Invisalign®Hutto, TX

Invisalign’s Three Steps

The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our pediatric dental team. Our staff will look at overall oral health and take impressions of the mouth. Next, that impression is sent to Invisalign and used to make aligners unique to the patient’s mouth for a custom fit.

Once the aligners have been made, our staff will ensure they fit well, answer any questions, and go over the treatment plan. Patients will be expected to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get optimal results. Regular checkups with Dr. Naik will help ensure that treatment stays on track. Our staff will determine how often new aligners are needed.

After the desired results have been achieved, the patient may be expected to wear a retainer to maintain those results. This will prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their initial position. Our doctor will provide specific instructions on how often a retainer will need to be worn.

The Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Invisalign has pros and cons. Because the aligners are next to invisible, kids, teens, and adults can avoid the discomfort and self-consciousness associated with traditional metal braces. Many patients also appreciate that they can take Invisalign aligners out to eat, brush, and floss or for social situations.

However, since they are removable, they are more likely to be lost or broken. Patients also need to be careful about what they drink when their aligners are in. Anything but water should be avoided. Liquids can seep into the plastic and stay there until the aligner is removed. This can lead to staining of the aligner and even tooth decay.

Taking Care of Invisalign Aligners

It is essential to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to have a good orthodontic outcome. For Invisalign to work, the aligners have to be worn for the recommended number of hours a day. Patients should try to limit the number of times they remove the aligners since it will not take long to exceed the time they can be left off. For pediatric patients, parents should help remind them of when to wear them until they remember to do it on their own.

Cleaning the Aligners

Patients should always rinse the aligners when they are removed. Bacteria and plaque can easily attach to them, which can cause an unpleasant odor and sticky feeling on the teeth. Aligners should be cleaned with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap. If patients use toothpaste to clean the aligners, they should make sure that it is not a brand with whitening agents, as these can wear away the plastic.

Invisalign aligners need to be stored in a case when not being worn. Leaving them out in the open exposes them to germs that can then be transferred to the mouth.

WhMaintain Proper Oral Hygieneat

While proper oral hygiene is essential at any time, it is a bit easier with Invisalign than traditional braces. Food and plaque can get trapped in conventional braces' metal brackets and can be tough to brush. Since Invisalign aligners can be removed, it is simple to brush and floss and replace the aligners when finished.

Make sure to brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in the mouth. This helps keep food particles from getting stuck in the aligners, leading to bacteria growth and bad breath.

Length of Treatment Time

Only an experienced pediatric dentist can reasonably predict the length of the Invisalign treatment time. The severity of the condition, how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan, and age are all factors. On average, it takes less than two years to see results. The treatment time for children and teens is typically a little shorter than for adults; this is because their jawbones are still developing and growing, making them ideal for orthodontic treatment.

Following all the recommended guidelines will ensure patients do not extend the treatment time. Patients need to switch trays on schedule and talk to our staff if there are any concerns. If the aligners are not worn for the recommended time, the teeth may start to shift back to their original positions.