Many older teens and adults are hesitant to undergo orthodontic treatment because they don’t want to deal with metal wires and brackets. Luckily, those days are far in the past. You can now discreetly and comfortably achieve a perfectly straight smile with Invisalign! Of course, since the process is unique, it’s completely normal to have a few concerns about it. Well, we’ve got you covered. Read on as we answer some of the most common questions regarding this modern orthodontic solution.
Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?
When you first get Invisalign, your teeth will feel very sore and sensitive for the first few days or weeks. Your soft oral tissues may even develop sore spots. But don’t worry – all of this is completely normal! The discomfort you feel happens because your mouth is not used to the pressure or feeling of the plastic trays. Luckily, the first week is reported to be the worst. Once you pass this initial period, your mouth should feel significantly better, and you won’t notice a lot of soreness!
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
On average, Invisalign treatment takes about 12 to 18 months to complete. However, many factors go into your unique treatment plan, affecting the amount of time it’ll take for you to complete it. For example, if you only have mild crowding or spacing issues, you can expect to finish treatment much sooner than expected. Meanwhile, patients with major bite and crowding problems will need more time. During your consultation, your dentist will give you a ballpark time period based on your specific case.
Will Invisalign Affect How I Speak?
Yes, but only temporarily! Since your tongue is not used to speaking with the aligners, you may have difficulty pronouncing certain words or making specific sounds at first. Luckily, any lisp you develop is temporary and should go away as soon as you adjust to the trays. You can speed up the adjustment process by reading aloud, having more conversations with loved ones, and repeating difficult-to-pronounce words.
Can You Whiten Your Teeth During Invisalign Treatment?
Believe it or not, whitening with Invisalign works extremely well. All you have to do is apply a small amount of dental-grade bleaching gel to each tooth in the tray. If you’re interested in improving the color of your teeth, ask your dentist which products they recommend. They’ll provide you with expert advice and instructions to help you avoid harming your teeth and gums.
Will I Have to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?
Every patient must wear a retainer after completing any type of orthodontic treatment. As soon as the trays come off, your teeth will start moving back to their original positions. By wearing a retainer as instructed by your dentist, you can keep your teeth from shifting and preserve your hard-earned results for as long as possible.
Now that you know more about Invisalign, you can confidently move forward with your decision to undergo treatment. Start your journey today by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Sweeny Family Dental, we provide exceptional, comprehensive, state-of-the-art dental services guaranteed to leave your entire family smiling. Our team is passionate about helping every family member achieve a set of pearly whites they can show off with confidence. To learn more about Invisalign, visit our website or call (979) 401-2962.