Over the last few decades, braces have helped countless patients adjust their teeth and restore their confidence. While those devices are highly effective, they come with some clear drawbacks. In addition to many patients claiming that they are uncomfortable, you might also feel as if they are unsightly. Luckily, traditional metal braces are no longer the only option for straightening your teeth and improving your smile. Invisalign aligners have exploded in popularity in recent years, and they might be exactly what you need to restore your confidence.
The Real Risks of a Misaligned Smile
There are many different reasons why an individual might have a misaligned smile or teeth that aren’t in the correct positions. Genetics play a major role in one’s smile, and that is a variable that no one can change. Daily habits can affect teeth as well, and failing to properly care for one’s smile can result in malocclusion. Acute trauma to the face is another issue that many people are going to experience at some point over the years. When a tooth is knocked out or severely damaged, then all of the nearby teeth can shift as well.
While a misaligned smile might seem like nothing more than a cosmetic problem, it can result in some serious medical issues as well. When an individual’s teeth aren’t properly aligned, it will greatly increase their risk of dental fractures, jaw pain, tooth decay, and gum disease. Those are just a few of the reasons why it is so important to address this oral health issue immediately. If you are tired of dealing with a misaligned smile, then it might be time to take a closer look at some Invisalign before and after images to see if this procedure might be right for you.
Creating a Personalized Treatment Plan
In addition to doing some research online and taking a look at before and after images, you will also need to schedule an early consultation with your dentist so that you can come up with a long-term treatment plan. Even though these aligners are highly effective, the treatments can be quite complex. Your initial consultation will give your dentist the opportunity to take some images of your teeth and go over your medical history. As long as you are a relatively healthy individual, you will most likely make an excellent candidate. If you and your dentist agree that this treatment protocol is right for you, then you can begin the process right away.
Starting Your Treatment Protocol
The first thing that the dentist will need to do is create impressions for your teeth so that the personalized trays can be made. When you get your first set of trays, you must wear them for at least 22 hours a day. While they can be taken off to eat and clean your teeth, they should be worn the rest of the time. Luckily, those trays are nearly invisible once they are in the mouth, and you might not even notice that they are there. As your teeth begin to shift, a new set of trays will be sent to your home. The most common side effect of these trays is mild discomfort throughout the mouth, but that can usually be taken care of with over-the-counter medication. After a few months of wearing the trays, your dentist will most likely ask you to make a second appointment so that they can check your progress.