Invisalign uses orthodontic aligners to treat an unbalanced bite or malocclusion. Dental braces used to be the go-to solution for treating misaligned teeth for many decades. But advances in dental technology enable today’s patients to enjoy a range of choices in their orthodontic care. The leader of these is the Invisalign clear aligner system. Invisalign is a restorative and cosmetic dental treatment that straightens crooked teeth and improves the aesthetics of your smile. We offer Invisalign aligners as a much more discreet alternative to traditional braces in our Tampa, FL, dental office.
Invisalign Treatment in Tampa, FL
To begin treatment, your dentist will examine your smile to see which areas of the smile require treatment. Then, using the iTero scanner, Dr. Benedict will take a quick and precise 3D scan of the teeth and create a custom treatment plan just for you. After your aligners arrive from Invisalign, we will ensure they fit properly. You will switch out your new aligners for a new set every one to two weeks and have follow-up appointments with Dr. Benedict approximately every two months. Invisalign shifts teeth gradually into their ideal position by gently applying a calculated force through each clear aligner.
Since Invisalign is a removable aligner made from dental-grade plastic material, it is crucial to take optimum care of the aligners. Here are some of the best practices to care for your Invisalign aligners:
Clean the Aligners Regularly
Just as you brush and floss your teeth twice a day, cleaning the aligners regularly is also necessary to remove the microbes and saliva from them. Gently rinse them with water and scrub their surfaces with a soft-bristled toothbrush to eliminate the microbes. This helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy during the treatment phase. Remember not to use abrasive or harsh substances to clean them, such as mouthwash, soap, denture cleanser, etc.
Do Not Eat with Invisalign
Invisalign is a removable aligner. You may take it off whenever you need to eat or drink, brush your teeth, and during other necessary activities. Eating with your aligners on could damage them severely and make them ineffective. This is because eating could change their shape, and the pressure they apply on the teeth would accordingly shift, making them lose their purpose.
Clean Your Teeth Thoroughly
Cleaning your teeth before putting on the aligners is crucial in ensuring the treatment progresses as desired. If you have any food residues lodged between the teeth, it could affect the pressure applied to the teeth. Also, you would feel uncomfortable with the aligners in your mouth.
Keep the Aligners Safe
Invisalign comes with a storage case to keep them safe when you take them off. Please store them in the case whenever you’re not wearing them and avoid leaving them in the open, such as on the bed, table, etc. Keep them away from children and pets to prevent any damage.
Straighten Your Smile
Do you want to address crooked, overcrowded teeth? We invite you to schedule a dental appointment with our team of dental experts to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us today at 813-733-6981 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.