Confused about what Invisalign® even is? You have come to the right place!
For patients (children, teenagers, or adults) that desire a more aesthetic and convenient treatment option, Walt Orthodontics is pleased to offer Invisalign® and is proud to be one of the top-ranked Diamond Invisalign® providers within the Vaughan area! As a Diamond provider, we possess a large amount of relevant knowledge on how to use Invisalign® to successfully complete the most intricate and complex orthodontic cases. Dr. Walt has personally treated over 1000 cases.
Here is everything you need to know and what to expect when you embark on your Invisalign® smile journey at Walt Orthodontics!
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What is Invisalign®?
In short, Invisalign® clear aligners are custom aligners that are changed weekly, with tooth movement built in to each aligner in order to straighten teeth. But it’s so much more than just that!
Invisalign® uses advanced 3D computer imaging technology and depicts your complete treatment plan from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. A series of clear aligners are custom made to fit your teeth to move them little by little. There are no wires or brackets so you’ll have confidence in your smile during and after treatment. In fact, most people won’t even know you’re wearing Invisalign®!
Invisalign® aligners are removable so there are no food restrictions, and you can easily brush and floss as normal. You’ll visit our office every 12 weeks for routine visits, and on average, depending on the complexity of the case, Invisalign® treatment takes less than a year.
Are You an Invisalign® Candidate? Not Every Invisalign® Provider Is the Same!
Whether or not you are an “Invisalign® candidate” is determined by your provider based on his/her experience and expertise with the product – not by Invisalign®! Treating patients with Invisalign® clear aligners has not historically been taught in Orthodontic residency programs – therefore, a lot of orthodontists do not feel comfortable treating complex cases with Invisalign®. Instead of saying “I don’t have the experience to treat you” or “You are not an Invisalign® candidate IN MY HANDS” they often just say “You are not an Invisalign® candidate.” Invisalign® expertise is gained through experience and a dedication to learn how to move teeth in aligners with the aid of 3D computer imaging technology. If someone has told you that “You are not an Invisalign® candidate” we encourage you to continue the conversation with us.
You can find out more information on who Invisalign recommends in your area by entering your postal code here.
The Benefits of Invisalign®
Our very own Dr. David Walt appears on Breakfast Television describing the benefits of Invisalign® and how it works!
Life with Invisalign®
See what the Invisalign® process will entail during your treatment plan.
Appointments
Your First Appointment
When your Invisalign® clear aligners are ready, you will come to our office for your first appointment; this appointment is routine and easy. We normally give you 2 aligners and a welcome kit with many goodies. With your trays fitted, your aftercare instructions such as inserting and removing aligners, and training on the use of Dental Monitoring, are clearly explained. Our friendly staff ensure you don’t leave the office until you are comfortable taking the aligners in and out. After that you are ready to go! You can read more information about your first appointment here.
Your Second Appointment
Most people will have tooth coloured little bumps known as attachments glued on their teeth to help the aligners stay in place, which aid in better tooth movement. We usually place your attachments at the second visit. These attachments are almost invisible, painless to bond, and temporary. Attachments are a key component of a successful outcome. In order for us to move teeth in the same way that we move braces, we need handles to apply force using the aligners. The attachments are these handles and the strategic placement and design is doctor specific. Assuming perfect patient compliance with aligners, the success or failure of an Invisalign® case is often related to the doctor’s plan for attachments.
Wearing Aligners
You should be wearing your aligners (and elastics if indicated) for 22 hours per day! Take them out only for eating, brushing, and drinking anything except water. Not wearing the aligners enough can result in poor movement and a longer treatment time.
You will receive all your aligner boxes at the beginning of your treatment and it is your responsibility to store them safely and follow the instructions given at each appointment. It is important to bring all your aligners/boxes to every appointment! Don’t throw out any old aligners until instructed to do so and do not stop wearing your aligners for any reason. If you have any issues or concerns, you should contact us right away.
Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least 3 times a day for 2 minutes and floss at least once a day. You should also use a daily fluoride rinse such as Listerine Total Care Zero.
Keep up with regular cleanings and check-ups at your regular dental office at least every 6 months.
Try to have your teeth as clean as possible before putting your aligners in.
If you are in a bind and do not have access to your toothbrush after a meal, we suggest rinsing your mouth with water, placing the aligners back in your mouth, and then cleaning your teeth later on when you have proper access. NEVER drink any sugary drinks with your aligners on.
Day to Day Care
Brush your aligners inside and outside 1-2 times daily with mouthwash, toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Do not use boiling water or whitening toothpaste as these are too harsh and can damage the aligners. Aligners with excessive stain can be soaked in a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water for 5 minutes as needed. A sample of cleaning crystals is provided and can be purchased from the Invisalign® website. You can also use Polident Retainer cleaner, which can be purchased at your local drugstore.
“If they’re not in your face, they’re in the case!”
When you are not wearing your aligners, they must be placed in the case provided. Never wrap your aligners in a tissue or napkin or place them anywhere but in the case, as they will likely be thrown out or lost. Keep them away from any pets you have, especially dogs who may think they are a new chew toy!
Once you are done with an aligner, do not throw it out; put it back in its bag and keep it in the original box. If you lose a future aligner, you can always go back to hold your teeth in place.
Changing Your Aligners
We normally recommend that our patients change their aligners every 7 days. That being said, depending on the types of movements, your compliance, or frankly – the biology of your mouth – you may not be ready.
