Have questions about Invisalign® treatment? You’ve come to the right place! Our Grand Rapids Invisalign orthodontists understand that you’re anxious to improve the appearance of your smile. Yet, it’s important that you don’t rush the by skipping any steps.
While you may see results from Invisalign within a few weeks, the average treatment time is 12 to 18 months. So, you’ll need to have enough self-discipline to wear them between 20 and 22 hours a day.
Here’s what else you can expect while wearing Invisalign aligners.
Frequency of Wearing Your Aligners Matters
Unfortunately, you can’t skip out on having your aligners in place during the day and only choose to wear them at night. They are more than just an orthodontic retainer and need to be worn almost as frequently as braces that are bonded to your teeth. It’s important that you wear your clear aligners between 20 and 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move according to schedule.
While you may feel some slight discomfort and tightness when you first wear Invisalign, you must continue wearing your as directed by our orthodontists. If you forget to pop them in or outright refuse to follow instructions, you won’t be able to make progress as quickly as you’d like.
Eating With Invisalign Trays
No, you can’t eat while you’re actively wearing your aligners. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is removable so you can continue eating your favorite foods during treatment. This means that you won’t have to stay away from foods that are hard to chew, like caramel. However, it’s important that you brush after eating so you don’t stain or accumulate bacteria on your Invisalign clear aligners.
Related Post → How to Care for Invisalign® Clear Aligners
In addition to your teeth, you should at least twice daily. It is also encouraged that you run the aligners under lukewarm water (never hot) every time you take them out. Many patients find it easiest to clean them at the same time they brush their teeth throughout the day.
Our orthodontists recommend:
- Gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Thoroughly rinsing them after brushing is done
- Storing the aligners in a protective case when not in use
Try always having a handy care kit with you that includes a separate toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, and a case. This way, you’re prepared when you’re at work or school and want to do more than simply rinse the trays off after a meal. Don’t forget to put them back in after you’re done with a snack or meal - they should be in place for a minimum of 20 hours each day or your treatment will not progress as quickly!
Average Treatment Time for Invisalign
The average clear aligner treatment plan takes between 12 and 18 months. However, each patient is different, which is why it’s important to schedule an appointment with one of our Invisalign orthodontists.
The length of your treatment will depend on many factors, including how consistently you wear your teeth aligners and the severity of your case. For example, you may need to wear Invisalign for longer if you need to correct a slight overbite.
Retainers After Invisalign
Once you’ve completed Invisalign treatment, we can understand the reluctance you may feel to wear yet another oral appliance. However, it’s important that you wear your retainer as directed by our orthodontists. Otherwise, your teeth will gradually shift back into their original positions.
Read More → Why You Need Retainers After Braces and Invisalign®
While you may not see your teeth moving at first, the changes become more noticeable over time. For example, your retainer may feel tight and uncomfortable if you haven’t worn it for a few days. Your retainers will only fit for as long as you consistently wear them.
It’s normal for your teeth to slightly shift once you stop wearing Invisalign. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak. The retainer is designed to prevent noticeable changes so you can maintain a beautiful smile.
Try Invisalign For Yourself
Our Invisalign orthodontists in Grand Rapids, MI, want to help you achieve your best smile. Once we straighten teeth and correct bite issues, you may be surprised by how confident you feel. To request an appointment, call Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics today at (616) 455-4800.
This blog post has been updated.