Are you concerned about crooked teeth? Do you feel like braces wouldn’t be a good fit for you? If so, Invisalign may be a better fit for you. Today, our orthodontic experts at Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL are discussing what you can expect during your initial Invisalign consultation. Here’s what you need to know.
What Happens at an Invisalign Consultation?
During an initial Invisalign consultation, we will evaluate the structure of your mouth to verify that you could benefit from Invisalign. Specifically, we will take X-rays of your mouth to evaluate the health of your tooth root and jawbone. This is a crucial step because we need to confirm the positioning of your roots. We will also apply a rapidly-setting paste onto your teeth and have you bite down so we will have a record of your bite.
In addition to getting a record of your bite with the fast-setting paste, we will need dental impressions. To get a copy of your teeth that will help us write your prescription for your Invisalign, we will have you bite down on a tray of putty. Also, we will take pictures of your mouth and face.
Discussing Your Treatment
If we determine that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, we will advise you on what to expect throughout the course of your treatment. Once we have finished giving you an overview of what to expect during your teeth straightening treatment, we will answer any further questions you have.
FAQs About Invisalign Treatment
How Should I Care for My Teeth With Invisalign?
While you should wear your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours daily, you may remove them to clean your teeth. All you need to do is pop your trays out and place them in a clean cup with cold water. Then, brush and floss your teeth as you usually would.
How Should I Care for My Trays?
To care for your Invisalign trays, as stated previously, you should store your trays in a clean cup of cold water while brushing and flossing your teeth. To clean your trays, you should soak them every day in a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Once your trays are done soaking, you should use a spare toothbrush to brush plaque and food particles from your trays. Note, you should never use hot water or mouthwash to soak your trays because these can damage the trays.
Can I Play Sports While Wearing Invisalign?
You cannot play contact sports while wearing Invisalign. If you participate in a sport that requires you to wear a mouthguard, you will need to remove your trays and wear a mouthguard for the duration of your match. Just remember that you should keep your trays in for no fewer than 22 hours per day, so you will need to put your trays back in once your match is over.
Can I Eat With My Trays In?
No, you cannot eat with your Invisalign trays in. Therefore, whether you’re having a three-course meal or snacking on a cheese stick, you will need to remove your trays and store them in cold water. Half of an hour after you are finished eating, you should brush and floss your teeth and put your trays back in. It is very important to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before putting your trays back in.
This will remove any plaque you may have on your teeth or along your gum line. It will also remove any food particles that would have otherwise become stuck between your teeth and trays. Food particles and plaque can lead to infections, cavities, and tooth decay.
Can I Snack During My Invisalign Treatment?
You should keep your snacking to a minimum over the course of your Invisalign treatment. You should wear your trays for at least 22 hours daily because the more you wear your aligners throughout the day, the sooner your treatment process will be complete. Remember, you should wait around 30 minutes after your last bite of food to brush and floss your teeth.
Therefore, if it takes you 30 minutes to eat and five minutes to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly, you will only be wearing your aligners for around 21 hours daily if you eat three meals per day. If you remove your aligners for an hour per day to participate in a contact sport, you may only be wearing your aligners for 20 hours per day. All of this time without wearing your aligners adds up quickly, even if you don’t snack.
Can I Drink With My Aligners In?
You can drink cool water with your aligners in. However, if you want to drink anything else, like juice or hot tea, your aligners must be removed first.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Are you ready to straighten your teeth but not interested in braces? If so, Invisalign may be the perfect fit for you. You just need to come in for an initial Invisalign consultation to determine whether it really is the right orthodontic treatment for you. To schedule your initial consultation, contact us today at Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL.
