortable over time.

These are ideal for people looking for a temporary solution for a missing tooth so they can save up for a more effective and sustainable treatment. With flippers, there is no need for multiple dental visits. You do need to regularly visit your dentist for dental health checkups and professional cleaning services. Also, make sure that you always practice good oral hygiene for the denture to last a little longer. 

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures help replace one or more of your teeth in the same arch. They have metal clasps that will hold your dentures firmly in your mouth while still making it easy for you to remove them. You can wear a partial denture during the day, but you must remove it at night for thorough cleaning. The best way to clean them is by soaking them in a good cleaning solution.

Partial dentures are a lower-cost alternative to dental implants or fixed bridges. They are also effective at filling gaps so you can smile confidently. Depending on the placement of a partial denture, the metal used to hold it in place may be visible to others when you speak. A partial denture can start to be unstable or uncomfortable after extensive wear. For those who wear partial dentures, Dr. Wilmer highly recommends regular dental visits and thorough checkups. And when your dentures start to affect your speech, it’s time to replace them! While dental adhesives help your dentures stay in place, they are not the long-term solution.

If you want another economical treatment, partial dentures would be one of the best solutions. 

Removable Complete Dentures

Low-cost removable complete dentures rest just on top of your gums, and the procedure is non-invasive. Wearing these dentures can enhance your appearance and improve your smile. 

They can also provide the proper support for the lips and cheeks muscles, helping you restore facial dimensions. Also, it can look natural as the dentist usually would match the color of your new teeth to the color of your real teeth. Removable complete dentures can be adjusted, especially when the shape of your jawbone changes. Getting this treatment is not only affordable but also quick. 

Complete dentures are ideal for those who want a better solution but cannot afford dental implants. However, a few disadvantages include: having to remove these dentures at night for cleaning and avoiding sticky or hard food to prevent broken dentures. Over time, they may also become loose as your jawbone changes shape. When this happens, visit a dentist immediately for adjustment. While complete dentures are a method of addressing tooth loss, they are not a permanent solution. 

Fixed Bridges

An alternative to dental implants is fixed bridges. This solution is ideal when you still have other teeth for support. Unlike dentures, fixed bridges cannot be removed. They stay cemented in your mouth, and the procedure may involve cutting down the teeth. Not everyone is qualified to have fixed bridges. You must have enough teeth that will help support the fixed bridge. If you only have one or two missing teeth, fixed bridges are a better solution than partial removable dentures. 

Fixed bridges will feel like and function like natural teeth. The procedure also does not take longer – just about three weeks – the most – to complete. Good oral hygiene is still required so the fixed bridge lasts longer. While fixed bridges have more longevity than temporary or partial dentures, they do not provide enough vital stimulation to the tooth bone to serve as a permanent solution.

Dental Implants

The best way to replace a missing tooth is through dental implants. Implants are permanent and an excellent solution for your dental health because they are the closest thing to having natural teeth. It will feel like you have real teeth, and no one can ever tell you have dental implants. Implants are highly durable and feel so natural. Moreover, implants prevent jawbone loss. 

Dental implants can be expensive, and it may not be the practical solution for some people. Also, there is surgery involved, and the treatment may last longer. If you can afford it, we would highly recommend this treatment. It may be expensive, but it’s also the most effective solution to your missing tooth.

Do Something About a Missing Tooth in Richmond, VA

Keep in mind that missing teeth will result in bone loss. Over time, it will lead to the shrinking of your jaws and changing the shape of your face. You can avoid this with our help. Our dental solutions can help you keep that perfect smile and restore your self-confidence. Contact us today for more information or book an appointment.

 

Schedule Consultation

 

 

/0 Comments/by