Invisible aligners are orthodontic splints that, unlike traditional systems, are almost imperceptible, comfortable and do not require the cementing of braces or other orthopedic appliances. With this methodology, patients receive a certain number of plastic aligners that are removable, transparent and made to fit their mouths. They are very easy to use. To place them, they must be adjusted on the teeth by applying a little pressure with the fingers to adapt them correctly.
Depending on the characteristics of each patient, the change of aligners for a new set is done approximately every two weeks until the treatment is completed. In this way, the teeth are in continuous movement in the desired direction.
What are the benefits of using invisible aligners?
Aligners have several benefits compared to traditional devices. For one thing, they are virtually invisible; most people won't even notice you're wearing them.
In addition, they are removable, so you can take them off to eat, drink, brush your teeth, floss, for special occasions and even get the best selfies. What's more, since these aligners allow for better cleaning of the teeth, they help prevent tooth decay more effectively.
If with traditional appliances you have to avoid certain foods such as sweets or crusty bread, for example, with invisible aligners you will not have to restrict your diet. Just take them off when you go to eat and put them back on when you're done.
Traditional braces use metal materials that can irritate your mouth. The aligners, on the other hand, are made of thin plastic and are trimmed to the level of the gums , adjusting perfectly to your mouth, they have no metal wires or "hard parts" that can damage cheeks and gums.
What about the pain?
If you use invisible aligners, your teeth will gradually move by applying pressure. Sometimes this pressure can create minor discomfort as your teeth move. This discomfort means that the treatment is working.
The answer is therefore yes. Aligners can cause mild pain from time to time, especially when you start with a new one. However, the pain is short-lived and disappears completely within a couple of days.
6 Things to consider if you use invisible aligners
1. Wear your aligners as long as possible
Keeping your aligners on as long as possible every day will be the only way to get quick results. Take them off just to brush your teeth, eat or drink.
At least 22 hours a day are recommended. The longer you wear them, the better the result in your mouth. Also, you will get used to their presence much faster.
2. The duration of treatment depends on each patient
On average, treatment lasts about a year in adult patients. However, it all depends on the condition of your teeth and the work they need to be aligned and functional.
3. Faster results than with traditional systems
One of the great benefits of these aligners is that results can be obtained quickly. In fact, most patients usually appreciate the first changes in just a couple of months, but this depends on the level of involvement in complying with the treatment!
4. Keep your aligners clean
In addition to maintaining your dental hygiene, aligners should be cleaned every time they are removed and should be cleaned with a special brush indicated for this purpose, cold or warm water and neutral soap. The use of hot water is not recommended since it can deform the splint. In addition, it is necessary to use specific products for cleaning and disinfection, using at least one or two descaling products per week.
No matter how good they are for our own oral hygiene, toothpastes or mouthwashes should not be used to clean aligners as these products can damage the material they are made of and make them more opaque.
Also, to avoid loss or damage, the best way to keep them in good condition is to store them in the original box in which they were delivered.
5. Habits to avoid during treatment with invisible aligners
While it is true that aligners are removable, it is very important to wear them most of the day. For this reason, it is recommended that if you are a smoker, you should reduce your consumption of tobacco.
If you smoke with your aligners on, you run the risk of them getting dark and stained, which gives a dark and unsightly look to your smile. It is best to remove your aligners before smoking, then brush your teeth and replace them.
The less you remove the aligners, the more effective the results. So, take this opportunity to motivate yourself to reduce your smoking, your mouth and your health will thank you. Maintain a healthy mouth with daily care routines.
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6. You will need a maintenance splint or retainer
Invisible aligners are a revolutionary treatment, in the sense that it produces results quickly and almost no one will notice you're wearing them. However, once the results are achieved, as with traditional orthodontics, the work continues in a maintenance phase.
Aligners can do an amazing job, but it's up to you to make it last. Once your teeth are aligned, your orthodontist will provide you with a maintenance splint or retainer to wear while you sleep to prevent your teeth from returning to their initial malposition.
If you do not use this splint, your teeth may start moving again. The good news is that, as you get used to wearing aligners during treatment, wearing a brace at night will not cause any discomfort.
If you end up deciding to wear aligners, you'll soon be enjoying a movie-quality smile.
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