If you've seen the commercials for Invisalign®, you might be wondering whether it’s a good option to correct the issues you have with your teeth. Knowing some facts and speaking with your dentist can help you decide if these clear plastic straighteners are the right choice to shift your teeth gradually into the correct positions. 

What to Know About Invisalign

How can you tell if you need teeth straighteners?

Crooked teeth are an obvious issue that Invisalign braces can fix. A dentist might recommend them for less apparent issues, like overbites or underbites. Left untreated, the problem can wear down your choppers and contribute to speech issues, crossbites, a mix of upper and lower teeth misalignment that contributes to gum disease, and excess space between your teeth.

How can you decide if Invisalign is the right choice?

Invisalign retainers are virtually invisible, which makes them a good choice for self-conscious individuals. You can eat any food because the plastic retainers can be removed, unlike with metal braces that make some foods difficult or uncomfortable to chew.  

Adults who can't miss work and children busy with school and extracurricular activities find them appealing because they require fewer dental visits.   People with complex dental issues are better candidates for metal braces. 

What is the Invisalign straightener process like? 

A dentist takes X-rays and impressions of your teeth and creates a 3-D image to map out how the teeth will move. A set of customized aligners is made from BPA-free plastic. 

Every two weeks you advance up the tray of aligners wearing each for 20 to 22 hours a day. Every six weeks, visit the dentist or orthodontist to check movement. Once straight, you may need to wear a retainer to keep them in position.

How should you keep Invisalign straighteners clean?

Rinse the aligners with water every evening and brush them with a soft, gentle bristle brush to remove debris and food particles that can cause bacteria to build. Rinse them thoroughly after brushing and store them in a protective case. 

Cleansers are specifically made for Invisalign devices. Kits containing a solution of rubbing alcohol and sodium bicarbonate, a natural antiseptic, and a tray, or “cleaning crystals” that you dissolve in water are both effective for soaking and cleaning the straighteners.

If you're interested in learning more about Invisalign and to see if you're a candidate to use it, contact Gleason Dental Clinic in Beatrice, NE. This family-owned practice offers general dentistry and cosmetic services, including orthodontic care and smile restoration treatments, for patients throughout Gage County. Call (402) 228-3119 to schedule an appointment or learn more about their treatments online.