The Perks of Invisible Orthodontics

Dental issues affect nearly half of the world's population. The problems range from tooth decay to less serious ones like cracked or broken teeth. Every type of dental problem has its own solution. People struggling with misaligned teeth or jaws need to use orthodontics to correct issues like underbites, overbites, gaps, and crowding. Orthodontics don't just improve the appearance of a smile; they also make it easier for patients to clean their teeth. In this way, they help to prevent future problems like gum decay.

What Are Invisible Orthodontics?

Invisible orthodontics work just like traditional braces. They are worn over the teeth to correct misalignments. However, unlike classic orthodontic appliances, these are made using clear, customised aligners. The plastic trays have to be replaced regularly to move the teeth into the correct position gently.

It's also worth noting that invisible orthodontics work faster than traditional braces. With the latter, you would have to wait two to three years to complete the treatment. Invisible orthodontics takes as little as six months to fix your smile. You will only need to visit the doctor once every two or three months, which adds convenience. You also won't necessarily need to adjust your diet since the plastic trays can be removed during meals.

So, what exactly are the advantages of visiting an orthodontist for adults in Luxembourg? Read on to find out.

1. Discreet Appearance

One thing people hate about classic braces is the way they look unnatural. Invisible orthodontics are clear, so it's harder for people even to know you're wearing them. That means you will be able to speak and smile without being self-conscious. It's also worth noting that these appliances have to be worn for 20 to 22 hours every day. That means you can take them off for some social functions.

2. Offers Confidence Boost

Crooked teeth can significantly lower an individual's confidence and make them less willing to interact with people. Invisible orthodontics are designed to solve this issue in months, meaning you will get your beautiful smile quickly. The fact that you will see improvements in your appearance in weeks also offers psychological gratification.

You should remember that other people can't detect these trays during the treatment period, so you don't need to worry about the appearance of your smile when wearing them. The fact that you can take them off for special events further helps to boost your confidence.

3. Are Comfortable to Wear

Invisible orthodontics are also designed to be comfortable to wear. They are made of smooth plastic that won't irritate the soft tissues of the mouth. They are also less likely to cause cuts, which is a fairly common issue with traditional braces.

As noted earlier, you can take them off when eating or drinking. This means you don't need to disrupt your meals or change your food choices.

While these appliances are designed to be comfortable to wear, you should note that you may experience mild soreness and pressure when you start treatment. This discomfort decreases over time, so you shouldn't worry about it. If you experience pain or persistent discomfort, you should visit your dentist to make the necessary corrections.

4. Improve Oral Hygiene

Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth can make it harder for you to maintain oral hygiene. The fact that biting pressure won't be balanced across the teeth will increase the chances of damaging your teeth. At the same time, you won't be able to effectively clean your teeth since your toothbrush won't effectively cover every surface.

Flossing also becomes complicated with crooked teeth. That's because the floss won't slide easily between the teeth. You will also notice that misaligned teeth tend to have hidden pockets where plaque can build up, even if you brush and floss regularly.

With invisible orthodontics, patients can get the problem fixed so that they're able to take care of their teeth easily. Remember that you can remove the appliances when you're eating. This reduces the chances of food getting trapped.

5. Are Highly Convenient

Invisible orthodontics offer very high levels of convenience. First, they require rare visits to the dentist, meaning they are ideal for people with busy schedules. On average, you will have to go to the doctor once every two or three months.

Traditional braces are known to affect speech and pronunciation, and this issue can be avoided using clear aligners. You may only experience a minor lisp, particularly at the start of the treatment. Subtle changes in the tongue placement usually lead to this speech problem, but it should resolve as you get used to the treatment. Several factors determine how noticeable the lisp will be, including the aligner fit and treatment duration. To quickly correct the problem, you should practice speech with aligners and engage in tongue exercises.

You also won't need to restrict your diet. This is a common complaint among people who use traditional braces. Since braces can't be taken off at any time, patients have to eliminate certain foods from their diet. With invisible orthodontics, you can take the appliances off when having your meals. That means you can enjoy your favourite meals.

With modern technology, doctors can provide accurate predictions of the treatment. Precise planning helps to minimise anxiety and gives you a picture of what your smile would look like once you finish the treatment.

How Should You Care for Your Aligners?

For the best results, you will have to care for your aligners properly. First, when you wake up in the morning, you must clean the appliances and brush your teeth. This is meant to remove anything that built up while you were asleep. Similarly, you should take off your Invisalign whenever you eat, brush your teeth, or floss. And before putting them back on, make sure you rinse them.

Something else to remember is that you have to brush your teeth after every meal. Otherwise, food will get trapped between your teeth and the orthodontics, and this can end up creating cavities.

So, how exactly should you clean these appliances?

You should use clear anti-bacterial soap to brush any build-up on the trays. You have to be gentle here to avoid damaging the aligners, and that's why doctors advise patients to use soft-bristle brushes. Similarly, you shouldn't use harsh cleaning agents, including toothpaste. These can easily damage and discolour your trays.

To keep your appliances fresh, always use denture cleaners or cleaning crystals to soak them. After a while, you can rinse them and put them back on.

Whenever you need to remove your orthodontics, make sure you place them in a case. This minimises the chances that they will get lost or damaged.

You don't need to make frequent visits to the dentist when using invisible orthodontics. But you must still make sure you go for checkups every two months or so. This way, your doctor will be able to tell whether the treatment is working as expected. The dentist visits will also give you a chance to get your next set of trays.

What Should You Expect During the Treatment?

One thing you should expect in the first few days of the treatment is soreness and pressure. This occurs because the teeth are shifting, and it subsides after some days. Before you get used to the appliances, you may also develop a slight lisp. Again, this will resolve over time.

Every few months, you will need to get a new set of aligners. Your doctor will let you know when you should visit for checkups. The treatment itself should take six months to two years, which is faster than traditional braces. Keep in mind that you have to wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day. The only times you should take them off are during meal times, when cleaning your teeth, or when you want to attend special occasions without feeling self-conscious.

FAQs

Are invisible orthodontics ideal for children?

Yes, anyone over the age of six can use these appliances to align their teeth. It's important to remember that it is usually recommended for people with mild to moderate dental issues. For more complex cases, traditional braces would be more effective.

What is the 30-minute rule for invisible orthodontics?

As mentioned earlier, you can take off these appliances when you need to eat or drink anything. Doctors recommend that you wait at least 30 minutes before you put the orthodontics on again. This is meant to give your mouth time to go back to its normal pH balance. Remember that you also need to brush and rinse your teeth before reinserting the aligners.

Is it possible to eat with Invisalign?

These treatments will easily crack or stain if you wear them during meals. That's why doctors will ask you to take them off when eating or drinking anything other than water. Coloured beverages are especially restricted since they will cause brown or black stains in the trays. Sugary or acidic drinks can also go under the aligners and increase your chances of developing tooth decay.

Conclusion

Invisible orthodontics come with many benefits, especially when compared to classic braces. Since they are designed to match the colour of your teeth, people won't be able to see them easily. This will boost your confidence in social situations. Also, you will only need to see the doctor once every two or three months. Keep in mind that you won't need to adjust your diet. You need to remove the appliance whenever you need to eat or drink anything other than water. Maintaining them is also effortless. Just remember to clean them before putting them back on.