8 Facts About Invisalign Aligners
Are you thinking of getting Invisalign® aligners? If so, Dr. Peter Rinaldi and the Rinaldi Dental Arts team are here to help qualifying candidates in Chevy Chase, MD.
Before committing to a treatment, however, you should familiarize yourself with it and what to expect to be sure it’s right for you. Here are some key facts that will provide the clarity you need.
#1 Over 1,000,000 people around the world wear Invisalign® aligners
Since gaining FDA-approval back in 1998, Invisalign® has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence and is now the world’s most commonly recognized form of clear braces with over one million clients. As such, most people know at least one friend, relative, or colleague who has used the invisible aligners.
That’s a big jump from 80,000 patients using the aligners in 2002. In total, Invisalign® braces have restored over nine million smiles. The cosmetic treatment boasts an extremely high patient satisfaction level, which provides you with added peace of mind before, during, and after your procedure.
#2 You should wear Invisalign® aligners 20-22 hours a day
When you start wearing Invisalign® aligners, Dr. Rinaldi will emphasize the importance of wearing them for at least 20 (ideally 22) hours per day. The aligners should only be removed for eating, drinking, and certain activities (like some sports) where potential damage is likely. Dr. Rinaldi will instruct you to wear them at night and during most other daily activities.
Breaking this rule can severely disrupt the micromovements of clear aligners, which can lead to delayed results, discomfort, and complications. A consistent approach to this rule has the best results. Missing a day here and there can only prolong the results.
#3 Invisalign® aligners are removable
While the clear braces-like aligners are designed to be worn for long periods, they are removable. This is another attractive feature for many patients as it allows for normal function during eating and other times where you feel it is necessary. Moreover, they can be safely removed if there is ever a moment of major discomfort.
You can remove the Invisalign® tray as many times as you want during a 24-hour period, as long as you keep to the 22-hour rule. However, taking them out too frequently will increase the likelihood of premature cracking of the aligner. If your aligner tray does get damaged, contact Dr. Rinaldi right away to discuss the extra care requirements or potential replacement.
#4 There are no wires or brackets
There are many benefits to choosing Invisalign® aligners over traditional braces and other orthodontics. However, the lack of wires and brackets is one of the most attractive aspects of this procedure style. The BPA-free plastic aligners are almost unnoticeable to other people, meaning your smile won’t be disrupted during the procedure.
The vast majority of patients find that the plastic aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces. Additionally, the lack of visual impact throughout the treatment allows patients to enjoy a normal life and maintain their confidence. This is better for adults who must be in front of other professionals and maintain a professional appearance.
#5 Sometimes a retainer is needed after treatment for the same reason as braces
Invisalign® aligners can transform your smile in a more discrete way than traditional braces, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a winning smile more comfortably. However, many patients should wear a retainer after the completion of their treatment. Wearing this overnight retainer prevents the teeth from sliding back to their old position, ensuring that the benefits last.
Wear your retainer every night for a few months before slowly decreasing the frequency until they are no longer needed. However, you may want to wear them for longer to be safe. This is something that Dr. Rinaldi can discuss with you before and during your treatment. While they aren’t always required, many patients do benefit from them.
#6 Invisalign® aligners are rotated every 2 weeks
Invisalign® aligners work by moving the teeth incrementally, with each new aligner tray moving the teeth a little closer to their final destination. The movement from one tray to the next isn’t huge, but your teeth do need time to adjust to the latest position before the next tray is fitted. Changing trays every two weeks is usually the best solution.
Treatments can last from anywhere between 6 to 24 months but most patients will wear their Invisalign® braces for around 12 months. Therefore, most patients will require a total of 20 to 30 aligner trays during the course of their treatment. Thankfully, with Rinaldi Dental Arts, you need to visit the center only for checkups at key points in the process.
#7 Invisalign® is not suitable for everyone
Invisalign® aligners can be worn to correct a wide range of orthodontic conditions, with treatable cases including crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gap teeth, and open bites. Moreover, they are an effective procedure for achieving generally straighter smiles and can be used on either permanent teeth or baby teeth. However, they aren’t for everyone.
The invisible aligners can be used by people that have worn braces but are not always an option for patients that have veneers or crowns. If you have a dental bridge, it is unlikely that Invisalign® will be right for you. This is because they are designed to move individual teeth rather than grouped teeth. A dental examination will determine if you are a good candidate.
#8 Rinaldi Dental Arts offers patients Invisalign® treatment
If you want to find out more about Invisalign® treatments, team up with the right dental professional. The Rinaldi Dental Arts team is certified to complete all stages of the process and help patients like you throughout Chevy Chase and the surrounding areas. The road to a straighter smile starts here.
A full consultation with Dr. Rinaldi will confirm suitability. In addition to outlining the potential improvements Invisalign® aligners offer, it’s an opportunity to check that the teeth are of the required health for the procedure. Dr. Rinaldi will also ask that you are committed to wearing the invisible braces for enough time to unlock maximized results. Schedule an appointment today!
