pic

Dear Invisalign User, You Should Know…

Apr 10, 2019
Dear Invisalign User, You Should Know…
If you don’t do the time, your teeth won’t align. That’s the first tidbit of information we received from one patient when we asked for feedback on Invisalign. Traditional braces take time to work too.

If you don’t do the time, your teeth won’t align.

That’s the first tidbit of information we received from one patient when we asked for feedback on Invisalign. Traditional braces take time to work too. But while they work, you might feel like there’s a giant, flashing neon sign pointing at your mouth, screaming to the masses, “I have braces on my teeth!” Intimidating, right?

For some people, the idea of traditional braces is more intimidating than misaligned teeth. But thankfully, we now have Invisalign. What is Invisalign? They are “invisible” aligners that can be worn by teenagers and adults alike. Dr. Sadeghi is a Certified Preferred Invisalign provider and knows first-hand how effective these clear braces are.

Recently, this groundbreaking orthodontic treatment has been getting a lot of media attention. And as is always the case, not all of it is 100% accurate. While we know Dr. Sadeghi can tell us everything we need to know about Invisalign, we decided to ask a few satisfied patients about their personal experiences with Invisalign.

10 Things You Need to Know About Invisalign

1. Invisalign only work when worn correctly.

Unlike traditional wire braces, Invisalign aligners can be taken out while you eat and when you are brushing and flossing. But for them to work correctly, they have to be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day. And this is where we got the clever heading above: According to one patient, if you don’t do the time, your teeth won’t align.

2. Invisalign isn’t actually invisible.

Although they are called invisible braces, Invisalign’s orthodontic appliances aren’t actually invisible. But they are clear and a lot more discreet than the traditional wire braces you remember from your childhood. One satisfied patient told us that hardly anyone noticed she was wearing aligners, which is why more adults are choosing to go this route. No neon sign pointing out her dental appliances. But she did admit to us that because she couldn’t stop smiling with her new teeth, one or two people saw them.

3. You have to brush your teeth after you have eaten.

For some patients, the fact that they had to brush their teeth after every meal or snack was somewhat of an inconvenience. But they were quick to add that it is a small price to pay when they see their new smiles.

4. You might even shed a few pounds.

We weren’t expecting to hear that Invisalign actually helped a few patients lose weight. For them, the fact that they had to brush their teeth after eating meant they thought twice about having that midnight snack.

5. Invisalign isn’t just for teenagers.

Invisalign braces aren’t just for teenagers. One patient in his late 50s had to have a tooth removed which resulted in his other teeth shifting. Traditional wire braces were not an option for him, so he chose Invisalign. Within a year, his smile was as good as new, and he had his confidence back.

6. They are comfortable.

For the majority of patients, Invisalign aligners are so comfortable, they often forget they are even wearing them. Because there are no wires or brackets, patients don’t experience the pain associated with other braces cutting into their cheeks or irritating their lips. This isn’t to say there is no discomfort at all, but it certainly doesn’t last for very long.

7. They work extremely well.

Some people seem to think Invisalign clear braces don’t work as well as the braces with wire and brackets. It could be that the clear aligner looks less intimidating and therefore not as effective. But this a common misconception.

A patient was undecided about what type of braces she would need, but as per Dr. Sadeghi’s recommendation, she chose Invisalign aligners. For patients that need straightforward teeth alignment, Invisalign is an excellent choice, and treatment is usually complete within 15 to 18 months. However, it varies from person to person. Some might need traditional braces, depending on the complexity of their situation, and in those cases, traditional braces are faster than Invisalign would be.

8. With Invisalign, there are fewer appointments.

We know your time is valuable, which is why a lot of patients prefer Invisalign. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t require regular follow up appointments. The aligners are made off-site and delivered to our rooms. When you collect your trays, which is every two to three months, Dr. Sadeghi will do a quick checkup to make sure everything is still on track.

9. No two patients are the same.

No two Invisalign patients are the same, which means your dentist will only be able to give you an estimate of how long your treatment will take. Don’t feel disheartened if it is taking longer than you had hoped.

10. You can still eat your favorite foods.

Something every Invisalign patient will tell you is that you can eat all your favorite foods, unlike with traditional braces.

Because your aligners are removed when you are eating or drinking, you don’t have to worry about them breaking or getting stuck. Just don’t forget to take them out.

Bonus Patient Tip: Make sure you go to an expert.

Even though a lot of dentists and orthodontists offer Invisalign, not all have the training and experience that is needed. Dr. Sadeghi is a Certified Preferred Invisalign provider and is also a member of the Academy of Orthodontics, which means you are getting the best possible treatment.

Make your appointment today.

Read More