In order to know whether or not to change your aligners, please keep track of how your aligners are fitting. If you notice spaces or gaps between the aligners and your teeth this means they are not fitting properly and you should stay in that aligner for longer. Use your chewies and massage the trays over the attachments more. If this does not make them fit better after a few days, go back to the best fitting aligner and let us know. If you are using the Dental Monitoring app we will be guiding you if there are any issues with the fit of your aligners.
Additional Dental Work
It is very important to notify us if you are planning to have any dental work done (fillings, bonding, etc.) as this can change the fit of the aligners.
The aligner number is printed in black on the molar of each tray in case they get mixed up. (If you hold up your aligner to a white surface, like a paper towel, you can see it better!)
Typical Treatment Timeline
Invisalign® treatment varies from patient to patient but for less complex treatment, treatment length could range from 6 to 12 months. For more complicated cases timelines could be anywhere from 18 to 24 months.
Emergencies
There are virtually no emergencies (issues that cause pain/bleeding) when you have Invisalign®. Please contact the office in case you lose or break an aligner or an attachment falls off. We are always here if you have any questions or concerns!
Tips for Invisalign® Success
- Seat your aligners from both directions. This applies to every single time you put on your aligners. After washing your hands, seat your aligner from the bottom towards the top using finger pressure. After this is complete, use finger pressure to press down on the attachments from the top towards the bottom.
- Use “chewies” 5-10 minutes per day. You will be provided with a package of chewies in each box. We encourage you to bite down on them once per day to help improve seating of the aligners. If you run out of them, let us know and we will provide you with more.
What Else Should I Know?
At Walt Orthodontics, the patient’s comfort and convenience is of utmost importance! Utilizing the latest technology and providing value through financing is part of What Makes Us Great.
Itero 3D Scanning
No gooey impressions here! Learn more about the many key advantages to the 3D scanning when working with our orthodontist and Invisalign invisible braces.
Learn More
Dental Monitoring
We offer the time-saving and progressive Dental Monitoring app! Using this app will allow you to work, study, travel, and enjoy life all while keeping up with your Invisalign treatment!
Learn More
Financing Invisalign®
At Walt Orthodontics, we would never want finances to get in the way of yours or your child’s dream smile. We offer interest free payment plans to accommodate your needs.
Learn More
Invisalign vs Braces
There are many differences between these two options, but knowing their pros and cons will help determine the best decision for you.
Learn More
Treatment Resources
When considering orthodontic treatment, we want you to make an informed decision. Dr. Walt and our treatment coordinator will discuss the entire orthodontic process during your complimentary consultation, but feel free to peruse some educational content we have put together.
Learn More
Invisalign® FAQ
Interested in straightening your teeth without braces? Here are some common questions we get asked about Invisalign® treatment.
How does Invisalign® work?
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed by AlignTech for Invisalign®, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign® aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your orthodontist. Each set of aligners is worn for one week before moving onto the next set in your treatment plan.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
It is recommended that you wear your aligners for 22 hours per day and only remove them for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
What will I feel wearing aligners?
It is normal to be sore for a few days after beginning Invisalign® treatment or changing to a new aligner. Pain management medications (such as Tylenol or Advil) can be used for any soreness you may experience. Change your aligners at night before bedtime so the tightness/soreness is felt less since you are asleep. Softer and colder foods such as soup, pasta, yogurt, smoothies and ice cream can also be more soothing and easier to eat at these times.
If the attachments or edges of aligners are causing any irritation to cheeks, gums or tongue, salt water rinses 2-3 times a day can be done. You can also use a nail file to file down any sharp edges of the aligners. Your mouth just needs time to adjust to any sharpness.
What can I eat and drink?
With Invisalign®, there are no food or drinking restrictions! Aligners should be removed for eating & drinking anything other than water. Hot liquids can warp the plastic and coloured/sugary liquids can cause “pooling” of the liquid between the tray and teeth, which could cause cavities. If it is too inconvenient to remove the aligners for eating & drinking, please remove them after and rinse them as well as your mouth.
Will wearing Invisalign® aligners affect my speech?
Invisalign® aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as you get used to having the aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.
How can I be reassured that Invisalign® will work for me?
Over 2 million patients with a wide variety of dental challenges have been treated with Invisalign®. Invisalign® was developed by orthodontists and used in dental practices worldwide.
What’s the difference with Invisalign Teen®?
Invisalign Teen® utilizes the same technology as Invisalign® but is adapted for the specific needs of teenagers. For example, it is able to compensate for erupting teeth and has the added feature of compliance indicators.
What if I travel a lot and can’t make regular in-person appointments?
Dental Monitoring is a great option for you! When used along with your Invisalign® treatment, we are able to monitor you remotely without you having to come into our office for an appointment.
Learn More
Is Invisalign® or braces a better option?
Both are popular options, but knowing the pros and cons of each can help you make an informed option. We actually wrote a blog that compares the two options here.
Dr. Walt is an Invisalign® Diamond Provider, what does that mean?
Achieving Invisalign® Diamond Provider status occurs when an orthodontist sees 280 to 399 Invisalign® patients per year. This means the most skilled orthodontists, with ample experience using the Invisalign® system are Diamond Providers. When an orthodontist reaches this level of provider, you can have utmost confidence that they are incredibly skilled at providing the best results with Invisalign® Treatment.
Check out this blog that talks more about being an Invisalign® Diamond Provider and what it means here
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