If you’re interested in orthodontics for adults, read about why it’s never too late in this blog from Waco Dental.
Is It Too Late To Get Orthodontic Treatment As An Adult?
Many adults worry that they may have missed their opportunity to get braces, but this is not true; adults can absolutely benefit from orthodontic treatment. If your gums and bones are still healthy enough to realign your teeth, you can start the journey to a beautiful new smile as soon as possible. No matter what age you are, you can still get orthodontic treatment.
What Health Benefits Can I Look Forward To In Getting Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can have a remarkable impact on one’s personal appearance and self-esteem. However, it also has a positive effect on overall health. Crooked teeth and an improper bite can lead to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal teeth wear, headaches, and jaw joint pain. Furthermore, it can also help with sleep disorders, such as bruxism, allowing for better quality rest and improved health.
What Is Invisalign, And Is It Right For Me?
The latest and greatest way to address crooked teeth and bite issues is Invisalign. This orthodontic treatment uses clear aligners that are placed over the teeth to gradually apply pressure, resulting in movement. What makes Invisalign especially appealing is the two main benefits it offers: transparency and removability. The aligners are virtually invisible, so no one needs to know you’re undergoing treatment. Plus, you can take the aligners out before eating, brushing, and flossing, so your daily routine remains largely unchanged.
If your teeth are crooked, overcrowded, or have gaps between them, Invisalign may be an ideal solution for you. Additionally, individuals with an underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite may also benefit from Invisalign. However, in some cases, alternate orthodontic treatments may be more beneficial.
The first step is to determine if Invisalign is the best choice for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin. Dr. Martin will explain what to expect, evaluate your teeth and bite, as well as take digital oral scans of your mouth. These scans are then uploaded into Invisalign’s treatment planning program, which will allow you and Dr. Martin to preview the projected results and treatment timeline. This will ultimately determine if Invisalign is the best course of action, and if so, the information from the scans will be used to fabricate your clear aligners.
What Can I Expect From The Invisalign Process?
- When your clear aligners have been successfully fabricated by a dental lab, you will return to our office to receive directions on how to use and care for them. At your appointment, Dr. Martin will place the first aligner and show you how to properly insert and remove the aligners. This first aligner will then be worn for a designated period of time before being switched to the next aligner in the series.
- Since Invisalign is a progressive treatment, there are multiple aligners that will need to be worn in order to obtain the desired results. These aligners are intended every 1-2 weeks in order to continue the progression of tooth movement. It is also important to wear each aligner for about 20-22 hours per day and to only remove the aligner when eating, flossing, brushing, or drinking something that is not water.
- While having Invisalign treatment performed, it is also important to properly maintain your aligners. They will first need to be kept clean with daily brushings, as well as with water that is not so hot that it alters their shape. Another part of keeping your aligners clean is keeping your teeth clean. This consists of twice daily brushing and daily flossing, as well as brushing after meals or sugary drinks.
- Although the average time it takes to complete Invisalign treatment is 18 months, this number can actually vary depending on your initial case, treatment goals, and ability to follow all dental guidelines.
Choose Waco Dental For Invisalign In Waco, TX
If you are based in the Waco, TX area and ready to start your Invisalign smile journey, consider Dr. Martin and the team at Waco Dental. Call and schedule an appointment today at 254-754-3505.
