What You Should Know About Invisalign Before Committing Yourself to The Treatment

Chances are you, or somebody you have known, has had to wear braces. Braces provide consistent and reliable results for those who need orthodontic work for a straight and properly aligned smile. However, braces also require metal brackets and wires to be glued to the teeth. These metal brackets and wires are highly visible, can be uncomfortable, and result in certain dietary restrictions.

If you are looking for comparable results without needing metal brackets and wires, you should consider Invisalign. Those in the Tucson, Arizona, area visit Dr. Colby Echols and the team at Swan Dental when in need of Invisalign treatment. Before deciding to commit to Invisalign, there are certain things you should know about the treatment.

WEAR YOUR ALIGNER FOR MOST OF THE DAY

The most important thing you need to know about Invisalign is that you will need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day if you want your treatment to progress according to your proposed treatment plan. If you find that you are forgetful about wearing your aligners, maybe braces would be a better option, as those cannot be removed.

With Invisalign, you can remove your aligner when you eat, brush or floss your teeth and any other time it becomes necessary. However, you must remember to put your aligner back on. If you go long periods without wearing your aligner, your treatment could take longer to reach completion. Your teeth could even revert back to their previous position in extreme cases.

TREATMENT TIME VARIES

One of the most common questions that dentists and orthodontists are asked about Invisalign is, “How long will the treatment take to complete?” On average, Invisalign treatment will take around 12 months to complete, but this period will vary for each patient.

Everybody has unique needs, so it makes sense that the treatment length can vary. It will depend on many factors, including the condition of your teeth prior to treatment and the extent of the flaws that need correction. However, compared to traditional metal braces, the overall treatment time will be quicker.

INVISALIGN COULD IMPACT YOUR SPEECH

Before you decide that Invisalign is right for you, make sure and remember that it could have an impact on your speech. You could develop a slight lisp during the first days of wearing your new aligner. It cannot be prevented due to your mouth’s natural response as it adjusts to your new aligners. This should only be temporary, with proper speaking ability returning once your mouth has adapted to the new addition. While experiencing a lisp, you may feel the urge to remove the aligner before speaking with others, but this is highly advised against.

Invisalign is the industry leader in clear aligner orthodontics. Patients love how discreet, comfortable, and effective the treatment is. If you wish to learn more about the treatment, please contact your local dentist today.

To learn more about Invisalign clear aligners in Tucson, AZ, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Colby Echols at Swan Dental by calling (520) 595-3655.

Dr. Colby Echols, DDS
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Dr. Colby Echols received his Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from Brigham Young University and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2005 from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Southern Arizona Dental Association.

Dr. Echols has years of experience performing general dentistry procedures, including fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, and cosmetic dentistry. His patients trust him to help them achieve the smile they love while building life-long relationships.