Can I Remove My Braces and Get Invisalign?
When it comes to straightening your teeth, there are many different treatment options available. One of the most common is metal braces.
However, there are also some clear alternatives to traditional braces, such as Invisalign. These treatments are a great option for adults and teens who want to improve their smiles without the need for metal brackets and wires.
1. Getting Started
Invisalign is an excellent alternative to braces for straightening teeth and addressing structural dental concerns. This clear orthodontic appliance system features a series of custom-made, clear aligners that are easily removed to allow patients to eat, drink and floss more comfortably.
Typically, the treatment process lasts between six and 12 months, depending on the severity of your problem. However, the duration will vary for each individual and is determined by a combination of factors including patient compliance, how well the patient takes care of their aligners, and if any buttons or attachments are needed.
If you have a poor grip on the aligners, a thick paper towel or surgical gloves can help. Simply place the paper towel over the aligner and grasp it firmly.
Your dentist may also recommend a retainer as a way to keep your smile looking its best once you have finished treatment. These retainers can be made from stainless steel, clear plastic, or even a clear resin, and are designed to keep your new smile in place as you transition to a more normal lifestyle.
2. Preparing Your Mouth
As the days approach that you are going to get your first set of clear aligners, it’s normal to be a bit of a ball of nerves and excitement. You may be wondering what type of misalignment Invisalign can correct and whether it will be as good or better than traditional braces, among other things.
It is also important to note that your mouth will feel a bit strange as you adjust to wearing Invisalign, particularly the edges of the trays. It will take time to adjust to this new feeling, so it is not something that should be rushed.
The best way to prepare for this is to practice proper oral care and hygiene before you start treatment. This means brushing your teeth (or at least rinsing your mouth well after meals) and cleaning the aligners before you put them in.
In the name of good dental hygiene, you’ll probably want to invest in a kit that has everything you need for brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal. This will save you a lot of hassle once treatment starts and it’s one less thing to remember as you go through the process!
3. Aligners
Clear aligners are a less-intrusive way to correct teeth that have become misaligned. They are a popular choice for patients who want a discreet way to correct their smiles and avoid the hassle of braces.
The process of treatment involves an orthodontist or dentist taking impressions or digital scans of a patient’s teeth and creating a series of aligners to move the teeth over time. Each set of aligners is designed to move the teeth just slightly over a period of weeks, according to the orthodontist’s plan.
Aligners are made of plastic and are not as rigid as metal braces, so they tend to be a little more comfortable to wear over a longer period of time. They also are easier to clean than braces, which are not sanitary.
4. Removing Aligners
Invisalign is a great option for conspicuously achieving the smile of your dreams without enduring the changes that metal braces bring to your oral health and eating habits.
The aligners are removable, making them easy to remove while you eat and brush your teeth. They’re also comfortable because they don’t cause irritation or pain to the inside of your lips and cheeks.
Removing your aligners can be challenging at first, but it gets easier with time. Here are a few tips that can make your experience go more smoothly:
Relax: Take a deep breath and try to stay calm.
Initially, it can be a bit overwhelming, but taking a moment to relax and concentrate on the task at hand will help you get it done more efficiently and less painfully.
Use medical gloves: If you have trouble gripping the clear aligners with your fingers, consider using a pair of medical gloves to help you work more easily and effectively.
