Invisalign braces have revolutionized the field of orthodontics by offering a clear, comfortable, and effective way to straighten teeth. It’s one of the more popular orthodontic services we provide to the public in Long Beach. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into their desired positions. As a result, many of our patients want to choose Invisalign. They like the option of removing their aligners and their discreet nature. These aligners can help you straighten your teeth and improve your oral health.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign treatment involves using a set of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. Here’s a step-by-step look at the Invisalign process:
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Initial Consultation: Your journey with Invisalign begins with a visit to an orthodontist who is experienced with this technology. During this consultation, the orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and discuss your treatment goals.
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Creating a Treatment Plan: If Invisalign is right for you, the orthodontist will take digital scans or impressions of your teeth. These images create a 3D model of your mouth, which helps in designing a detailed treatment plan. This plan outlines the movements of your teeth and the estimated time of your treatment.
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Making the Aligners: Based on your treatment plan, a series of custom aligners is made specifically for you. You need to wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, gradually shifting your teeth into place.
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Wearing the Aligners: You’ll need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Each new set of aligners brings you one step closer to your final smile.
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Regular Check-Ups: You’ll visit your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress and receive your next set of aligners. These appointments are generally quick and easy.
Benefits of Invisalign
Many teens and adults choose Invisalign because it’s comfortable, easy to use, and hard to see, contrary to traditional metal braces.
1. Clear and Almost Invisible
One of the best things about Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. You can smile in photos, talk with friends, and go to school or work without feeling self-conscious. Invisalign helps you straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your mouth.
2. Removable for Eating and Cleaning
You can take Invisalign aligners out when you eat, brush, or floss. That means you don’t have to stop eating your favorite foods, like popcorn, pizza, or crunchy snacks. You don’t have to work around brackets and wires when brushing your teeth. Just remove your aligners, clean your teeth, and put them back in. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
3. More Comfortable Than Braces
Traditional braces can poke your cheeks and lips or cause soreness after adjustments. Invisalign aligners feel smooth and fit snugly over your teeth. You may feel a little pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners, but most people say it’s not painful. There are no sharp wires or metal parts to bother your mouth.
4. Fewer Office Visits
With Invisalign, you don’t need to visit the orthodontist as often as you would with braces. Your aligners are made in advance, and you change them every one to two weeks at home. Most people only need check-ups every 6 to 8 weeks. This saves time and makes fitting appointments into a busy schedule easier.
5. Works for Many Smile Problems
Invisalign can fix many of the same problems as regular braces. It helps with crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crowding. After looking at your teeth, your orthodontist will decide if Invisalign is right for you. In many cases, Invisalign works just as well as braces to give you a straighter, healthier smile.
6. Boosts Confidence
When your teeth look good, you feel good. Invisalign helps you feel more confident even while you’re in treatment. Since the aligners are clear, you won’t feel embarrassed when you talk, laugh, or smile. Many say they feel more comfortable in social situations during Invisalign treatment than with metal braces.
Living with Invisalign in Long Beach, CA
Taking care of your Invisalign aligners is just as important as wearing them. When you keep your aligners clean and in good shape, your treatment will go smoothly, and your smile will stay healthy.
Wear Your Aligners the Right Way
Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results. Take them out only when you eat, drink (anything besides water), brush, or floss. After eating, brush your teeth and put the aligners back in immediately. If you leave them out too long, your teeth might not move as they should.
Rinse Them Often
Every time you remove your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water. This helps wash away saliva and bacteria that can build up during the day. If you don’t rinse them, the aligners can start to smell or look cloudy. Don’t use hot water—heat can warp the plastic and make the aligners incorrectly fit.
Clean Them Daily
Clean your aligners at least once a day to keep them fresh and clear. Use a soft toothbrush (not the one you use for your teeth) and clear, gentle soap. Scrub the aligners gently inside and out, then rinse them well with lukewarm water.
Don’t use toothpaste to clean your aligners. Many toothpastes are too rough and can scratch the plastic, making your aligners look dull or cloudy.
Soak Your Aligners
Soaking your aligners once a day helps remove buildup and keeps them smelling clean. You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a gentle denture cleaner. Let the aligners soak for 15–20 minutes, then brush and rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.
Keep Them Safe When You’re Not Wearing Them
Always store your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them. Don’t wrap them in a napkin or leave them on a tray—they could get thrown away by mistake. Also, don’t put them in your pocket or bag without a case. That can cause them to break, bend, or collect germs.
Brush and Floss Before Putting Aligners Back In
Food and plaque can get trapped between your teeth and your aligners. This can lead to bad breath, cavities, or gum problems. To avoid that, always brush and floss your teeth before returning your aligners, especially after meals or snacks.
If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth and aligners with water until you can clean them properly.
Avoid Eating or Drinking With Aligners In
Only drink water while wearing your aligners. Hot drinks, soda, juice, and coffee can stain or warp the plastic. Eating with your aligners can damage them or cause food to get stuck between your teeth and the trays. Always take them out before eating or drinking anything besides water.