How Long Do You Wear Invisalign©?
Have you ever found yourself wondering how to get a better smile without the hassle of traditional braces? If so, you’re not alone! At Babylon Dental Care, serving the West Babylon and Patchogue area communities since 1983, we often get asked about Invisalign©, the nearly invisible way to straighten teeth. So, how long do you actually wear Invisalign©? Let’s dive into what Invisalign© is, how it works, and what you can expect during your smile journey.
What is Invisalign©?
Invisalign© is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, plastic aligners to move your teeth into the desired position gradually. Unlike braces, these aligners are virtually invisible, and you can move them, so you can straighten your teeth without most people noticing. It’s a popular choice for adults and teens seeking a less obvious alternative to traditional metal braces.
How Does Invisalign© Move Teeth?
The process starts with a consultation at Babylon Dental Care, where we use advanced imaging technology to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. From this model, your dentist crafts a series of custom aligners. Each set of aligners makes slight adjustments to your teeth’s position. You will wear each set of these aligners for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series, continuing this process until your teeth have aligned to their final position.
How Long Do You Wear Invisalign©?
The length of Invisalign© treatment varies from patient to patient, and we base it on your unique needs. Most adults typically wear Invisalign© for 12 to 18 months, but the duration can be shorter or longer depending on the complexity of the alignment you need. Teens might need a bit longer, depending on their dental growth and development. You’ll need to wear your aligners for between 20 and 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and for brushing and flossing.
How to Clean Invisalign©
Keeping your aligners clean is essential to avoiding bad breath and maintaining your oral hygiene. Fortunately, maintaining your Invisalign© aligners is straightforward. Clean them regularly by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water. Avoid water that’s hot, as it can warp the plastic body of the aligners.
Consider using a gentle denture cleaner or the Invisalign© Cleaning System for a deeper clean.
Manufacturers formulated this system specifically for cleaning Invisalign© aligners and retainers. It involves using cleaning crystals designed to remove plaque and bacteria within about 15 minutes. Here’s how it works:
- Rinse: Remove your aligners and rinse them under lukewarm water to dislodge any loose particles.
- Soak: Fill the Invisalign© cleaning tub or any small container with warm water (not hot, as high temperatures can warp the aligners). Add one packet of the cleaning crystals and stir until they dissolve completely.
- Soak Aligners: Place your aligners into the solution and let them soak for about 15 minutes. This will allow the cleaning crystals to break down plaque and eliminate odors effectively.
- Brush and Rinse: After soaking, remove the aligners from the solution and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush to scrub away any remaining plaque or food particles. Rinse the aligners under lukewarm water again before reinserting them into your mouth.
- Dispose of the Solution: Discard the used cleaning solution after each use; it’s not safe to reuse.
Besides using the official cleaning system, it’s always important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth before reinserting your aligners. This prevents trapping harmful particles and bacteria against your teeth, which could lead to dental issues like cavities or gum disease.
How Long Until You See Results?
One of the most exciting aspects of Invisalign© treatment is seeing your smile transform right before your eyes. While the timing can vary, many patients start seeing noticeable improvement in their teeth alignment within a few months. Regular check-ups will ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.
At Babylon Dental Care, we understand that affordability is often a reason people don’t consider this excellent option, but don’t worry! We work with a wide range of insurance plans and offer several flexible payment options for those without insurance. Our mission is to help you get the treatment you need without losing your financial peace of mind.
What Should I Do Now?
Invisalign© is a powerful option if you want to discreetly and comfortably improve your smile. Whether you’re an adult looking to finally straighten your teeth or a teen wanting a less noticeable alternative to braces, Invisalign© offers a clear solution.
At Babylon Dental Care, we’re proud to guide our neighbors in the West Babylon and Patchogue areas through their smile transformations. Remember, the journey to a perfect smile begins with a consultation. Contact us online or by calling (631) 983-6665 to determine if Invisalign© is right for you. Here’s to a brighter, straighter smile!
