Your Invisalign Braces Procedure: A Smooth Recovery
Posted on July 23, 2021
The Invisalign braces procedure is a great way to straighten your teeth without the discomfort and invasiveness of traditional orthodontics. But what happens after you get Invisalign braces? How long will they last, and how do you ensure that your Invisalign braces recovery goes as smoothly as possible? This article discusses the Invisalign braces recovery process from start to finish, so read on for more information.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a line of clear aligners, which are made with a series of 3D computer drawings. These invisible plastic trays have been designed to be worn for 22 hours each day to gently shift teeth into place without the need for painful surgery or metal braces.
How Does It Work?
The process starts with taking impressions and measurements from your teeth by using dental putty or plaster and then creating 3D models on computer software that show how your teeth will move once they’re wearing the aligners. This gives you a good idea of how long you’ll need to wear them.
Your orthodontist will carefully position each bracket to gently move the tooth closer to its ideal position without damaging healthy tissue or sensitive nerves in the process. This is done gradually over an extended period of time, so you don’t experience any sudden movements (which can lead to discomfort).
What Does It Feel Like? Are They Uncomfortable?
It feels like having a mouth full of very soft rubber bands, almost like biting on gum that’s not quite hard enough for chewing. The only thing most patients notice is that the trays feel bulky because they’re right in front of their teeth and crowding their lips slightly; however, this is something you get used to after wearing them for a few days.
Many people who have had Invisalign braces find it difficult if not impossible to eat certain foods, especially those that require excessive chewing. You may also have some soreness while using braces for straight teeth. However, Invisalign braces typically don’t cause any pain below the gum line or in your teeth themselves.
The Invisalign recovery process is a long one – but it’s worth it! Here are some tips to make Invisalign braces recovery as smooth as possible:
- Brush twice a day.
- Rinse with mouthwash after having meals or snacks that have many sugars within them; this will help prevent cavities from forming on your Invisalign braces.
- You might want to have Invisalign retainers made for your teeth after treatment to help maintain the straightened position of your teeth and prevent them from returning back to their previous misaligned positions.
- Arrange follow-up appointments with your orthodontist at regular intervals (depending on how your teeth move). Get feedback and advice from them and check that everything is running smoothly with the Invisalign braces. Also, discuss any problems or concerns you may have at these sessions.
- Do not use straws or toothpicks with Invisalign braces. It may cause harm to your newly aligned teeth and gums which may still be vulnerable.
- Minimize jaw popping or clenching. It tightens the tendons in your jaw and can cause premature wear on your Invisalign clear braces. This could potentially lead to higher costs, as well as other issues.
- Use quality toothpaste designed for people wearing Invisalign braces: They are usually gentler and help fight plaque buildup, which may otherwise lead to gum disease.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day – this will help keep your Invisalign brackets clean as well as promote healthy skin on the inside surface of your mouth (dryness is a common Invisalign patient complaint).
The biggest benefit of having Invisalign as opposed to other orthodontic braces is that they don’t require metal wires, brackets, or tooth-colored fillings. You can also expect to save time and money on the treatment since there’s no need for appointment after appointment. Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without the need for surgery.