Posted on July 14, 2021
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, you have a variety of options. From braces treatment to Invisalign treatment, nowadays, there are various treatment options available to patients. While braces are the most common treatment method, Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular. But is Invisalign right for you? If you’re considering getting Invisalign, here are six key questions you should ask your orthodontist to help you make an informed decision:
Invisalign can resolve various orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, bite complications, and gaps in teeth. Invisalign is often intended for patients with mild to moderate conditions, while braces treatment is recommended for severe conditions. However, the team at Johnson Orthodontics will advise you on the best treatment option depending on the severity of your condition.
The answer to this question isn’t cast in stone. Each patient is different, and the treatment period varies from patient to patient. On average, Invisalign treatment takes about a year to one and a half years. However, patients usually start seeing results in a couple of weeks. To get an estimated period of how long your treatment will last, consult Dr. Johnson.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed whenever you need to eat. That means if you opt for Invisalign, you won’t have to alter your diet drastically. However, most orthodontists usually advise patients to avoid beverages that can stain the aligners, such as tea and coffee. Most orthodontists also advise patients to avoid hard and chewy foods that can damage the aligners, such as candy and tough nuts.
Invisalign aligners need to be cleaned daily. Ideally, you should clean them twice a day when you wake up and before you go to bed. You can clean them by gently brushing them with a toothbrush. But, be careful not to use hot water or mouthwash to clean the aligners to avoid damaging them.
If you opt to get braces treatment, you will need to visit the orthodontist’s office roughly every four to eight weeks. On the other hand, Invisalign treatment only requires that you see the orthodontist every two or three months. However, even though you’ll make fewer trips to the orthodontist’s office, you’ll still need to change your aligners every two weeks. While complex movements will require three weeks of wear, less complex movements will require ten days of wear.
After treatment, you’ll still need to wear a retainer to maintain your straightened teeth. The retainer will help to prevent your teeth from moving back to their previous position. However, over time, you won’t have to wear the retainer often.
While the list of questions above isn’t exhaustive, they’re great questions to ask your orthodontist if you’re considering Invisalign treatment. And if you’re still undecided on whether you should opt for braces treatment or Invisalign treatment, contact us at Johnson Orthodontics in Colorado Springs today to learn more about both treatment methods.