Ask Your Perth Orthodontist These Questions About Invisalign

Orthodontic services are becoming more inconspicuous than ever, and offer even less interruption to your lifestyle.If you’re considering an orthodontics treatment like Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you might want to find the answers to some of these questions first.

Most of us would love to have straight, white teeth, but many people struggle to achieve this. Whether it’s from your genetics or your lifestyle factors, there are many factors that could influence the alignment and wellbeing of your teeth. Signs and symptoms such as underbite or overbite, crowded or protruding teeth, jaw pain, or uneven spaces between teeth can all lead back to improper alignment, and while poor alignment alone is not a health risk, the associated symptoms can lead to serious health concerns.

Invisalign is an effective method to correct your dental alignment, with clear aligners designed to fit your teeth and manoeuvre them into position.

1 What Kind Of Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Correct?

One of the great attractions to Invisalign is its ability to correct many of the same issues that traditional braces can, although the extent of the correction will need to be considered before choosing between the two. For more severe cases, your orthodontist may choose to use traditional wires and brackets to move teeth and align your jaw, but many realignments can be successfully completed with Invisalign aligners.

2 How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Last?

On average, the length of treatment for Invisalign is similar to that of traditional braces, but there are many factors that can play a part. This might be your age, how much correction you need to achieve the desired alignment, and the general treatment time span that your issue can usually be corrected. Both Invisalign and traditional braces require odd visits to your orthodontist - braces require regular adjustments to tighten the wires and Invisalign users receive new aligners to adjust their teeth further. Attending these appointments is crucial to your treatment - orthodontic alignment is a gradual process, and every step counts towards the end goal.

3 Is Invisalign Right For Adult/Older Smiles?

Many of us have experienced orthodontic treatments in our younger/teenage years, but for some these problems may go unnoticed or unaddressed until adult life. By then some people may experience some hesitation towards getting traditional braces - making Invisalign the perfect alternative. Invisalign is nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and drinking, helping wearers to avoid any embarrassing incidents.

4 Why Is The Up-front Cost Of Traditional Braces Less Than Invisalign?

Traditional braces are a tried-and-true method that have been available for many years, so the materials and treatments have become readily accessible in the market and haven’t progressed rapidly enough to drive demand. Invisalign offers all the benefits of traditional braces without the drawbacks that are usually associated with them, and the aligners are tailored to your unique bite. This makes the process more intensive and efficacious, and can contribute to the overall cost.

Ask your orthodontist if Invisalign is right for you!

What If I Stop Wearing My Retainer? Ask A Perth Orthodontist

Not many people realise that it takes a little while for the teeth to settle into their new spots. The braces will slowly manoeuvre them into their new positions, but teeth are surprisingly rebellious and usually begin to roam about again. Many patients who get braces - both adults and children - are chomping at the bit to get the small wires taken out of their mouth, and in their eagerness they overlook the last crucial step; the retainer.

What Is A Retainer?

A retainer is a small device which has been specially sculpted to fit your bite. Usually made from plastic or metal, it sits in your mouth and acts as a supporting frame for your smile. They’re common to be used after braces or dental alignments, to keep the teeth in place until the mouth has healed correctly and the teeth are settled.

What Happens If I Stop Wearing Mine?

Okay, so your braces are off. We get it, you’re excited to go grinning and dining with your new pearly whites - but the dental care isn’t over just yet. There are some consequences that may arise from neglecting your retainer, and the results could range from a ‘little annoying’ to ‘very expensive’.

Your Teeth Have Been Moved To Their Natural Positions:

If your treatment involved moving your teeth to positions that they should have naturally occupied, the mouth requires slightly less adjustment and your orthodontist may recommend a considerably shorter period of time to wear your retainer. Even though this is an easier process for your mouth, you should still wear your retainer for as long as your orthodontist recommends. This will help the teeth to settle in to gums and adjust to their new space, and will keep them from straying. If your teeth begin to move around the jaw again, you may need orthodontic services, such as braces, all over again.

Your Teeth Have Been Moved To New Positions:

If your orthodontist has moved your teeth to new positions in the jaw, then your teeth are highly likely to try and recover their lost ground once the braces are off. In this circumstance, the teeth could move back to their original positions and cause you discomfort - as well as another extensive period of braces, to align the teeth once more.

Your orthodontist will examine your teeth and situation, then will prescribe a length of time which they see fit. After the costs and effort involved in braces, you want to be sure that the results will last! This is why your orthodontist encourages you to wear your retainer, and to be consistent during the time where your teeth are likely to shift once more. If you have any further queries about your orthodontic care, call us at Carillon City Dental. Our team of dental and orthodontic experts can arrange an appointment or consultation with you to discuss any issues you may have.